Battersea URGENT
Care

Is It an Emergency?

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If you have a vet emergency, and your pet is experiencing any of the following symptoms: please call us straight away.

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We will advise you on the next steps and whether you should come in immediately.

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Life-Threatening Emergencies

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These situations require urgent veterinary care. Do not wait—contact us right away:

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• Seizures (especially if prolonged or occurring in clusters)

• Collapse or unresponsiveness

• Difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing in cats

• Bloat or a swollen, painful abdomen (possible GDV)

• Hit by a car, trauma (eg hit by cricket ball), or fall from a height

• Heatstroke (especially in dogs)

• Choking or suspected foreign object ingestion

• Burns or electrocution

• Difficult birth or active labour with no progress

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Neurological Symptoms

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These can indicate problems affecting the brain or nerves and should always be assessed promptly:

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• Sudden change in behaviour (confusion, aggression, disorientation)

• Head tilt or loss of balance

• Eye squinting, especially if sudden or severe

• Unexplained tremors or abnormal movement

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Pain or Distress​

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If your pet seems uncomfortable or in distress, don’t ignore it—many of these signs could be serious:

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• Abdominal pain (restlessness, tucking up, vocalising)

• Repeated vomiting or retching

• Straining to defecate with no result

• Struggling to urinate or vocalising when trying

• Sudden or severe lameness

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Bleeding, Swelling& Wounds​

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Visible injuries or sudden swelling should be checked as soon as possible:

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• Any active bleeding

• Deep or puncture wounds (e.g. dog bites, impalement)

• Sudden swelling anywhere on the body

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Signs of an Illness​

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Some signs may be subtle, but still indicate a need for urgent care:

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• Persistent coughing

• Pale gums

• High or low temperature

• Worsening of an existing medical condition

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Toxins & External Risks​

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These emergencies may develop quickly and can be fatal without treatment:

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• Suspected poisoning (food, plants, medications, chemicals)

• Allergic reaction (swelling, hives, difficulty breathing)

• Flystrike in rabbits (especially in warm weather)

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Unsure if it’s an emergency?

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If you’re worried, trust your instincts: call us.

It’s always better to check than to wait.

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