Top 5 Clinical Situations That Can't Wait

Whether in general practice, an emergency hospital, or a specialty clinic, veterinarians face certain clinical situations that warrant immediate triage, assessment, and treatment. The following 5 emergencies are potentially life-threatening, and veterinary professionals must ensure that triage and assessment occur the moment the patient arrives. This means being prepared before an actual emergency. The team should be educated so they know what clinical signs to identify—both over the phone and at initial presentation— and clients should be informed about signs to watch for and when to seek immediate veterinary attention, even if this means an urgent visit to an emergency practice.