Same-Day and Emergency Care in Burnaby, BC
When your pet is unwell or injured, prompt assessment can make a significant difference in outcome. At Deer Lake Animal Hospital near Metrotown in Burnaby, we see same-day and urgent cases during our regular hours, Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call us at (604) 563-6170 before you come in so we can prepare and guide you on the most appropriate next step for your pet. If your pet needs care outside our hours, please contact Canada West Veterinary Specialists at (604) 473-4882, VCA Vancouver Animal Emergency and Referral Centre at (604) 879-3737, or Central Animal Emergency Clinic at (778) 743-3396.
Breathing Difficulties in Dogs and Cats
Labored breathing, open-mouth breathing in cats, blue or pale gums, or gasping are emergency signs that require immediate attention. Respiratory distress can result from airway obstruction, fluid in the lungs, heart failure, or chest trauma. Call us immediately if your pet shows any of these signs. We provide oxygen support, rapid assessment, and stabilization.
Seizures and Sudden Collapse
A seizure lasting more than two minutes, two or more seizures within 24 hours, or a pet that does not recover normally within 30 minutes of a seizure requires emergency assessment. Sudden collapse, unconsciousness, or extreme weakness are also emergency signs. Note the time the seizure starts and ends, keep your pet safe from furniture, and do not place your hand near their mouth.
Trauma and Accident Injuries
Pets involved in vehicle accidents, falls from height, or animal attacks need immediate evaluation even if they appear to be walking normally. Internal injuries, bleeding, and shock are not always visible from the outside. We stabilize trauma patients through pain management, fluid support, and systematic examination.
Severe Allergic Reactions
Sudden facial swelling, hives, repeated vomiting shortly after an insect sting or vaccine, difficulty breathing, or collapse can all be signs of a severe allergic reaction. These are emergency situations that require immediate care. We manage allergic reactions with antihistamines, anti-inflammatory support, and, in severe cases, epinephrine.
Urinary Blockage
Urinary obstruction is a life-threatening emergency, most common in male cats but also seen in dogs. A blocked pet may strain repeatedly to urinate, vocalize in pain, produce only drops or blood-tinged urine, or appear lethargic and nauseous. Complete obstruction causes rapid kidney damage and electrolyte imbalances within hours.
Foreign Body Ingestion and Removal
Dogs and cats frequently ingest objects that become lodged in the stomach or intestines. Socks, corn cobs, toys, string, hair ties, and bones are among the most common foreign bodies we see. Signs include repeated vomiting, loss of appetite, a painful abdomen, lethargy, or failure to pass stools.
Parvovirus and Infectious Emergencies
Parvovirus causes severe, potentially fatal vomiting and bloody diarrhea in unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated dogs, particularly puppies. If your puppy shows sudden, repeated vomiting and bloody diarrhea, call us immediately. Intensive supportive care including intravenous fluids, anti-nausea management, and nutritional support significantly improves survival rates when started promptly.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke develops rapidly in dogs left in hot vehicles, exercised in high temperatures, or left without water in warm weather. Signs include excessive panting, drooling, bright red gums, weakness, vomiting, and disorientation. Move your pet to a cool area, apply cool (not cold) water to the paw pads, and call us immediately.
Pyometra
Pyometra is a life-threatening uterine infection that affects unspayed female dogs and cats. Signs include lethargy, increased thirst, vomiting, a distended abdomen, or vaginal discharge. This is a surgical emergency requiring prompt stabilization and ovariohysterectomy. If your unspayed female is unwell, call us right away.
Orthopedic and Wound Injuries
Sudden severe limping, suspected fractures, deep lacerations, puncture wounds, and bite wounds all require same-day assessment. We evaluate the extent of injury through physical examination and radiography and determine the appropriate management, which may include wound cleaning and closure, pain management, splinting, or surgical referral.
Limping and Acute Lameness
Sudden-onset limping can indicate fracture, ligament injury, joint dislocation, paw injuries, or other orthopedic concerns. We assess pain level, weight-bearing ability, and joint stability and use radiographs to evaluate the bone and joint when indicated. Some cases of acute lameness require urgent surgical evaluation; others are managed with rest, supportive care, and follow-up.
Emergency Cesarean Section
When natural delivery stalls or becomes dangerous, a cesarean section may need to be performed on an urgent basis. Signs of dystocia include prolonged straining without delivery, visible distress in the mother, or puppies or kittens that are visibly stuck. We perform C-sections efficiently to minimize anesthetic time for the mother while ensuring the safe delivery and resuscitation of offspring.
FAQs
If your pet needs urgent care, call us at (604) 563-6170 right away. Deer Lake Animal Hospital in Burnaby is open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Book online for non-urgent same-day appointments or call to speak with our team directly.