This would depend on the type of emergency. For cats, we generally want them eating and drinking soon after most emergencies as this aids in their recovery. You should ask this question before leaving the veterinarian, or it may be included in your written instructions. Depending on the situation, your cat might have to go home on a special diet and then return to their normal diet.

Depending on what the emergency was, if they had trauma, you would want to provide a safe, comfortable area with low stress. This could be a quiet area with minimal traffic from other pets, children, or individuals in the household. Consider relocating their essentials such as a litter box, food, and water into this room to minimize their need to travel throughout the house.

Most likely. Veterinarians typically provide well-written instructions or at least labeled medications with the proper instructions. If instructions are not provided, do not hesitate to ask for them. In emergency situations, it can be hard to remember everything that was discussed due to stress or emotions. Written instructions can be very useful in these situations. Never feel bad about having to call for clarification. It's always important.

I think the best questions would be to make sure you understand the information on how to take care of your pet once leaving the hospital, especially if we're sending your pet home. A lot of veterinarians will provide written instructions because we understand that you may be a little emotional or may not remember everything that we say. You can always ask for written instructions. Read your labels because almost every medication should go home with instructions. So even though you may have thought you heard to give it one way, whatever is written on that bottle should be the way that you administer it. You can also call back and clarify. You may want to ask about the activity level recommended for your cat. If your cat is outdoors or indoor-outdoor, you may want to ask when they are allowed to go back outside again. Should they be around your other pets or your non-furry kids at home? You may want to keep them isolated or secluded because they might heal faster if they're not stressed out with other animals or people.

That's determined with the diagnostic testing, including x-rays, ultrasounds, and physical exam. We will also consider your pet’s history, and the physical exam and test results gives us what we need to do.