Emergency Care

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For established clients only, Dr. McKisson can be reached after hours for emergencies by calling 828-697-1717 and following the instructions.

If you cannot reach Dr. McKisson, we recommend you seek emergency care at one of the emergency centers in the area (Reach in Asheville, for example).

It Is An Emergency If:

• Your pet isn't breathing or you can't feel a heartbeat.

• Your pet is unconscious and won't wake up.

• Your pet has been vomiting or has had diarrhea for more than 24 hours, or she is vomiting blood.

• You suspect any broken bones.

• Your pet is having trouble breathing or has something stuck in her throat.

• Your pet has had or is having a seizure.

• Your pet is bleeding from the eyes, nose, or mouth, or there is blood in her urine or feces.

• You think your pet might have ingested something toxic, such as antifreeze, rat poison, any kind of medication that wasn't prescribed to her, or household cleansers.

• Your pet, particularly your male cat, is straining to urinate, or is unable to urniate. Get Help Quickly if Your Male Cat is Straining in the Litterbox.

• Your pet shows signs of extreme pain, such as whining, shaking, and refusing to socialize.

• Your pet collapses or suddenly can't stand up.

• Your pet begins bumping into things or suddenly becomes disoriented.

• You can see irritation or injury to your pet's eyes, or she suddenly seems to become blind.

• Your pet's abdomen is swollen and hard to the touch, and/or she's gagging and trying to vomit.

• You see symptoms of heatstroke.

• Any trauma - even if the pet appears to be acting normally.
     o  Being hit by a car
     o  Falling out of a window
     o  A fight with another animal
     o  A blunt object or falling more than a few feet

• Burns

• Your pregnant dog or cat has gone more than three to four hours between delivering puppies or kittens.

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If you are concerned about your pet and unsure if it is a medical emergency, please call Dr. McKisson and he will assess the situation.