Urgent & Sick Pet Care in Valparaiso, Indiana
Same-Day Appointments for Dogs, Cats & Exotic Pets
At Arbor View Animal Hospital, we understand that not every medical concern can wait for a routine wellness visit.
During our normal business hours, we provide urgent and same-day veterinary care for pets experiencing illness, injury, or sudden changes in health.
We are appointment-based, but we intentionally reserve same-day hold appointments to ensure availability for pets that need prompt medical attention.
If you are unsure whether your pet should be seen, we encourage you to call our team.
What Conditions Do We Commonly Treat on a Sick or Urgent Basis?
We treat a wide range of medical conditions beyond routine wellness care. These are just a few examples of cases we regularly evaluate:
- Ear infections
- Skin infections and hot spots
- Skin Allergy flare-ups
- Anal gland abscesses
- Sudden or long term vomiting and diarrhea
- Urinary tract infections
- Seizures
- Coughing or abnormal breathing
- Kidney failure
- Fractures and lameness
- Dental abscesses
- Tumors or newly discovered masses
- Urinary tract infections
- Wounds or lacerations
- Decreased or no appetite
- Ingestion of a toxic substance (ex. Chocolate and grapes)
- Ingestion of an item (foreign body) that shouldn’t have been eaten
We also provide urgent and advanced care for birds, reptiles, rabbits, ferrets, and other non-traditional pets.
Exotic Pet Emergencies: When Is It Urgent?
Exotic and small mammal species often deteriorate much more rapidly than dogs and cats. Waiting can significantly worsen prognosis.
Rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, Patagonian cavies, and other rodents who are not eating, defecating or having diarrhea are considered medical emergencies and should be seen as soon as possible.
Even mild diarrhea in these species can quickly lead to dehydration, shock, and death.
Birds that are fluffed up, not eating, weak, or sitting at the bottom of their cage are experiencing a true emergency and should be evaluated immediately. Birds instinctively hide illness, and these signs often indicate advanced disease.
Any animal, including birds and reptiles, that appears to be straining to defecate or has tissue protruding from the rectum (possible prolapse) requires immediate veterinary attention.
We are one of the few clinics in Northwest Indiana with the experience, equipment, and medical expertise to manage advanced exotic pet emergencies.
Advanced Diagnostics for Sick & Injured Pets
If urgent evaluation indicates the need for further testing, our hospital is equipped with advanced in-house diagnostic tools to help us reach answers quickly.
We offer:
- In-house laboratory testing
- Radiographs
- CT
- Fluoroscopy
- Endoscopy
- Ultrasound
This allows many patients to receive comprehensive evaluation and treatment without immediate referral to a specialty center.
When Surgery Or Hospitalization Is Needed, We’re Prepared
In some urgent situations, pets may require surgical treatment or hospitalization. Conditions such as intestinal foreign body obstructions, bladder stones, pyometra (uterine infection), mass removal, or other acute medical concerns may need prompt surgical intervention.
Because Arbor View Animal Hospital is a full-service veterinary hospital, diagnostic testing, advanced imaging, anesthesia, and surgical care can often be coordinated in one location. Our goal is to provide efficient, compassionate care and minimize delays when timely treatment is important.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should You Seek Veterinary Care Right Away?
Some symptoms require immediate evaluation and should not be monitored at home.
Seek immediate veterinary attention if your pet:
- Is having difficulty breathing
- Is minimally responsive or unresponsive
- Has collapsed
- Is actively having seizures
- Straining to urinate or inability to urinate
Other symptoms that warrant prompt veterinary evaluation include:
- Vomiting (especially repeated episodes)
- Not eating for more than 24 hours
- Lethargy or sudden behavior changes
- Diarrhea
- Lameness or suspected fracture
- Acute swelling, wounds, or sudden pain
If your pet is experiencing a life-threatening emergency please call us immediately. If this is happening outside of our normal business hours, please click here for a list of Emergency Facilities.
How Do Same-Day Appointments Work?
We are not a walk-in clinic. We operate by appointment to ensure every patient receives focused medical attention.
However, we reserve same-day hold appointments specifically for urgent and sick pets.
If your pet is experiencing concerning symptoms, please call us as early in the day as possible so we can determine the best plan for care.
What If I’m Not Sure It Can Wait?
If you are questioning whether your pet should be seen, that alone is often a sign it is time to call.
Early evaluation often leads to:
- Simpler treatment
- Lower cost
- Better outcomes
- Less suffering
When in doubt, we would rather evaluate your pet than have you wait too long. We provide comprehensive sick pet evaluations and will help determine the best next step for your pet’s care.
Is it really an emergency if my rabbit, guinea pig or chinchilla stop eating or defecating? Is GI Stasis in Rabbits and Small Mammals an Emergency?
Yes! When rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchilla’s and other hind gut fermenters stop eating or defecating they can quickly develop gastrointestinal (GI) stasis.
GI stasis is life-threatening if not quickly corrected.
These species can become critically unstable in as little as 12–24 hours. While some may survive longer, many deteriorate rapidly without medical intervention.
If your rabbit or small mammal:
- Stops eating
- Produces fewer or no fecal pellets
- Appears lethargic
- Has abdominal bloating
Seek immediate veterinary care. Waiting significantly worsens prognosis.
When should I take my dog or cat to the vet for vomiting?
Occasional vomiting can happen in dogs or cats and may not always indicate a serious problem. However, they should be evaluated promptly if vomiting is repeated, accompanied by lethargy, diarrhea, abdominal pain, refusal to eat, bloating, or if they are very young, elderly, or have an underlying medical condition. If you are unsure, it is always safer to call and have your pet assessed. We offer same-day sick exams whenever possible to evaluate vomiting and other urgent concerns.
Is diarrhea in dogs or cats an emergency?
Mild diarrhea that lasts less than 24 hours and is not accompanied by other symptoms may not require immediate emergency care. However, diarrhea becomes more urgent if you notice blood, black stool, repeated vomiting, lethargy, dehydration, abdominal discomfort, or if your pet is a young (puppy/kitten), senior, or medically compromised. If diarrhea persists beyond a day or worsens, a veterinary exam is recommended.
Why is my cat suddenly hiding or not eating?
Cats often hide illness well, so behavioral changes like hiding, decreased appetite, or reduced activity can be early warning signs of a medical issue. Dental pain, gastrointestinal problems, urinary disease, and systemic illness can all cause subtle changes. If your cat has not eaten for 24 hours or seems withdrawn, an exam is definitely recommended. Early evaluation can prevent more serious complications.
Should I Bathe My Pet Before Coming to the Vet?
No.
We understand that owners may feel embarrassed if their pet appears messy, has discharge, or smells unpleasant.
Please do not bathe your pet prior to your visit.
Bathing can:
- Lower body temperature
- Increase stress
- Worsen certain skin or medical conditions
- Delay urgent evaluation
As your veterinary team, we are here to help — not to judge. Your pet’s medical stability and comfort are our priority.
Caring medicine for all animals.
Location
Hours
Monday: 8:00am – 8:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am – 8:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am – 6:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am – 8:00pm
Friday: 8:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am – 1:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Contact Info
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