Daytime Pet Emergency Care
Our vets are here for your pet during our regular hours in case of a veterinary emergency.
Emergency Veterinary Services
Is your pet experiencing any symptoms or behaviors that you are concerned about? Contact either of our locations in Houma or Raceland right away.
Our reliable and compassionate veterinary teams at each of Marcello Veterinary Hospital's two locations offer veterinary care for pets in most emergency situations. We have advanced training in emergency, trauma-based and critical care protocols. When the unpredictable happens, we want to make sure your pet receives the quality medical care he or she needs.
Steps to Take In A Pet Emergency
If you are experiencing a veterinary emergency, follow the steps below.
- Call Ahead If Possible - During regular business hours call us right away.
- Follow Instructions Provided - When you call us, instructions may be provided to help you apply first aid or otherwise make your pet as comfortable as possible. Follow these instructions carefully. Referrals to other emergency care providers may also be offered depending on the time of day and your circumstances.
- Remain Calm - Remain calm and be extra careful around your pet. When an animal is in pain they often react negatively towards anyone trying to help and could bite or scratch.
- Bring Your Pet In For Care - Do not put yourself at risk! Safely bring your pet to either of our locations in Houma or Raceland.
Vet Emergency FAQs
Read through our most frequently asked questions below to learn more about bringing your pet in for an emergency appointment at Marcello Veterinary Hospital.
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Do I need to call ahead?
Marcello Veterinary Hospital provides emergency and urgent veterinary care for cats and dogs during our regular clinic hours. It's always best to contact us in advance if you can, but we understand that in emergency situations that's not always possible.
Depending on your circumstances, we may refer you to another animal hospital that can provide the treatment and care your pet needs.
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When are your clinics open?
Our veterinarians see emergency cases during our regular business hours at each of our locations:
Houma
- Monday: 8:00 am - 17:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 17:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 17:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 17:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 17:30 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Sunday: Closed
Raceland
- Monday: 8:00 am - 17:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 17:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 17:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 17:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 17:00 pm
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
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What situations require emergency veterinary care?
The following situations are examples of emergencies that require immediate care:
- Severe bleeding or bleeding that doesn't stop
- Automobile accidents
- Obvious signs of pain or extreme distress or anxiety
- Choking, diffiulty breathing or continuous coughing/gagging
- Fractured bones or severe lameness
- Refusal to drink for 24 hours or more
- Seizures and/or staggering
- Eye injuries
- Lacerations
- Heat stroke or heat stress
- Unconsciousness
- Exposure to toxins (chocolate, rodent poison, anti-freeze)
- Post-operative problems
- Abnormal swelling
- Bleeding from the nose, mouth, rectum or blood in the urine
- Inability to urinate or pass feces, or pain associated with urinating or passing feces
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea; 2+ episodes in 24 hours
- Injuries to the eye(s)
- Your pet has ingested something poisonous (such as antifreeze, xylitol, chocolate, rodent poison, etc.)
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How long will we have to wait to see the vet?
Our Louisiana animal hospital is just like a human doctor's office—it can be unpredictable and you may have to wait.
We cannot predict what cases we will see and when they will arrive. If possible, call ahead to find out whether we are able to provide emergency care for your dog or cat.
Depending on your circumstances, we may refer you to another animal hospital that can provide the treatment and care your pet needs.
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What happens if my pet needs to stay in the hospital?
Some veterinary emergencies require intensive overnight care. While we do not provide overnight care at either of Marcello Veterinary Hospital's two locations, but may be able to refer you to another animal hospital that can provide the treatment and care your pet needs.
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What types of animals do you treat?
Our emergency veterinarians are mostly experienced with cats and dogs.