Sick and Urgent Care

Sick & Urgent Care

Accepting New Patients
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Same Day Appointments
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Sick & Urgent Care for Pets

It can be heartbreaking when your pet isn’t feeling well or gets injured. At our hospital, we understand how overwhelming it is to see your beloved dog or cat in distress. That’s why we’re here to provide expert, compassionate sick and wound care for pets in our community—so you’re never alone when your pet needs medical attention.

From veterinary surgery to x-rays and wound treatment, our experienced veterinarians and support staff are equipped to handle a wide range of illnesses and injuries. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way so you feel empowered and supported throughout your pet’s recovery.

KNOW THE SIGNS

Recognizing Signs of Illness in Dogs And Cats

Whether your cat is vomiting or your dog has a persistent cough, our veterinary team is ready to diagnose the issue and begin the proper treatment. We’re dedicated to preserving the special bond you share with your pet by helping them recover quickly and comfortably.

Sometimes it’s obvious when your pet is unwell. Other times, the signs are more subtle. If your pet seems off, trust your instincts—early veterinary intervention can make a big difference. Here are some common symptoms that may indicate your pet needs veterinary care:

A large orange cat and small black dog sit side by side.
Colic in Horses

Colic is one of the most common equine emergencies and can range from mild digestive  discomfort to a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical intervention. Signs of colic  may include pawing, rolling, looking at the abdomen, restlessness, loss of appetite, sweating, or  repeatedly lying down and standing back up.  

Because the severity of colic is not always immediately obvious, prompt veterinary evaluation is  important anytime a horse displays signs of abdominal pain. Our team can assess your horse’s  condition, identify potential causes, and recommend appropriate medical or surgical treatment  based on their individual needs

Choke in Horses

Choke occurs when feed or other material becomes lodged in a horse’s esophagus, preventing  food and water from passing normally. Horses experiencing choke may cough, extend their  neck, drool excessively, or have feed material coming from the nostrils.  

Although choke is not typically the same as choking in humans, it still requires prompt veterinary  attention. Left untreated, choke can lead to dehydration, aspiration pneumonia, or injury to the  esophagus. Our team can safely evaluate and treat the obstruction while helping reduce the risk  of complications.

Diarrhea in Horses & Farm Animals

Diarrhea in horses and farm animals can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, weight  loss, and other serious complications if not treated promptly. Digestive upset may be associated  with infection, parasites, dietary changes, stress, toxins, or underlying gastrointestinal disease.  

If your animal is experiencing persistent diarrhea, weakness, reduced appetite, abdominal  discomfort, or changes in manure consistency, veterinary evaluation is recommended. Our team  can help determine the underlying cause and provide supportive treatment to aid recovery.

Eye Injuries

Eye injuries and infections should always be treated as urgent concerns in horses and farm  animals. Redness, swelling, discharge, squinting, cloudiness, or sensitivity to light may indicate  trauma, ulcers, infection, or inflammation within the eye.  

Because eye conditions can progress quickly and may threaten vision if left untreated, prompt  veterinary evaluation is important. Our team can identify the underlying issue and begin  treatment to help protect your animal’s comfort and long-term eye health. 

Labor & Delivery Complications

Complications during labor and delivery can quickly become serious for both the mother and  offspring. Difficult labor, prolonged delivery, retained placenta, or signs of distress may require  immediate veterinary intervention.  

If your animal is experiencing complications during labor or delivery, our veterinary  team can provide medical assessment, supportive care, and emergency treatment when  necessary.

Lameness

Lameness can develop suddenly or gradually and may result from injury, hoof issues, joint  disease, infection, or underlying musculoskeletal conditions. Even subtle changes in gait,  posture, movement, or performance can indicate pain or discomfort.  

Our veterinary team performs thorough lameness evaluations to help identify the source of the  issue and recommend treatment options that support mobility, comfort, recovery, and long-term  soundness.

Persistent Coughing or Respiratory Concerns

Persistent coughing, nasal discharge, labored breathing, or changes in respiratory effort may indicate infection, inflammatory airway disease, pneumonia, allergies, or environmental irritation. Respiratory conditions can affect both comfort and performance, particularly in horses.

Our veterinary team can evaluate your animal’s respiratory health, perform diagnostic testing when needed, and recommend treatment options to support breathing, recovery, and long-term respiratory function.

Abrasions, Cuts, or Open Wounds

Even minor cuts or abrasions can quickly become infected if left untreated, especially if your pet or animal licks and scratches the area. Open wounds or visible bleeding may require stitches or antibiotics to prevent complications. If you notice a sore that isn’t healing or your animal is limping, excessively licking, or favoring a certain area, it’s time to bring them in.

Bumps, Lumps, or Swelling

Finding a lump or bump on your animal can be alarming. While not all masses are cancerous, it’s important to have them evaluated by a veterinarian. Some may be benign cysts or fatty tumors, but others could indicate infection or something more serious. Our team can assess the lump, perform diagnostic tests if needed, and discuss next steps with you. Early detection is key when it comes to your pet’s health.

Diarrhea or Vomiting

Occasional digestive upset might not be a cause for concern, but repeated vomiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration, nutrient loss, and indicate a more serious condition such as gastrointestinal infection, parasites, or toxin ingestion. If your pet is throwing up, having loose stools, or showing signs of abdominal discomfort, don’t wait. We’ll work to identify the source and provide supportive care to restore their digestive health.

Excessive Itching or Scratching

Constant scratching, licking, or biting at the skin can be more than just a nuisance—it could point to allergies, fleas, skin infections, or even autoimmune conditions. If your pet is visibly uncomfortable or has red, inflamed, or scabby skin, they need veterinary attention. We’ll help identify the cause and create a customized treatment plan to relieve their itching and restore comfort.

Lethargy or Low Energy

When your normally energetic animal suddenly seems tired, disinterested, or unwilling to play or go for walks, it’s often a sign that something’s wrong. Infections, internal pain, or chronic conditions such as diabetes or anemia can be a link to lethargy. We take these signs seriously and will run diagnostics to determine what’s affecting your pet’s energy and overall wellness.

Loss of Appetite

If your animal is skipping meals or turning away from treats they normally love, it could indicate dental problems, gastrointestinal upset, organ dysfunction, or even emotional distress. A pet’s appetite is a significant indicator of health, so any sudden change deserves attention. Our team can assess your animal’s oral and internal health to get to the root of the issue and help them regain a healthy appetite.

Persistent Coughing or Sneezing

If your pet is coughing or sneezing more than usual, it could be a sign of an underlying issue like kennel cough, allergies, respiratory infection, or even heart disease. These symptoms may seem mild at first, but can escalate quickly without treatment. Our veterinary team in Nashville can perform a thorough examination to pinpoint the cause and begin the appropriate treatment to get your pet breathing comfortably again.

A sick dog is attended to by a vet.

For Pet Emergencies

If your pet is experiencing an emergency during our operating hours, please call us at 423-645-9874 to see if we can accommodate your pet’s emergency. 

FAQs

What Should I Do if My Pet Is Acting Sick?

If your pet is acting sick, please give our team a call as soon as possible so we can assess their condition and provide the next steps for appropriate care.

What Should I Do If My Horse or Farm Animal Appears Sick?

If your animal is showing signs of illness, injury, pain, or unusual behavior, contact our team as soon as possible so we can evaluate the situation and recommend the next steps.

How Do I Know if a Wound Needs Veterinary Care?

Most wounds should be examined by a veterinarian to determine if additional treatment is needed, especially if they are deep, bleeding heavily, showing signs of infection, or causing your pet discomfort.

How Do I Know if a Wound Needs Veterinary Care?

Any deep wound, puncture wound, active bleeding, swelling, lameness, or signs of infection should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Prompt treatment can help reduce complications and support proper healing.

Can You Treat Pet Injuries Without an Appointment?

While appointments are usually necessary to ensure your pet receives proper care, please call us right away if your pet has an emergency injury so we can advise you on the best next steps.

What Are Common Signs of Illness in Pets?

Common signs of illness in pets include changes in appetite or water intake, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, lethargy, difficulty breathing, changes in behavior, and unusual lumps or swelling.

What Are Common Signs of Illness in Horses and Farm Animals?

Common signs of illness may include reduced appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, coughing, nasal discharge, lameness, behavioral changes, weight loss, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

How Are Wounds Treated?

Treatment depends on the location, severity, and type of wound. Care may include cleaning,  bandaging, suturing, medications, pain management, and follow-up monitoring.

Will My Large Animal Need Antibiotics?  

Antibiotics may be recommended depending on the type of injury, risk of infection, or underlying  condition. Our veterinarians will determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on your  animal’s individual needs.

Do You Offer Emergency or Same-Day Care?

We do offer emergency and same-day care depending on severity and availability; please give our team a call so we can assess your pet’s situation and determine next best steps for you and your pet.

Can I Bandage My Pet’s Wound at Home?

It’s best not to bandage your pet’s wound at home. Improper bandaging can trap moisture, restrict circulation, or worsen the injury. Instead, keep the area clean and contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Our team can work to safely clean, protect, and treat the wound to promote proper healing and prevent infection.

We Offer Flexible Payment Options

We believe every pet deserves top-notch care—and that cost shouldn’t stand in the way. That’s why we offer flexible payment options to help you plan and pay for your pet’s care with confidence. Click the button below to learn more about how we handle payments and pet insurance at our hospital.

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Veterinary Care, Your Way

Our goal is to make veterinary care convenient and accessible for all pet owners in HIVE area. Choose the contact method that works best for you.

423-645-9874

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