Emergency Veterinary Care in San Francisco, Open 24/7
Ocean Avenue Veterinary Hospital is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for veterinary emergencies in San Francisco. Every case is triaged on arrival and stabilized immediately. Our emergency team manages trauma, seizures, respiratory distress, urinary blockages, allergic reactions, poisoning, and every other urgent condition that cannot wait. Walk in at any time or call (415) 586-5327 on your way to the hospital.
Emergency Care for Breathing Difficulty
Respiratory distress is always a life-threatening emergency. At OAVH, we provide immediate oxygen support, chest radiographs, and stabilization for pets struggling to breathe. Causes include asthma, pneumonia, heart failure, pleural effusion, tracheal collapse, airway obstruction, and severe allergic reactions. Open-mouth breathing in cats, blue or pale gums, extended neck posture, and audible breathing are all signs of critical respiratory compromise. Come to OAVH immediately.
Seizure and Collapse Emergency Care
Seizures and sudden collapse indicate serious neurological, cardiac, or metabolic emergencies. OAVH provides immediate stabilization including anticonvulsant support, IV fluids, continuous monitoring, and blood glucose assessment. Cluster seizures and status epilepticus are life-threatening and require immediate intervention to prevent permanent neurological damage. After your pet is stable, our team works to identify the underlying cause and establish a long-term management plan.
Trauma and Accident Emergency Care
Vehicle accidents, falls from heights, and animal attacks cause injuries requiring immediate emergency care. Our team stabilizes trauma patients with IV fluids, oxygen, pain management, and bleeding control. Rapid assessment identifies internal bleeding, pneumothorax, and organ damage. Digital radiographs guide care decisions. OAVH provides comprehensive trauma care around the clock for dogs and cats across San Francisco and the Bay Area.
Allergic Reaction and Anaphylaxis
Severe allergic reactions from insect stings, vaccines, or other allergens can cause facial swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, and cardiovascular collapse within minutes. OAVH provides emergency epinephrine, antihistamines, steroids, and IV fluid support for anaphylaxis. Mild reactions can progress rapidly to life-threatening collapse. Any pet showing swelling of the face, difficulty breathing, or sudden weakness after an exposure needs immediate veterinary attention.
Urinary Blockage Emergency Care
Urinary obstruction prevents your pet from urinating and becomes fatal within hours without intervention. Male cats are most commonly affected, though blockages also occur in male dogs and occasionally in females. OAVH provides emergency catheterization, IV fluids, and electrolyte correction. Signs include straining without producing urine, crying in the litter box, frequent unsuccessful attempts, and sudden collapse. Do not wait. Come to OAVH immediately.
Foreign Body Removal
Pets frequently swallow objects that obstruct the digestive tract. OAVH evaluates suspected foreign bodies with radiographs and ultrasound, then performs emergency surgery when the object cannot pass safely. Common items include toys, socks, bones, corn cobs, and string. Signs include persistent vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and lethargy. Early intervention prevents intestinal perforation and the complications of peritonitis.
Pyometra, Parvovirus Care, and Heatstroke
Pyometra is a life-threatening uterine infection in unspayed females requiring emergency surgery and aggressive supportive care. Parvovirus care for dogs involves IV fluids, anti-nausea support, nutritional care, and isolation protocols. Heatstroke, an emergency that can cause organ failure within minutes, is managed with emergency cooling, IV fluids, and organ support. San Francisco's microclimates create unexpected heat risks, particularly for brachycephalic breeds and overweight pets.
Orthopedic Injuries, Lacerations, and Limping
Fractures, lacerations, bite wounds, and sudden severe lameness require urgent veterinary evaluation. OAVH manages emergency fracture stabilization, wound debridement, suturing, and drain placement. Non-weight-bearing lameness, obvious deformity, severe swelling, or limping after trauma should be evaluated promptly. Bite wounds in particular carry a high risk of deep tissue infection not visible from the surface.
FAQs
Ocean Avenue Veterinary Hospital is open 24 hours a day for pet emergencies in San Francisco. Walk in at 1001 Ocean Ave, no appointment needed. Call (415) 586-5327 any time.