Red Bank Veterinary Hospital - Hillsborough
Walk-in emergency visits are always welcome.
Please call us ahead at (908) 359-3161 so we may prepare for your arrival. If you need assistance bringing your pet inside our hospital, please call when you arrive and a member of our staff will come out and assist you.
What is considered an emergency?
Difficulties in Breathing: short or shallow breath, increased effort, gagging, choking
Severe Trauma (hit by a car, fell out of a window, severe bite wounds)
Decreased responsiveness, unconsciousness, collapse, listless
Severe and painful lameness/broken legs
Severe vomiting and/or diarrhea with lethargy
Recent ingestion of a toxin or foreign body
Unproductive retching/vomiting, bloated abdomen
Straining and unable to urinate
White/pale gums
Snakebite with pain and swelling
Heat stroke
Refusing food or water for more than 3 days with abdominal pain
Hypothermia
Active seizures, 2 or more seizures in 24 hours
Uncontrollable or serious bleeding
Not able to stand/walk
Intact female dog with increased thirst, vomiting, and severe lethargy
Euthanasia
What is the triage system?
At Red Bank Veterinary Hospital Hillsborough, we use a triage system to determine which pets need immediate medical attention, especially during busy hours. Severe cases will be seen more quickly, while minor injuries and stable conditions may experience an extended wait time.
*Please note, these are only example scenarios. The triage level will be determined individually for your pet by our medical staff. If your pet's condition changes call to notify us immediately.
Priority Level 1
Immediate Medical Attention
Cardiopulmonary arrest
Respiratory distress
Active seizures
Severe trauma
GDV
Signs of shock
Priority Level 2
Patient will be seen after Level 1
Compensated shock
Dystocia
Minor hemorrhage
Toxicity
Persistent melena
Anorexic puppies or kittens
Pale gums
Priority Level 3
Patient will be seen after Level 2
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Bloody urine
Broken bone
FAQ's
How long will I wait in the ER?
Just like in human medicine, our caseload varies greatly. We do see pets on a first-come, first-served basis; however, life threatening cases will be seen upon arrival (please see our triage levels above.)
How do I know if my pet’s condition is critical vs. stable?
Ex 1
Can I visit my pet if he/she is hospitalized?
At Red Bank Veterinary Hospital Hillsborough, we encourage visitation. Visits can be coordinated daily at the discretion of the attending doctor. Visitation hours are between 11am-1pm, 4pm-6pm and again between 9p-10p. You must call ahead to schedule your visitation. If your pet is in critical condition, we are more flexible with visitations.
Will a doctor update me about the status of my pet?
Every day that your pet is in the hospital, the doctor will have an in-depth discussion with a designated family member. We will discuss your pet’s progress, available test results, hear your concerns, understand your goals, and work with you to develop a plan for continued care. If we have a concern about your pet’s status, we will contact you immediately to alert you of his/her condition.
What happens when I arrive with my pet?
Our triage process begins at the moment you and your pet walk through our doors. You will be greeted by one of our client service representatives who will help get your pet registered with us. If your pet is unstable, a veterinary technician will bring your pet back to our CCU with your permission for treatment. If your pet is stable, you’ll be asked to wait until one of our veterinarians is available and will be brought to an exam room.