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Red Bank Veterinary Hospital - Hillsborough

24/7 Emergency & Critical Care

In the event you experience an emergency, Red Bank Veterinary Hospital Hillsborough is here for you 24/7, 365 days a year.

Staff with dog at Animal Emergency and Specialty Hospital of Grand Rapids

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.