Emergency Care in North Richland Hills
When your pet is hurt or suddenly sick, every minute counts. The veterinary team at Cornerstone Animal Hospital is trained in emergency and critical care medicine and ready to provide fast, compassionate treatment the moment you walk through our doors.
Request an AppointmentPets can’t tell us when something is wrong, which is why it’s important to recognize the warning signs of a true emergency and act quickly. Our hospital is equipped to handle a wide range of urgent medical conditions, from sudden illness to trauma, and our doctors will walk you through every step of your pet’s treatment.
We provide care for urgent medical conditions including acute vomiting and diarrhea, Parvo virus, respiratory distress, and diseases of the heart, kidneys, or liver. We also manage emergencies requiring hospitalization and close monitoring, such as seizures, pancreatitis, diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and toxic exposures. If your pet has gotten into something they shouldn’t have, our pet poisonings page has more information on common household toxins.
If your pet experiences an emergency during business hours, call us or come straight in. We’re your neighborhood clinic and will do everything possible to provide prompt, thorough care. For after-hours emergencies, we partner with reputable 24/7 emergency hospitals in the area to ensure your pet gets continuous care and a smooth transition for follow-up if needed.
What Are Emergency Situations Needing Immediate Veterinary Care?
- Sudden collapse or unconsciousness
- Difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, or gagging
- Choking or blocked airways
- Refusal to eat or drink for more than 24 hours
- Ingestion of foreign objects (e.g., bones, socks, coins)
- Animal bites or lacerations
- Severe or uncontrolled bleeding
- Bleeding from nose, mouth, rectum, urine, or coughing up blood
- Inability or pain while urinating or defecating
- Eye injuries or trauma
- Ingestion of toxins (e.g., antifreeze, chocolate, xylitol, grapes, rodent bait)
- Seizures, disorientation, or staggering
- Fractures, severe limping, or inability to walk
- Signs of intense pain or anxiety
- Heatstroke or heat stress
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea (more than 2 times in 24 hours, or with other illness signs)
Emergency Surgery
Should your pet require emergency surgery, our hospital is fully equipped to provide advanced surgical care. All patients are closely monitored throughout the procedure and recovery process to ensure safety and comfort. Our surgical team also performs scheduled pet surgery and orthopedic surgery, so pets who need follow-up procedures can continue care with a familiar team.
Common emergency surgeries performed at Cornerstone Animal Hospital include:
- Foreign body removal from stomach or intestines
- Abdominal exploratory surgery
- Cesarean section (C-section)
- Pyometra (uterine infection) surgery
- Splenectomy (spleen removal)
- Gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV or twisted stomach)
- Perineal urethrostomy (PU) for blocked male cats
- Emergency tracheostomy for respiratory distress
- Wound and laceration repair
- Eye repair or removal (in cases of eye displacement)
- Amputation of limbs or digits for trauma or cancer
- Many other emergency procedures as needed
Fast, accurate diagnostics are critical in an emergency. Our on-site laboratory services, digital x-ray, and ultrasound allow our doctors to identify the problem quickly so treatment can begin without delay. Pets who need extended monitoring after stabilization move to our hospitalization and patient care unit.
After-Hours Emergency Care
We provide emergency services during regular business hours. If an emergency occurs after-hours, we recommend contacting one of the following trusted emergency hospitals:
Animal Emergency Hospital of North Texas
Phone: (817) 410-2273
2700 West State Hwy 114, Grapevine, TX 76051
Airport Freeway Animal Hospital
Phone: (817) 571-2088
833 West Airport Freeway, Euless, TX 76040
For more information about emergency care, please call us at (817) 514-8387.
How do I know if my pet’s situation is an emergency?
Signs like collapse, difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, repeated vomiting or diarrhea, seizures, or ingestion of a toxic substance all warrant immediate veterinary attention.
What should I do if my pet ingests something toxic?
Call our office immediately at (817) 514-8387. Try to identify what was ingested and how much, and bring the packaging with you if possible.
Do you treat emergencies after hours?
We provide emergency services during our regular business hours. After hours, we recommend contacting a trusted local 24/7 emergency animal hospital.
Can you perform emergency surgery on-site?
Yes, our hospital is fully equipped for emergency surgical procedures, including foreign body removal, GDV surgery, and wound repair, with close monitoring throughout recovery.
What happens after my pet is stabilized?
Pets who need continued monitoring are moved to our hospitalization unit, where our team tracks their recovery closely until they’re ready to go home.
Should I call ahead before bringing in an emergency?
Yes, calling ahead lets our team prepare for your pet’s arrival so we can begin treatment as quickly as possible.
Do you offer diagnostic imaging for emergency cases?
Yes, we have on-site x-ray, ultrasound, and lab diagnostics so our doctors can quickly identify the cause of your pet’s emergency and start treatment right away.