During and after-hours, we are fully equipped and ready to help with all of your emergency and critical care needs.in the event that we are unavailable for after-hours emergencies, we recommend the following practices. They are available when we are closed and we trust them for quality care! In the event you have to visit the emergency clinic we can get the records so we can follow up if your pet needs further care.
For your convenience, we have provided the contact and website information for the after-hours location here.
During & After Business Hours
North Florida Veterinary Services
(386) 984-2268
Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm
After Business Hours
US Large animal hospital
2147 Shealy Dr.
Gainesville, FL 32610
Phone: (352) 392-2229
www.largeanimal.vethospitals.ufl.edu
The Equine Medical Center of Ocala
7107 W Hwy 326
Ocala, FL 34482
Phone: (352) 873-7830
www.emcocala.com
Medical emergencies can happen to your pets and animals just as they do to people. If your pet has a serious injury or illness that requires immediate care, you want to know you have convenient access to a local clinic providing quality emergency vet services. North Florida Veterinary Services in Lake City, FL, is fully prepared to handle any situation. Our facility is equipped to perform advanced surgery and diagnostic testing to ensure that your pet receives the very best of care if the unexpected happens. Our staff of veterinarians and technicians are experienced in performing emergency vet care for all types of animals, including horses and large farm animals. Some of the services we provide include:
- Emergency surgery
- Blood transfusions
- Diagnostic lab tests
- Blood pressure, ECG, and oxygen level monitoring
- Wound treatment
- Snake and insect bite treatment
- Allergic reaction treatment
- Digital X-rays
- Bone fracture care
- Pain management
Symptoms of a Medical Emergency
In most cases, the signs that your pet needs emergency treatment are obvious: large wounds, severe bleeding, and broken bones from being hit by a car or attacked by another animal. But sometimes the signs of an emergency are less noticeable. It’s important for you to be able to recognize the less apparent symptoms of a health emergency in your pet, so you can seek immediate care when you see them.
- Body temperature too high or too low
- Weak or rapid pulse rate
- Seizures
- Vomiting blood
- Blood in stool or urine
- Pale tongue and/or gums
- Loss of consciousness
- Heatstroke symptoms, vomiting, heavy rapid panting, rapid heartbeat, lethargy
- Dehydration signs, diarrhea, panting, and exhaustion
Equine and Large Animal Emergency Care
North Florida Veterinary Services is fully equipped and experienced in providing emergency vet care to horses and other large farm animals, both at our facility and through our mobile unit in the field in Columbia and the surrounding region. Your Lake City veterinarian can also provide routine care for large animals and horses, including the following:
Large Animal Services
- Travel/Health Certificates (USDA Certified)
- Ultrasound
- Digital Dental X-Ray
- Euthanasia (Mobile)
- Emergencies
Equine Services
- Parasite control programs
- Lameness exams
- Equine dentistry, including extractions
- Emergency services
- Mobile ultrasound and radiography
- Breeding soundness exams
- Pregnancy evaluations
- Wellness exams
- Vaccines
- X-rays
We recommend EEE/WEE/ and tetanus vaccines for all horses. For those showing or traveling, we also offer EHV, West Nile, and rabies vaccines.
Our farm vet is currently operating by appointment only, as well as for after-hours emergency calls. Small animal services are not currently available in Baker, Columbia, Hamilton, or Suwannee counties.
First Aid for Small Animals
For small animals, knowing how to stabilize their condition on the way to the clinic with basic first aid procedures can save their life.
- Bleeding: Elevate the affected area and apply firm pressure to the wound
- Choking: Gently reach into their throat to remove the obstruction or deliver sharp blows to the chest to expel it
- CPR: Lay your pet on their side, hold their jaw closed, and blow slowly through their nostrils every few seconds
Make them as comfortable as possible and keep them warm with a blanket.
When you need emergency vet care in Lake City, FL, or any type of animal health care, North Florida Veterinary Services is ready to help. Please call us at (386) 984-2268 for emergencies or use our online form to schedule an appointment.
