Emergency & Urgent Veterinary Care in San Jose & Campbell, CA

Occasional vomiting or a single episode of loose stool can happen to any pet and may not signal a serious problem. However, repeated vomiting, diarrhea that persists beyond a day, the presence of blood, or vomiting accompanied by lethargy or loss of appetite warrants a veterinary evaluation.

Common causes include dietary changes or eating something unusual, bacterial or parasitic infections, ingestion of a toxin or medication, and in some cases a foreign object obstructing the intestines. Our veterinarians will take a thorough history, perform a physical exam, and may recommend diagnostics such as blood work or imaging to determine the underlying cause.

Dehydration can develop quickly, especially in smaller dogs and cats, so prompt evaluation helps us intervene before complications arise. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include fluids, anti-nausea medication, or further investigation with X-rays or ultrasound.

Cats in particular should not go without food for more than 24 hours, as prolonged fasting can contribute to a serious liver condition called hepatic lipidosis. Dogs that refuse several meals or show no interest in food alongside other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy should also be seen promptly.

Possible causes range from dental pain and nausea to infections, inflammatory conditions, urinary tract disease, or stress. Our evaluation begins with a physical exam and may include blood testing to check organ function and look for signs of infection or inflammation. The goal is to identify the underlying cause quickly so we can recommend the most effective course of action.

The sooner we evaluate a pet that has stopped eating, the more options we typically have for treatment. If your pet has not eaten in more than a day or is showing other symptoms alongside appetite loss, we encourage you to call or visit.

A normally energetic dog that suddenly wants to lie around all day, or a cat that stops playing and retreats to a quiet corner, may be experiencing pain, infection, anemia, heart disease, or any number of other conditions. Lethargy that develops suddenly and lasts more than a few hours deserves a veterinary evaluation. Learn more about when pet lethargy needs urgent attention.

During the exam, our veterinarians will assess your pet's vital signs, check for pain or discomfort, and may run laboratory tests to evaluate organ function, blood cell counts, and other key indicators. The combination of exam findings and test results helps us narrow down the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

If lethargy is accompanied by other symptoms — such as rapid breathing, pale gums, collapse, or seizures — this may indicate a more serious situation and emergency care should be sought immediately.

Limping can result from a tumble during play, a bite wound from another animal, a torn ligament, a fracture, or even an embedded foreign object such as a thorn or splinter. Some causes, like mild sprains, resolve with rest, while others — such as fractures or cruciate ligament tears — require more involved treatment.

During the exam, we will carefully palpate the limb to locate the source of pain, check the range of motion in joints, and look for swelling, wounds, or instability. If a fracture or other bony abnormality is suspected, we may recommend digital X-rays to get a clear picture of what is happening beneath the surface.

Weight-bearing lameness, visible deformity, significant swelling, or limping that worsens over time should be evaluated sooner rather than later. Early assessment helps us create a treatment plan that gives your pet the best chance of a full recovery.

Urinary symptoms should never be ignored, particularly in male cats, where a urinary blockage can become life-threatening within hours. Signs of a potential blockage include straining in the litter box with little or no output, vocalizing during urination, and frequent licking of the genital area.

In both dogs and cats, blood in the urine, increased frequency of urination, and accidents in the house may indicate a urinary tract infection, bladder stones, inflammation, or other conditions. Our evaluation typically includes a physical exam, a urinalysis to check for infection and crystals, and imaging if needed to look for stones or structural abnormalities.

Because urinary problems can escalate quickly — especially in male cats — we recommend urgent evaluation for any pet showing signs of urinary distress. If your pet is straining but producing no urine at all, this is an emergency that requires immediate veterinary care at an emergency facility.

Eye problems in pets can develop suddenly and progress quickly. A scratched cornea, for example, can deepen into an ulcer within a day if left untreated. Glaucoma — increased pressure inside the eye — can cause permanent vision loss if not addressed promptly.

Common signs that warrant an urgent care visit include persistent squinting, red or swollen conjunctiva, colored discharge (yellow, green, or thick white), a visible cloud over the eye, or excessive tearing. Trauma to the eye area, such as a scratch from another animal or a foreign object lodged in the eye, should also be evaluated immediately.

Our veterinarians will perform a thorough eye exam, which may include measuring intraocular pressure and using fluorescent dye to check for corneal injuries. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may range from topical medications to more advanced interventions. Because delay can sometimes mean the difference between saving and losing vision, we recommend having eye symptoms evaluated as soon as possible.

Skin and ear problems are among the most frequent reasons pets visit the urgent care clinic. A hot spot — an area of inflamed, infected skin — can appear almost overnight and spread rapidly, especially in thick-coated breeds. Ear infections may cause head shaking, odor, discharge, and visible discomfort, and they are particularly common in dogs with floppy ears.

Allergic flare-ups can lead to intense scratching, chewing, and skin irritation that may become infected if not managed. Parasites such as fleas and mange mites can also trigger severe skin reactions. During the exam, our veterinarians will examine the affected areas, check the ears with an otoscope, and may take skin scrapes or ear cytology samples to identify the specific cause.

Early treatment — whether antibiotics, antifungals, ear cleaners, or anti-inflammatory therapy — typically leads to faster resolution and less suffering for your pet. If your pet is scratching excessively, has a visible skin lesion, or is shaking their head due to ear discomfort, we can evaluate and begin treatment the same day.

Coughing in dogs can result from kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis), collapsing trachea, heart disease, or pneumonia. In cats, coughing may be associated with asthma, upper respiratory infections, or other pulmonary conditions. Wheezing, open-mouth breathing, and visible effort to breathe are signs that should not be wait-and-watched.

During the exam, we will listen carefully to your pet's heart and lungs, check oxygen levels, and assess the respiratory rate and effort. Depending on what we find, we may recommend chest X-rays or blood work to further evaluate the respiratory system.

Because respiratory distress can escalate quickly, any pet showing increased respiratory effort, blue-tinged gums, collapse, or an inability to get comfortable should be treated as an emergency and taken to an emergency hospital immediately.

Cambrian Pet Clinic and Urgent Care evaluates many emergency presentations during clinic hours. However, some situations require the resources of a fully staffed 24-hour emergency hospital. Seek emergency care immediately if your pet is experiencing:

• Difficulty breathing — open-mouth breathing, blue or pale gums, gasping, or choking
• Seizures — especially those lasting more than a minute, cluster seizures, or a first-time seizure
• Major trauma — being hit by a car, a significant fall, or a penetrating wound
• Uncontrolled bleeding that does not stop with direct pressure
• Suspected bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) — a hard, distended abdomen with unproductive retching, restlessness, and drooling
• Collapse or inability to stand
• Suspected toxin ingestion (chocolate, xylitol, rodenticide, medications) where rapid decontamination may be needed

When in doubt, call us and our team can help you determine whether your pet can be evaluated at our clinic or needs immediate transfer to a 24-hour emergency facility. Our goal is always to direct you to the right level of care as quickly as possible.

Respiratory distress in dogs and cats can result from pneumonia, heart disease, airway obstruction, allergic reactions, asthma (in cats), trauma, or other conditions. Because breathing problems can escalate rapidly, any pet showing increased respiratory effort, blue-tinged gums, or an inability to get comfortable should be evaluated immediately.

During the exam, we assess oxygen levels, listen to the heart and lungs, and may recommend chest X-rays or blood work to identify the cause. Treatment may include oxygen therapy, medications, and stabilization. Patients requiring mechanical ventilation or continuous monitoring may be transferred to a 24-hour facility.

Trauma from falls, vehicle accidents, fights with other animals, or other incidents can cause fractures, internal bleeding, organ damage, and soft-tissue injuries that are not always obvious from the outside. Even pets that seem relatively normal immediately after trauma should be evaluated promptly, as some injuries develop or worsen over hours.

Our evaluation includes a thorough physical exam, and we may recommend X-rays, ultrasound, or blood work to assess for internal injuries. Stabilization begins immediately and may include pain management, IV fluids, and wound care. Cases requiring surgical intervention beyond our scope are stabilized and transferred to an appropriate facility.

Minor cuts and scrapes may sometimes be managed with gentle cleaning and monitoring, but wounds that are deep, large, over a joint, actively bleeding, or showing signs of infection should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Animal bite wounds in particular can penetrate deeply and introduce bacteria beneath the skin surface.

Our team can assess wound severity, control bleeding, clean and flush the wound, prescribe antibiotics when indicated, and perform surgical closure if needed. We also provide pain management and aftercare instructions to support healing at home.

If your pet has ingested something potentially toxic — chocolate, xylitol, grapes or raisins, rodenticide, human medications, household chemicals, or plants — prompt veterinary evaluation is important. The specific risk depends on the substance, the amount ingested, and the size of your pet.

Early intervention may include decontamination measures such as inducing vomiting (when appropriate and within the relevant time window), administering activated charcoal, or providing IV fluid support. Our team will assess the situation, discuss the specific risk, and recommend the most appropriate course of action. Some toxin exposures may require transfer to a 24-hour facility for extended monitoring.

A seizure is caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain and can manifest as convulsions, muscle twitching, loss of consciousness, or unusual behavior. First-time seizures, seizures lasting more than a minute, cluster seizures (multiple seizures in a short period), or seizures in a pet with known health conditions warrant immediate evaluation.

During a seizure, keep your pet safe from falls or injury and note the duration and appearance of the episode. Do not put your hands near the pet's mouth. After the seizure, our team can perform neurological assessment, blood work, and imaging to investigate the cause and recommend appropriate treatment. Patients with severe or refractory seizures may require transfer to a specialty facility.

Urinary emergencies are among the most time-sensitive conditions we evaluate. A cat — especially a male cat — that is straining in the litter box with little or no output, vocalizing during urination, or licking the genital area excessively may be experiencing a urethral obstruction, which can become fatal within hours if not treated.

In dogs and cats, blood in the urine, sudden urinary incontinence, or straining with frequent small volumes may indicate a urinary tract infection, bladder stones, inflammation, or other conditions. Our evaluation includes physical exam, urinalysis, and imaging when indicated. Patients with complete obstruction or severe metabolic derangement may require stabilization and transfer to a 24-hour facility for continuous monitoring.

Eye conditions in pets can progress rapidly. A scratched cornea can deepen into an ulcer within hours, and glaucoma (increased pressure inside the eye) can cause permanent vision loss if not addressed promptly. Trauma to the eye area from scratches, foreign objects, or chemical exposure should be evaluated immediately.

Our veterinarians perform a thorough eye exam, which may include measuring intraocular pressure and using fluorescent dye to check for corneal injuries. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may range from topical medications to referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist for advanced care.

Acute abdominal pain in dogs and cats can signal a range of conditions from mild gastrointestinal upset to life-threatening emergencies. A distended abdomen, unproductive retching, restlessness, drooling, and collapse may indicate gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), which requires immediate intervention. Other causes include intestinal obstruction, peritonitis, pancreatitis, and splenic disease.

Our evaluation includes physical exam, abdominal X-rays, and blood work to assess the severity and identify the cause. Patients with bloat or suspected intestinal obstruction are stabilized and may be transferred to a 24-hour surgical facility for emergency intervention.