Is It an Emergency?

It isn’t always easy to know when your pet needs urgent veterinary attention. Some symptoms can develop quickly, so if you’re concerned about your pet or unsure what to do, please contact us for advice.

During our normal opening hours, our team at R. T. Jones Veterinary Surgery is here to help with veterinary emergencies.

When to Seek Urgent Veterinary Care

Please contact us straight away if your pet:

  • Is struggling to breathe, gasping or having obvious difficulty breathing

  • Collapses, becomes unresponsive or is suddenly extremely weak

  • Has a seizure, repeated seizures or uncontrollable shaking

  • Has been involved in an accident or suffered significant trauma, including being hit by a vehicle even if they initially appear well

  • Is bleeding heavily or has a deep or serious wound

  • Cannot pass urine or is repeatedly straining to urinate, particularly male cats

  • Is showing signs of severe or sudden pain, distress or an inability to settle

  • Is vomiting or has diarrhoea repeatedly, particularly if blood is present

  • Has difficulty standing or walking, or suddenly loses the use of their legs

  • Has suffered a burn, heatstroke or dangerous exposure to extreme temperatures

  • Is having difficulty giving birth or you are concerned about their progress during labour

  • May have eaten, licked or come into contact with something poisonous

Suspected Poisoning

If you think your pet may have been exposed to a toxin, please contact us immediately and don’t wait for symptoms to develop.

Potential toxins include chocolate, grapes and raisins, human medicines, certain plants and flowers, household chemicals and other substances that may be harmful to pets.

For cats in particular, lilies and antifreeze are extremely dangerous. Contact us urgently if you think your cat may have chewed or brushed against a lily, come into contact with lily pollen or lily water, or been exposed to antifreeze. Even small exposures can be serious.

Emergencies During Our Opening Hours

If your pet needs emergency veterinary attention while we are open, please telephone your nearest R. T. Jones practice straight away. Calling ahead where possible allows our team to prepare for your arrival.

Sale Practice
37 Green Lane
Ashton upon Mersey
Sale, M33 5PN
0161 905 1287

Urmston Practice
109 Higher Road
Urmston
Manchester, M41 9AX
0161 748 6177

Out-of-Hours Emergencies

If your pet needs urgent veterinary attention when our practices are closed, please contact our out-of-hours emergency provider:

Vets Now Manchester
98 Bury Old Road
Whitefield
Manchester, M45 6TQ
0161 222 0803

Please telephone Vets Now before travelling whenever possible so their emergency team can advise you and prepare for your arrival.

Unsure What to Do?

If something doesn’t seem right or you’re worried about your pet, please don’t delay seeking veterinary advice.

You don’t need to decide for yourself whether a problem is serious enough to be an emergency — call us during our opening hours, or Vets Now when we’re closed, and the veterinary team can advise you on the next steps.