Emergency Services

We are proud to be the full-service hospital for your pet's emergency services. We pride ourselves on being a trusted resource for all the health needs of the furry family members that you love and care for. We treat a broad range of animals - from cats and dogs, to horses, and cattle!

You know your pet better than anyone. If you feel his or her medical condition is serious and cannot wait, seek emergency care immediately. As pet owners ourselves, we know emergency situations don’t always happen at the most convenient times.

During our regular business hours, the medical staff and resources at Heartland Animal Hospital are available to help you with any emergency your pet experiences. If possible, please call in advance so we can prepare for your arrival.

If you have an emergency outside of normal business hours, we see our clients up to 10pm nightly and on weekends. If the veterinarian is unavailable or it is after these hours, we refer clients to the following emergency facility:

University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center Emergency Care

900 East Campus Drive

Columbia, MO 65211

573-882-7821

When To Seek Emergency Care

The following general situations should help you determine if you need to seek emergency care for your pet:

Acute abdominal swelling
Bleeding
Difficulty breathing
Electric shock
Excessive vomiting or diarrhea
Exhibits symptoms of heat stroke (excessive panting, weakness, pale gums, vomiting)
Seizures
Sudden onset of weakness
Temperature above 104-degrees or below 99-degrees
Unable to urinate or defecate
Acute eye pain/squinting/discharge

We are so fortunate to have Dr. Patti Cuddihee for our cats’ doctor. For 18 years, she seems to always know exactly what to do for our cats. We just wish we had a doctor for us humans that was as intuitive about our needs as Dr. Cuddihee is about our cats’ needs. She knows them all by name and loves them.

This year we had to have our most beloved cat euthanized. Dr. Cuddihee came to the house and, afterwards, hugged me and cried with me.

Usually, our stories are good ones. Recently, an 18 year old cat that is slowing down and has health issues had to have his teeth cleaned and extracted. He also had an ulcer in his mouth that Dr. Cuddihee had to treat. Unlike usual, he came home the same day ready to eat and cuddle and, by evening, go for a walk outdoors, with us.

The young ladies at the clinic are always so friendly and helpful, as well. Thanks, Dr. Cuddihee, for taking such good care of our beloved furry family.

Jim and Gayle Fry and friends