Renfrew Animal Hospital provides same-day and emergency vet care for dogs and cats experiencing sudden illness, injury, or a change in condition during our open hours. We are located at 1801 Renfrew St in East Vancouver and open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and on weekends from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Walk-ins are always welcome. If your pet has an emergency outside our hours, please contact Canada West Veterinary Specialists at (604) 473-4882 or the Vancouver Animal Emergency and Referral Centre at (604) 879-3737.
Labored breathing, open-mouth breathing in cats, or blue-tinged gums are signs of a respiratory emergency. Pets in respiratory distress should be seen without delay. At Renfrew Animal Hospital, our team is equipped to assess airway function, listen to lung and heart sounds, and provide oxygen support when required. Breathing difficulties can result from heart conditions, fluid in the chest, upper airway obstruction, or allergic responses, and conditions can progress quickly without prompt assessment. Call us at (778) 737-1600 on the way in and our team will be ready to receive your pet.
A seizure lasting more than two minutes, or multiple seizures within a short period, requires urgent veterinary attention. Keep your pet away from furniture or stairs during a seizure, avoid placing your hands near their mouth, and note the time and duration when safely possible. Sudden collapse can indicate a cardiac event, toxin exposure, or a neurological emergency. Our team will stabilize your pet, assess vital signs, and recommend diagnostics such as bloodwork or imaging to identify the cause and guide next steps.
Pets involved in accidents involving vehicles, falls from height, or blunt force impacts should be examined promptly even if they appear mobile afterward. Internal injuries are not always visible on the surface. At Renfrew Animal Hospital, we assess for shock, fractures, internal injuries, and wounds using physical examination and diagnostics. We provide wound care, pain support, and stabilization, and communicate clearly about what we find and what your options are for further care.
Allergic reactions in pets can range from mild skin hives and facial swelling to more severe responses affecting breathing. Signs include sudden swelling around the face or throat, intense scratching or hives, vomiting, or collapse. Insect stings, certain foods, and environmental triggers are common causes. Our team will assess the severity of the reaction, provide supportive care, and advise you on monitoring and steps to reduce the risk of future reactions.
Urinary blockage is a painful and potentially life-threatening condition, particularly common in male cats. If your cat is making repeated trips to the litter box without producing urine, vocalizing, or showing signs of abdominal discomfort, seek veterinary care promptly. Our team will assess the blockage, provide stabilization, and discuss management options based on your pet's condition. Early assessment reduces the risk of serious complications and supports safer outcomes.
Pyometra is a serious uterine infection that can develop rapidly in unspayed female dogs and cats. Signs include lethargy, increased thirst, vomiting, and in some cases a visible discharge. Closed-form pyometra presents without visible discharge and often progresses more quickly. If you notice these signs in your unspayed female pet, contact us at (778) 737-1600 promptly. Our team will perform an examination and diagnostics to assess the severity and guide you through the appropriate next steps.
Dogs and cats may swallow objects that become lodged in the stomach or intestines. Signs of a foreign body obstruction include vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and lethargy. If you suspect your pet has swallowed something they should not have, do not wait. Our team will examine your pet and may recommend imaging to identify the location and nature of the object before determining the safest approach to removal.
Heatstroke can occur during warm weather, periods of vigorous activity, or after time spent in enclosed spaces. Vancouver summers combined with exercise on warm days create conditions where heatstroke is a real risk for dogs. Signs include excessive panting, weakness, thick saliva, vomiting, and disorientation. Immediate cooling and veterinary assessment are essential. Our team will provide cooling measures, monitor vital signs, and recommend bloodwork to assess organ function following stabilization.
Sudden limping can result from a soft tissue injury, joint strain, fractured nail, foreign object in the paw, or a bone injury. While some limping resolves with rest, persistent or severe limping should be assessed by a veterinarian. Our team will examine the affected limb, assess pain levels, and determine whether imaging is needed. We provide guidance on activity restriction, wound care if applicable, and follow-up steps to support healing and prevent worsening of the injury.
Cuts, bite wounds, and lacerations should be assessed promptly to reduce infection risk and support appropriate healing. Our team will clean and evaluate the wound, determine whether closure is required, and provide supportive care. Deeper or more serious wounds may require imaging or further management. We also provide home-care instructions and follow-up guidance to ensure the wound heals without complication.
Parvovirus is a serious gastrointestinal virus affecting unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated dogs, particularly puppies. Signs include severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and significant lethargy. At Renfrew Animal Hospital, we confirm infection through diagnostic testing and provide fluid support, monitoring, and symptomatic care throughout the recovery process. Early supportive care significantly improves outcomes. The best protection against parvovirus is ensuring your dog's vaccination series is up to date.
