EpicVets

01/05/2024

Did you get a new pet over the holiday? Be sure to get them microchipped! Contact your regular veterinarian and make sure your new furry friend has a microchip with all your contact information in case they ever get lost. If you have a pet currently with a microchip make sure your info is still correct and if not, update it!

12/31/2023

Happy New Year! If you find yourself needing an emergency vet tonight or tomorrow, remember that EPIC Vets is open 24/7, even on holidays!

12/28/2023

As you ring in the New Year, be sure to keep things like food, confetti, streamers, and other celebratory supplies out of the reach of your pets. If your pet is sensitive to fireworks, be sure they stay in a safe place indoors. Have a Happy New Year!

12/25/2023

We hope you’re having a great Christmas celebration, but if you need an emergency vet, we’re open today!

12/18/2023

Holiday plants are beautiful, but some are also highly toxic to pets. Below is a list of the types of plants to avoid or keep out of your pet’s reach this holiday season.
• Amaryllis
• Poinsettia
• Mistletoe
• Holly
• Pine Needles (not toxic, but are sharp and can cause issues)

12/15/2023

If your pet is bloated and/or experiencing stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation they may have a gastrointestinal emergency.

These symptoms can point to ingesting something toxic, an allergic reaction or overeating or excessive water intake—all of which can cause serious, if not fatal emergencies. Watch your pet closely, especially with the hectic nature of the holiday season and call us right away if they are experiencing any of these issues.

12/12/2023

Trauma is one of the most common reasons we see pets in our emergency vet clinic. Some of the most common types of trauma include:
• Falls
• Vehicle accidents
• Animal attacks (other dogs and coyotes are common in our area)
• Burns (including burns from heat, electrical, and chemical burns)
• Sharp objects (your pet may step on or run into sharp objects such as nails, glass, or metal)
If your pet shows signs of pain, or discomfort, or is bleeding, contact EPIC Vets at 951-695-5044. We’re open 24/7, every day of the year!

12/05/2023

Any sign of respiratory distress is an emergency. Call us right away if your pet experiences these symptoms including:
• Labored or rapid breathing
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• Open-mouthed breathing or wheezing
• Pale or blueish gums

12/02/2023

Is your pet vomiting or having diarrhea? These symptoms could be the result of a serious underlying condition. Diarrhea and vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration, weakness, and loss of appetite. Contact EPIC Vets right away if your pet shows these symptoms.

11/26/2023

Breaking out your Christmas tree and/or holiday decorations this weekend? Whether you decorate a lot or not, we have some holiday pet safety tips to help keep your furry friends safe. Visit our website to see our holiday safety tips! https://epicvets.com/pet-safety-tips-during-the-holidays/

11/23/2023

We hope you’re having a great Thanksgiving, but if you need us for an emergency, we’re open today!

11/22/2023

2-year-old Siri was brought into the hospital having difficulty giving birth. Canine dystocia is the veterinary term to mention one or several birth difficulties during the female dog’s labor and delivery of her litter of puppies. We are happy to see her go home with 4 puppies! While in the hospital Siri demonstrated what a good mom she will be, cleaning and attending to her pups.

Dystocia in dogs includes, for example, a stalled labor, a blocked puppy, a malpresentation, etc. Breeds of dogs that commonly experience dystocia due to their confirmation include bulldogs, pugs, and Boston terriers. In addition, it is more common for a dog to experience dystocia during the first pregnancy. It is uncommon for cats to experience dystocia. Dystocia is considered an emergency and if left untreated can result in death of the mom and/or the puppies.

11/18/2023

Thanksgiving is next week and we have three safety tips for you and your pets!
1. Don’t let your pet eat human food. Fatty foods can cause pancreatitis in pets and onions, raisins, and grapes are toxic.
2. Sugar-free desserts containing xylitol are extremely toxic to pets. A small amount of sugar-free food can kill your pet.
3. Take the trash out often. Don’t tempt your pet with a garbage can full of bones, turkey carcasses, and scraps.

11/04/2023

Seizures are always a serious medical emergency. Seizures can be caused by epilepsy, toxins, brain trauma or tumors, liver disease, or kidney failure. If your pet staggers or has trouble walking, or collapses and loses control of their bladder and bowels, bring them to EPIC Vets ASAP.

11/02/2023

Unfortunately, dog attacks are a common reason we see pets at EPIC Vets. Attacks at dog parks, or while walking are common, however sometimes even dogs who live in the same home can suddenly turn on one another. Severe lacerations, broken bones, and severe tissue damage are common injuries in a dog attack. Bring your pet in ASAP if they have been attacked.

10/29/2023

Injuries to your pet’s eye or eyes are always an emergency. If not treated promptly, your pet could lose their sight or develop serious infections. Bring your pet in ASAP if they have an eye injury. We’re open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

10/28/2023

Curiosity killed the cat—or dog. Pets are naturally curious. They can stick their noses, faces, and heads where they don’t belong and sometimes that can be fatal. If a pet is stuck in an object and can’t breathe, the situation becomes deadly. Don’t hesitate to bring in your pet if they find themselves in a similar situation.

10/26/2023

Halloween is coming soon! Learn more about keeping your pet safe during spooky season! https://epicvets.com/spooktacular-halloween-safety-tips-for-pet-owners-from-a-24-hour-vet/

Avoid a Trip to Our Animal Hospital It’s that time of year again when pumpkins light up the night and ghosts and goblins come out to play. Halloween can be...

10/26/2023

Bladder stones in your dog or cat can cause incontinence, discomfort and even dangerous blockages in the urinary tract. A pet that can not urinate is an urgent emergency. Watch for symptoms in your dog or cat and come to EPIC Vets if you notice these symptoms:
• Straining when urinating
• Not urinating
• Bloody urine
• Incontinence
• Urinating outside the litterbox
• Spraying urine

10/21/2023

Difficulty breathing is a serious sign something is wrong with your pet. Bring in your pet right away if they have shallow breathing or seem distressed in breathing. It could be an indication of fluid in the lungs or other potentially fatal conditions. Call us at 951-695-5044 when you’re on your way to our hospital.

10/19/2023

If your puppy is experiencing coughing, gagging and milk coming out their nose, they may have a cleft palate. A more subtle symptom of a cleft palate is failure to grow normally or even a sudden occurrence of pneumonia. If left untreated, a cleft palate can even cause death. Contact our office right away if your puppy doesn’t seem to be thriving.

10/18/2023

Eyes are always an emergency! If you notice a cloudy film across your pet’s eye, they are bumping into things, or falling excessively, it could be a sign of retinal detachment, hypertension, or kidney issues. This pet had a retinal detachment we were able to treat. Every second counts in an emergency so bring them to EPIC Vets right away if you notice the symptoms above.

10/15/2023

Trauma is a common occurrence we see at EPIC Vets. Bones can be broken and internal injuries happen in a variety of ways, from a dog attack to getting hit by a car, or just a bad landing from a jump.

Sometimes an x-ray is the best choice to make sure bones are not broken or an ultrasound is to make sure there is no internal bleeding/injury. Our veterinarians are highly trained in diagnosing, treating, and getting the injured pet on the path to recovery.

10/13/2023

It’s incredibly difficult for pet owners when the life of their pet is coming to an end. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate care at this difficult time. “Dr. Townsend and the staff were wonderful. Thank you all for your willingness, patience, and guidance throughout my Mango's care and final passing.” —Brenna M.

10/12/2023

Insects and collapse??? A very common complaint is the sudden collapse of a pet. Obviously, there are many reasons for a collapse and it is always recommended to be seen as most causes are life-threatening. One of the most common causes is an interaction with a stinging insect like a bee or wasp.

The pet often times vomits or collapses then shortly after seems ok or even perks up while in transit to the hospital. Don't let this fool you as this could be the body responding to shock. If left untreated a much bigger life-threatening process could be avoided with early intervention. A quick ultrasound is a state-of-the-art test for anaphylaxis. We are always here for you and your furry family member!

10/07/2023

If your pet has ingested something toxic, it’s essential to get them to the emergency vet right away. If you know your pet has ingested a toxin, or if you suspect they have, bring them to EPIC Vets. Depending on the substance, we may use activated charcoal to help absorb the poison, like our friend pictured below. Call us at 951-695-5044 when you’re on your way.

10/06/2023

We are thankful for kind and supportive words from our patients' families! We recently received this Google review from Tony D. about his cat, Jeffery.

"The vet techs were really awesome, friendly and professional. The vet himself was very nice and to the point. Given the option to bring him home, I brought Jeff home because we wanted him here with us. They were quick, courteous and thoughtful with Jeffery. I was also given two options for care. And, the original estimate was lowered. They are very fair with their charges. They also followed up to see if he is doing well."

10/05/2023

Parvo is a highly contagious disease that affects dogs and usually is fatal without treatment. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are at greater risk for this disease, but it can affect any canine. If you see symptoms of parvo, bring your dog to EPIC Vets right away for treatment. Symptoms include:
•Loss of appetite
•Progressive lethargy or weakness
•Vomiting
•Severe, often bloody diarrhea

10/03/2023

We’re nearing the end of rattlesnake season in California; however, rattlesnakes are still out there, especially during the day. Be careful when letting your pet outside, or when taking walks. Learn more about rattlesnakes in our area on our website.

Rattlesnakes are active in California and snake bites on dogs happen all too often. EPIC has a veterinary envenomations specialist on staff.

09/30/2023

Coyote attacks in our area are common. Coyotes can jump 6ft fences and usually search for prey at night or in the early mornings. If you have dogs, especially smaller dogs, be vigilant when they are outside. Stay with them to watch for coyotes. If you have a fence, consider installing “coyote rollers” to protect your yard. Coyotes tend to roam around greenbelts, so if you live next to those spaces or have open fields near your neighborhood, your pets may be more vulnerable. Stay safe, friends!

09/28/2023

Vomiting is likely the most common presenting problem for a dog or cat. Many times it is simple and easily treated. However, Vomiting can also be a sign of serious medical emergencies for your dogs or cats.

Sometimes a pet has ingested something that causes blockages, such as the squeaker part of a toy in the video below, or sometimes vomiting can indicate other illnesses. Waiting to bring in your pet can cost precious time for treatment and depending on the cause, can lead to more serious issues requiring more hospitalization. We are always available, 24/7, to give you peace of mind.

09/26/2023

When your pet is sick or injured, it’s understandable that you feel overwhelmed and may not know what to do. Below are steps you can take in an emergency to get your pet help ASAP.
1. Don’t panic. Remain calm.
2. Protect yourself from injury. Pets in pain may need a large towel wrapped around them. This helps reduce your pet’s anxiety and stress or bite response and can control bleeding if necessary.
3. If there is an area with active bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound.
4. In case of poisoning, seek immediate help and bring in the product packaging or object.
5. Call EPIC Vets right away. We will triage over the phone to ensure the sickest pets are seen quickly.

09/23/2023

Allergies and Stings Insect stings can cause serious issues in pets. Dogs are often stung on the nose, eyes, or ears as they sniff around outdoors. Insect venom can cause mild irritation as well as life-threatening shock. If your pet experiences any of these symptoms, bring them to EPIC Vets right away!
•Severe swelling of the face
•Hives/bumps all over the body
•Difficulty breathing or wheezing
•Excessive drooling
•More severe envenomations can cause anaphylaxis
•Vomiting or diarrhea
•Disorientation

09/21/2023

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) is a rapidly progressive and life-threatening condition that affects millions of dogs each year. If not treated immediately, GVD will cause death in just a few hours. Time is of the essence—if your dog shows these symptoms, bring them to EPIC Vets immediately. Symptoms include:
•Enlarged abdomen
•Rapid or shallow breathing
•Unsuccessful attempts to vomit or retching with white foam
•Excessive saliva
•Pale nose or gums
•Restlessness, pacing or anxiety
•Collapse or lethargy

09/19/2023

Saying goodbye to your pet is heart-wrenching. EPIC Vets understands this is one of the hardest situations a pet owner can experience. We offer end-of-life services to offer compassionate care and support to families whose pet is crossing the rainbow bridge.

09/12/2023

Summer is coming to an end, but the temperatures in the Temecula area are still high enough to be dangerous for your pet, especially brachycephalic breeds such as pugs, English bulldogs, French bulldogs, Boston terriers, boxers, shih tzus, and Lhasa apsos. These types of dogs are highly susceptible to heatstroke at any time of year, but especially in the warmer seasons. Read more on our website. https://epicvets.com/heatstroke-in-pets/

09/05/2023

It means the world to us when our patients’ families take the time to write a review and share their thanks for our team. “We had a very good experience at EPIC emergency vet clinic. We brought in our dog after he had a cluster of seizures, and they were able to bring him back for evaluation and treatment right away. The front office and vet techs were all very empathetic and helpful. The doctors we worked with over our dog’s hospitalization — Dr. Pace, Dr. Saaiman, and Dr. Bryden — were excellent. They were extremely knowledgeable and took the time to walk us through his test results, the literature on his condition, and our treatment options. The doctors also called us regularly to update us on his condition. We knew our dog was in great hands.” —Lindsey I.

09/04/2023

Remember, EPIC Vets is open 24/7 every day of the year, including Labor Day. Stay safe, but if you need us, please call!