Veterinary care questions.
Clear, local answers.

Yes. COVE Delaware is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for emergency and urgent care at 585 Sunbury Rd, Delaware, OH 43015. Call (740) 481-2683 or come in. No appointment or referral is needed for emergency evaluation. Specialty appointments have separate schedules.

COVE Clintonville provides emergency and urgent care every day from 8 AM to midnight at 3134 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202. Call (614) 706-2683. If your pet needs care between midnight and 8 AM, COVE Delaware is open 24/7. Do not wait until morning for breathing trouble, collapse, inability to urinate, or another emergency.

COVE Delaware provides emergency and urgent care 24/7, including weekends and holidays. COVE Clintonville’s regular emergency and urgent care hours are 8 AM–midnight daily. Scheduled specialty services follow separate appointment schedules; hospital emergency hours do not mean every specialist is available around the clock. Check the Delaware or Clintonville location page and call for service-specific availability.

For a current emergency, choose the nearest open hospital that can evaluate your pet. COVE has two locations: Delaware on Sunbury Road, open 24/7, and Clintonville on North High Street, open 8 AM–midnight daily. For a scheduled specialty visit, use the location confirmed by your care team. Call if you need help deciding; do not delay emergency care to collect records.

COVE’s Clintonville hospital at 3134 N High St is a Columbus option for families coming from Worthington, Upper Arlington, the Ohio State area, and nearby neighborhoods. It is open 8 AM–midnight daily. For care after midnight, COVE Delaware is open 24/7. Compare directions and current traffic from your starting point; the safest choice in an emergency is the nearest appropriate open hospital.

COVE Delaware serves pets from Delaware and surrounding Central Ohio communities, including Powell, Lewis Center, and Sunbury. The hospital is at 585 Sunbury Rd, Delaware, OH 43015, and is open 24/7 for emergency and urgent care. These communities are service areas, not additional COVE hospital locations. Call (740) 481-2683 for help with a current concern.

Yes. COVE welcomes pets from across Central Ohio. Compare the Delaware hospital and Clintonville hospital based on your route, the time of day, and the care your pet needs. Emergency patients do not need to be existing COVE patients. For specialty care, call ahead to confirm the service, appointment, records, and hospital location.

Yes. You can bring a sick or injured dog or cat to COVE for emergency or urgent care during the chosen hospital’s open hours, even if your usual veterinarian is elsewhere. Bring medications and records if readily available, but do not delay an emergency. Our emergency and urgent care service can evaluate the immediate concern and discuss next steps.

Yes. COVE Pet Care is privately owned and locally operated in Central Ohio, with hospitals in Delaware and Columbus/Clintonville. Its services include emergency and urgent care, internal medicine, ophthalmology, radiology, and surgery. Learn more about COVE and meet the veterinary team.

Emergency care is needed for potentially life-threatening problems such as breathing difficulty, collapse, uncontrolled bleeding, suspected poisoning, bloat, or inability to urinate. Urgent care is appropriate for a stable pet with a problem that needs prompt attention, such as an ear problem, a minor wound, or some digestive symptoms. COVE offers both emergency and urgent care. Read when to take your pet to the vet or call if you are unsure.

No. Emergency and urgent care patients can walk in during the hospital’s open hours without an appointment or referral. Delaware is open 24/7; Clintonville is open 8 AM–midnight daily. Calling ahead can help the team prepare, but it is not a reservation or a guarantee of immediate treatment. Learn about emergency care at COVE and how triage works.

Do not wait for breathing trouble, collapse, severe pain, repeated unproductive retching, suspected toxin exposure, inability to urinate, or sudden serious eye changes. Even a pet that initially looks comfortable may need prompt evaluation after trauma or a swallowed object. COVE Delaware is open overnight. Our guide to warning signs you should not ignore can help you recognize concerns, but a phone call or examination is needed for individual advice.

Repeated vomiting, inability to keep water down, blood, weakness, abdominal pain, a swollen belly, or possible toxin or object ingestion warrants urgent veterinary attention. Puppies, seniors, and pets with existing illness may deteriorate faster. Repeated attempts to vomit with little coming up can indicate bloat. Read why dogs vomit and when to seek care; for a worsening pet, contact COVE emergency care now.

Persistent or repeated diarrhea should be discussed with a veterinarian. Seek prompt care for blood, black or tarry stool, vomiting, weakness, dehydration, abdominal pain, or a pet who is getting worse. A puppy or medically fragile dog may need care sooner. Stool color alone cannot identify the cause. See our dog diarrhea guide and emergency and urgent care service.

A pet struggling to breathe needs emergency care immediately. Fast breathing at rest, pronounced effort, pale or blue gums, or open-mouth breathing in a cat can be serious warning signs. Keep handling and stress to a minimum and head to the nearest open emergency hospital. Do not delay to count breaths or record video. Read breathing warning signs and common pet emergencies.

Yes. Repeated straining with little or no urine can mean a life-threatening urinary blockage, particularly in a male cat. Passing a few drops does not rule it out, and urinary straining can look like constipation. Seek emergency care immediately. Our cat urinary blockage guide explains the signs and treatment; COVE’s emergency team can evaluate your cat without an appointment.

A seizure lasting about five minutes, another seizure before recovery, repeated seizures close together, or difficulty breathing or recovering requires emergency care. Call promptly for a first seizure as well. Time the episode, clear nearby hazards, and keep your hands away from your dog’s mouth; do not restrain them. Follow any existing veterinary seizure plan. Read seizures in dogs: when it is an emergency.

Call a veterinarian or animal poison-control service immediately, even if your dog seems normal. Save the packaging and note the amount, time, and your pet’s weight. Do not induce vomiting or give a home remedy unless a veterinary professional directs you. If your pet is collapsing, seizing, or struggling to breathe, seek emergency care now. See what to do after a suspected poisoning and COVE emergency care.

Contact a veterinarian promptly rather than waiting to see whether the object passes. Fabric, toys, bones, corn cobs, and string can obstruct or damage the digestive tract. Do not pull string from your pet’s mouth or rectum, and do not induce vomiting without veterinary direction. Our foreign body obstruction guide explains testing and treatment, including when emergency surgery may be needed.

Repeated retching with little or nothing produced, restlessness, drooling, a swollen or painful abdomen, weakness, and collapse can signal bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). With GDV, the stomach twists and blood flow can be compromised. Go to an emergency hospital immediately; do not wait for every sign or visible swelling. Read the bloat and GDV guide and learn about emergency surgery at COVE.

Severe pain, inability to bear weight, an abnormal-looking limb, an open wound over a possible fracture, or major trauma needs prompt evaluation. After a vehicle accident, serious fall, or animal attack, internal injuries may be present even if your pet can walk. Restrict movement and seek care. See why dogs limp, fracture repair in dogs and cats, and COVE emergency care.

Contact a veterinarian for ongoing appetite loss, especially with vomiting, lethargy, pain, weight loss, or changes in drinking or urination. Cats, puppies, kittens, diabetic pets, and animals with chronic illness may need earlier care. Do not rely on a fixed waiting period if your pet seems unwell. Our guide to when a pet needs a vet explains the warning signs; recurring appetite or weight problems may need internal medicine.

Emergency hospitals use triage: the most critically ill or injured pets receive care first, regardless of arrival order. A stable pet may wait while the team treats a patient who cannot safely wait. Tell the team immediately if your pet’s condition changes while waiting. Read what to expect during an emergency visit, including triage and wait times.

COVE provides TPLO and orthopedic surgery for dogs in Central Ohio. Start with an orthopedic consultation so the team can review the diagnosis, knee anatomy, overall health, and recovery needs. Confirm the hospital location when scheduling. Bring prior records and X-rays if available. Our TPLO surgery guide explains the procedure and what to discuss with the surgeon.

People often say “torn ACL” when describing a canine knee injury, but the veterinary term is cranial cruciate ligament (CCL or CrCL). Partial or complete CCL injury can cause pain and knee instability. Symptoms can resemble other orthopedic conditions, so an examination is needed. Read torn CCL symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment or arrange a COVE orthopedic evaluation.

Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy, or TPLO, changes the angle and mechanics of the upper tibia so the knee is more stable during weight bearing after a CCL injury. A plate and screws hold the bone while it heals. TPLO does not replace the torn ligament. The goal is improved comfort and function. Read how TPLO works and explore COVE’s orthopedic services.

No. Treatment depends on confirmed knee disease, stability, anatomy, body condition, activity, other health problems, and the ability to manage recovery. Some dogs may benefit from another operation or a veterinarian-directed nonsurgical plan. Age or weight alone does not determine candidacy. Read TPLO candidacy and alternatives and discuss the options during an orthopedic consultation.

TPLO changes the tibial plateau angle; TTA changes the position of the tibial tuberosity; lateral suture stabilization uses material outside the joint to help control instability while supporting tissues adapt. Each approach has different requirements and limitations. There is no single best procedure for every dog. See TPLO vs. TTA vs. lateral suture and ask your surgeon which options fit your dog and are offered for that case.

TPLO recovery commonly involves several weeks of restricted activity and staged rechecks, with gradual activity increases over roughly 8–12 weeks when healing permits. Strength and endurance may continue improving for months. Using the leg does not mean the bone is ready for running or jumping. Follow your surgeon’s examination and X-ray findings, not a calendar alone. See the week-by-week TPLO recovery guide.

Set up a quiet recovery area, secure nonslip walking surfaces, block furniture and stairs, and plan leash-controlled bathroom trips. Give prescribed medication and use the recommended incision protection. Ask the surgical team about lifting, slings, unavoidable steps, and rehabilitation before discharge. Our TPLO aftercare and rehabilitation guide helps you prepare, while your dog’s discharge instructions determine the actual plan.

Call for increasing pain or swelling, an opening incision, persistent bleeding, foul or thick discharge, new loss of leg use, or a recovery that worsens instead of improving. Breathing trouble, collapse, or severe distress requires emergency care. Do not change medications or activity on your own. Review TPLO complications and warning signs and contact the treating team with changes.

Yes. The menisci distribute load within the knee, and instability from CCL disease can damage this tissue. A meniscal injury can contribute to pain or renewed lameness, but a clicking sound or limp alone cannot confirm the diagnosis. The orthopedic team evaluates the knee and discusses treatment when indicated. Read meniscus tears in dogs with CCL injuries.

A second CCL injury is possible, but it is not inevitable. Canine CCL disease often involves gradual ligament degeneration, and both knees can share risk factors. Healthy body condition, appropriate exercise, and watching for a new limp support ongoing care, but cannot guarantee prevention. Read opposite-knee CCL risk and discuss changes with your veterinarian.

Not every luxating patella requires surgery. A kneecap that slips out of position can cause skipping, recurring lameness, pain, or changes in alignment. Recommendations depend on symptoms, anatomy, progression, and other knee disease as well as the grade. COVE also evaluates complex CCL and patellar problems. See patellar luxation symptoms and treatment and COVE orthopedic care.

No. Some fractures may be managed with a cast or splint; others need plates, screws, pins, or another surgical repair. The fracture pattern, affected bone, age, soft-tissue damage, and overall stability determine the plan. Significant trauma needs emergency assessment before focusing only on the leg. Read fracture repair and recovery and learn about orthopedic surgery at COVE.

In orthopedics, OCD means osteochondritis dissecans: a developmental cartilage problem that can create a flap in a joint and cause pain, limping, and arthritis. It is often recognized in growing larger dogs, but size alone cannot diagnose it. COVE evaluates OCD and other joint conditions through its orthopedic service. Read OCD diagnosis and surgical treatment.

COVE offers veterinary ophthalmology and eye surgery with Eric Miller, DVM, MS, DACVO, a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist. Call COVE to confirm the location, appointment availability, and records needed for your pet. A painful eye or sudden loss of vision should not wait for a routine appointment. Read when a pet should see an eye specialist.

Sudden blindness, severe squinting or pain, major trauma, blood in the eye, a bulging or displaced eye, or rapidly developing cloudiness needs immediate veterinary attention. Do not use leftover or human eye drops without veterinary guidance. The pet eye emergency guide explains the signs. Call COVE emergency care for urgent evaluation and coordination with ophthalmology when appropriate.

Redness, squinting, and discharge can come from a corneal ulcer, dry eye, inflammation, glaucoma, an eyelid problem, or other disease. Similar-looking symptoms require different treatments. Holding an eye closed, cloudiness, pain, or vision changes warrants prompt evaluation. Read red eyes, squinting, and discharge in pets and explore COVE ophthalmology.

No. Cloudiness may result from normal age-related lens changes, cataracts, corneal disease, inflammation, or glaucoma. A visual check at home cannot reliably distinguish them. Sudden haze, redness, pain, or reduced vision needs prompt care. Our cloudy eyes in dogs guide compares the causes; a veterinary eye examination identifies which part of the eye is affected.

Cataract surgery can restore useful vision in suitable candidates, but results depend on retinal function, eye health, overall health, and aftercare. The ophthalmologist evaluates the eye and may recommend ultrasound and electroretinography before surgery. Not every cloudy eye is a cataract or a surgical candidate. Read cataracts, surgery, and recovery in dogs and learn about COVE’s eye surgery services.

Yes. Diabetes can cause cataracts to develop rapidly, and early evaluation helps identify inflammation and discuss whether surgery is appropriate. Do not wait for complete blindness before calling. Diabetes control and general health also affect anesthesia planning. Read our cataract guide and contact COVE ophthalmology; internal medicine may help coordinate a complicated medical case.

Possible glaucoma requires urgent evaluation because high pressure inside the eye can cause pain and irreversible vision loss. A suddenly red, cloudy, painful, enlarged, or poorly seeing eye needs care right away. A pressure measurement is necessary; appearance alone cannot diagnose it. Read glaucoma warning signs and treatment and call an open COVE emergency hospital.

Some shallow corneal ulcers heal with veterinarian-prescribed medication, eye protection, and rechecks. Deep, infected, rapidly worsening, or nonhealing ulcers may need specialist treatment or surgery. Even a small ulcer can be painful, and some medications can make an ulcer worse. See corneal ulcers in dogs and cats and COVE’s ophthalmology service.

Seek prompt veterinary care, even if the eyes do not look painful. Sudden blindness can have several causes, including glaucoma, retinal disease, or sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS), and treatment options vary. Prevent falls, use a leash, and block stairs while arranging care. Read sudden blindness in dogs; do not wait for vision to return on its own.

Thick mucus, redness, and squinting can occur with dry eye, also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), but other eye diseases can look similar. Tear testing helps identify the problem. Many dogs with KCS need consistent long-term treatment and monitoring rather than occasional drops. Read dry eye symptoms and treatment and ask COVE ophthalmology about persistent or recurring signs.

Uveitis is inflammation inside the eye. It can arise from an eye problem or an underlying illness and may cause pain, redness, haze, or pupil changes. Examination, eye-pressure testing, and sometimes bloodwork or imaging help identify the cause. Treatment must account for ulcers or infection. Read uveitis in dogs and cats and seek prompt care for a painful or changing eye.

Yes. COVE’s ophthalmology service treats eyelid and tear-related conditions, including cherry eye, inward-rolling eyelids, abnormal eyelashes, and eyelid masses. An exam determines whether the cornea is being damaged and whether medication, surgery, or another approach is appropriate. Learn about common eyelid problems in dogs. A closed, painful eye or sudden cloudiness needs prompt attention.

The ophthalmologist reviews the history, examines the eye and vision, and selects tests based on the findings. Tear testing, fluorescein staining, and eye-pressure measurement are common. Some pets also need ocular ultrasound, retinal testing, blood pressure measurement, or other diagnostics. Bring all eye medications and previous records. See what happens during a veterinary eye exam.

COVE’s internal medicine service provides specialty evaluation for dogs and cats with complex or persistent illnesses. Its board-certified internists are Sean Surman, DVM, MS, DACVIM, and Macy Drinkhouse, VMD, DACVIM-SAIM, CVA. Call to arrange a consultation and confirm the hospital location and records needed. Read what veterinary internal medicine includes.

A specialist may help when symptoms keep returning, routine treatment has not worked as expected, several body systems are involved, or test results remain difficult to explain. Common concerns include chronic digestive signs, weight loss, organ disease, endocrine disorders, and abnormal bloodwork. Our internal medicine guide explains the referral process and COVE’s internal medicine page outlines available diagnostics.

Recurring digestive signs can involve diet-responsive disease, parasites, inflammation, pancreatic or organ disease, hormonal disorders, obstruction, or cancer. The symptom pattern alone cannot identify the cause. Persistent signs or weight loss deserve an examination and targeted testing. Read chronic vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats. If your pet is weak, repeatedly vomiting, painful, or rapidly worsening, seek emergency care instead of waiting for a specialty appointment.

Increased thirst and urine volume can occur with kidney disease, diabetes, Cushing’s disease, medication effects, and other problems. A sustained change from your dog’s normal routine deserves an examination and blood and urine testing. Keep fresh water available unless your veterinarian instructs otherwise. See why dogs drink and urinate more. Straining with little or no urine is a different, potentially urgent problem.

Possible signs include increased thirst and urination, appetite or weight loss, vomiting, dehydration, and low energy. Some pets have no obvious early signs. Kidney disease can develop suddenly or be chronic, so testing and medical history matter. Severe weakness, repeated vomiting, suspected toxin exposure, or very little urine needs urgent care. Read kidney disease diagnosis and management and explore COVE internal medicine.

Cushing’s disease involves prolonged excess cortisol and may cause increased thirst, appetite, urination, panting, abdominal enlargement, and skin changes. Diagnosis requires clinical assessment and appropriate endocrine tests; symptoms alone are not enough. Treatment and monitoring depend on the underlying cause. Read Cushing’s disease symptoms, testing, and treatment and ask about a COVE internal medicine consultation.

Yes. COVE internal medicine offers endoscopy and colonoscopy, ultrasound-guided sampling, and other procedures when appropriate. Endoscopy uses a flexible camera to examine parts of the digestive tract and may allow biopsy or removal of some foreign objects. Ultrasound-guided sampling collects cells or tissue from a selected target. The team discusses the reason, preparation, limitations, and risks. Learn how these tests help investigate chronic digestive disease.

Not necessarily. A laboratory abnormality needs interpretation alongside symptoms, hydration, medication history, prior results, and examination findings. Follow-up tests, imaging, or tissue sampling may be needed to understand the cause. COVE internal medicine can investigate complex findings and suspected cancer, but a concerning result alone is not a diagnosis. Read how an internist builds a diagnostic plan.

COVE offers in-house and outpatient ultrasound through its radiology and diagnostic imaging service. Call to discuss scheduling, availability, the appropriate hospital, and records or referral requirements. A sick or unstable pet may need emergency evaluation instead of an outpatient appointment. Read what a pet ultrasound shows and what to expect.

COVE performs X-rays for emergency, hospitalized, and specialty patients when recommended by the veterinary care team. X-rays are not offered as a directly scheduled, stand-alone outpatient service. If another veterinarian recommends imaging, call to discuss the appropriate next step. See our pet X-ray guide and COVE radiology services.

X-rays provide a broad view of bones, joints, the chest, and the size or position of structures. Ultrasound uses sound waves to show internal organs, soft tissues, fluid, and movement in real time. The tests answer different questions, so a veterinarian may recommend both. Read X-ray vs. ultrasound for dogs and cats and explore diagnostic imaging at COVE.

Imaging can help identify an object or signs of obstruction, but not every material is clearly visible on an X-ray. Fabric, plastic, and wood may be difficult to see. Ultrasound, repeat imaging, or other testing may be needed based on the pet’s condition. Read foreign body obstruction in dogs and cats and what pet X-rays can show.

An ultrasound can locate and describe a mass, but imaging alone often cannot distinguish cancer from a benign growth, inflammation, or other change. A needle aspirate, biopsy, laboratory testing, or follow-up may be needed. The care team explains which test is likely to change the plan. Read ultrasound findings and limitations and learn about internal medicine diagnostics.

Many studies can be performed while a pet is awake, but sedation may help with pain, anxiety, precise positioning, or sampling. Preparation depends on the study and the pet. Follow the team’s specific food, water, and medication instructions, especially for young or diabetic animals. Do not delay emergency care to fast your pet. See ultrasound preparation and what to expect with X-rays.

COVE works with board-certified radiologists based in Central Ohio, and radiographs taken during emergency visits are reviewed by radiologists to support the care plan. Result timing depends on the study and urgency. The veterinarian directing care explains the findings together with the examination and other tests. Call the team for case-specific timing. Learn about COVE’s radiology service.

COVE Delaware’s emergency hospital is open 24/7, and Clintonville is open 8 AM–midnight daily. Surgical timing and availability depend on your pet’s condition, stabilization needs, and the team on duty. Call the nearest open hospital while heading in when possible. The emergency surgery page explains the process; a 24-hour hospital schedule is not a promise that every procedure or specialist is immediately available.

The decision depends on the examination, stability, laboratory results, imaging, and response to initial treatment. The team first addresses threats such as shock, breathing difficulty, pain, or bleeding. Not every emergency requires surgery. When the patient’s condition allows, COVE explains the options, risks, and estimate before authorized treatment. Read about emergency surgical care and the emergency visit process.

Sometimes. Endoscopy may retrieve a suitable object from the esophagus or stomach, depending on its size, shape, location, and the patient’s stability. An intestinal obstruction, tissue damage, an unsafe object, or a failed retrieval may require surgery. Owners cannot choose safely from symptoms alone. Read foreign body obstruction and treatment options and explore emergency surgery at COVE.

Yes. COVE’s emergency surgery service includes treatment of pyometra, a serious uterine infection in an unspayed dog or cat. The emergency team evaluates and stabilizes the patient; surgery is often the definitive treatment. An unspayed pet with marked illness, vomiting, weakness, increased thirst, or concerning discharge needs prompt veterinary attention. Do not wait for all signs to appear.

Yes. Internal bleeding can cause sudden weakness, collapse, pale gums, and shock. The team may use examination, bloodwork, and imaging to identify the problem while stabilizing the patient. Surgery to remove the spleen or control bleeding may be recommended, depending on the findings. See COVE emergency surgery; the appearance of a mass alone does not establish whether it is cancer.

Yes. COVE evaluates difficult labor, also called dystocia, and can perform a C-section when indicated. Hard straining without delivery, prolonged labor, weakness, or distress should prompt an immediate call to the emergency team. Timing and surgical availability depend on the patient and team on duty. Visit COVE’s emergency surgery page and call the nearest open hospital for guidance.

No. An obstructed cat first needs emergency evaluation and stabilization; a urinary catheter and hospital care may relieve the obstruction. Some patients need a procedure for stones or recurrent or difficult obstruction. The cause and response to treatment guide that decision. Read urinary blockage in cats and learn about emergency urinary procedures at COVE.

COVE offers surgery services spanning orthopedic, soft tissue, and emergency care. Examples include knee and fracture procedures, mass removal, selected abdominal and urinary procedures, and surgery for time-sensitive conditions such as obstruction or GDV. The right service depends on the diagnosis and urgency. Read types of veterinary surgery for an overview and call to discuss your pet’s needs.

Soft tissue surgery treats structures such as the skin, abdominal organs, digestive tract, urinary tract, and other tissues outside the bones and joints. COVE’s service includes mass removal, bladder procedures, selected liver and gallbladder operations, and minimally invasive options for appropriate cases. See COVE soft tissue surgery and our veterinary surgery overview.

Yes. COVE offers laparoscopic options for selected abdominal procedures, including spays, abdominally retained testicles, assisted gastropexy, and certain biopsies. Smaller incisions may be appropriate for some patients, but a conventional approach may be safer or more effective for others. The surgeon recommends an approach after reviewing the case. Explore COVE’s laparoscopic and soft tissue procedures.

A gastropexy attaches the stomach to the body wall to reduce the risk of the twisting component of GDV. Whether preventive surgery is appropriate depends on your dog’s risk and health. It does not eliminate every cause of abdominal swelling or make retching safe to ignore. Learn about gastropexy at COVE and bloat and GDV warning signs.

COVE’s soft tissue surgery service evaluates skin, under-the-skin, and selected internal masses for surgical treatment. Testing helps assess what the mass may be, its location, and whether removal is appropriate. Not every mass is cancer, and not every tumor can be removed completely. Imaging and cell or tissue sampling may inform the plan. Read how surgical planning works.

Yes. COVE soft tissue surgery includes cystotomy for bladder stones and perineal urethrostomy (PU) for selected male cats with obstruction problems. PU creates a wider urinary opening; it does not cure all underlying urinary disease or eliminate the need for medical follow-up. A cat currently straining with little or no urine needs immediate emergency evaluation, not a routine surgery appointment.

COVE’s soft tissue surgery service includes liver lobectomy and gallbladder removal for selected conditions. Recommendations depend on imaging, laboratory findings, overall health, and whether surgery is likely to help. Some cases need urgent treatment, while others allow a planned workup. Internal medicine and the surgical team can coordinate evaluation when an underlying medical problem affects the plan.

The process depends on the specialty and the reason for the visit. Call COVE to confirm appointment availability, referral requirements, and records before coming for scheduled care. Your veterinarian can use the patient referral page to share a referral. Emergency and urgent care do not require an appointment or referral. Review COVE’s services to find the appropriate team.

No. Published specialty hours are Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM at Delaware, and Monday–Friday, 7 AM–4 PM at Clintonville. Individual specialists and procedures have their own appointment schedules, so confirm the location and time when booking. Emergency hours are separate: Delaware is open 24/7 and Clintonville is open 8 AM–midnight daily.

Bring a medication list, known allergies, relevant records and images, and a timeline of symptoms if readily available. For a possible poisoning, bring the package or a label photo. Use a secure carrier or leash. Do not postpone emergency care to gather paperwork. See how to prepare for an emergency visit; referring clinics can coordinate through COVE’s referral page.

Follow the instructions from the team performing the examination, imaging, or procedure. Requirements differ, especially for young pets, diabetic patients, and animals taking regular medication. Do not stop prescribed medication or fast a pet solely because a general online guide suggests it. Call COVE for instructions. For an emergency, seek care promptly rather than waiting to complete fasting.

Yes. COVE’s emergency and specialty teams coordinate care with pet owners and referring veterinarians. Previous records, laboratory results, and imaging help the team understand what has already been investigated and guide follow-up. Ask which rechecks belong with COVE and which can be done by your regular vet. See information for referring veterinarians and how to refer a patient.

Ask the care team what is possible for your pet’s situation. Examination, stabilization, imaging, anesthesia, and hospitalization have different access and monitoring needs. Confirm who will provide updates, the expected timing, and the best contact number before leaving. Our emergency visit guide explains the care process; contact COVE for questions about a current patient.

The total depends on the examination, diagnostics, medications, procedures, and any hospitalization your pet needs. An exam fee alone is not a full treatment estimate. Once the team evaluates the concern, ask for the recommended plan and what is included before authorized care whenever the situation allows. Call COVE for current pricing and review payment and financing options.

TPLO pricing depends on your dog’s needs and what the estimate includes, such as consultation, imaging, anesthesia, implants, medications, hospitalization, rechecks, and rehabilitation. Ask COVE’s orthopedic team for a current written estimate and clarify which follow-up costs are separate. Read what a TPLO estimate may include and see COVE financing options.

There is no single price that fits every patient or procedure. Testing, anesthesia or sedation, surgical complexity, hospital care, and follow-up can change the total. Contact the appropriate COVE service for a current estimate specific to your pet, and ask what is included and what may change. Financing options are available for eligible applicants.

Yes. COVE accepts cash and major credit cards and offers financing options through CareCredit, Scratch Pay, and All Pet Card. Approval, available terms, and eligibility are determined by the provider. Financing is not a guarantee of approval or a hospital-issued payment plan. Visit COVE’s financing page for the current options and application links.

Coverage depends on your insurer, policy, waiting periods, exclusions, and the diagnosis and treatment involved. Ask your insurer what documentation it requires and contact COVE about invoices and payment arrangements. Do not assume direct billing or a specific reimbursement amount. Contact the hospital before your visit when possible and review COVE’s payment options.

Stop the activity and keep your dog from running or jumping. A bite wound, severe pain, inability to bear weight, breathing change, or major fall needs prompt evaluation; a small surface wound can hide deeper damage. Choose the nearest open hospital. COVE Clintonville is open 8 AM–midnight and Delaware is open 24/7. Read limping warning signs.

Panting after activity can be normal, but ongoing heavy panting with weakness, vomiting, collapse, confusion, or difficulty breathing is urgent. End the activity, move to a cooler area, and call an emergency veterinarian for immediate guidance. Do not continue a walk or wait for collapse. See breathing warning signs and COVE’s emergency services, which include heatstroke care.

Yes. Chocolate, xylitol, and grapes can be toxic, while corn cobs, wrappers, and other objects can cause an obstruction. The amount, pet’s size, and time since ingestion affect the next step. Call promptly, save packaging, and avoid home vomiting remedies. Read suspected poisoning guidance and foreign body obstruction. COVE Delaware is open 24/7, including holidays.

Contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service immediately after a possible exposure. Bring the product label or a photo of the plant or mushroom when safe, and note the time and possible amount. Different products require different treatment, and symptoms may be delayed. Do not give a home remedy. See what to do after toxin exposure and COVE emergency care.

Start with the problem your pet needs evaluated: persistent internal illness, eye or vision changes, a bone or joint issue, or a surgical concern. Ask about relevant training, diagnostic capabilities, communication, the treatment estimate, and follow-up. COVE’s service directory and team profiles explain available care. For a rapidly worsening pet, seek emergency evaluation before arranging a routine specialist visit.