How do I handle my vet?

Question

2-3 months ago my kitten started to get sick. I had him in and out of the vet at least 4 times in the last month. My vet misdiagnosed him with FLUTD -- treating him with a different food (that he hates) He wouldnt eat and started to lose weight, had problems going to the litterbox, hiding, beyond lethargic, very sickly looking. I took him back again after he lost a whole lb and the vet gave him a urinalysis and pretty much laughed at me for bringing him in when the results came back clear. He got worse in a week - I took him do a different animal hospital that found all sorts of things wrong with him - not any to do with FLUTD -- now my kitty may die b/c I waited to long to treat him. He has everything wrong from being anemic to possible tumors near his kidneys. I am out of $600 from taking him a vet who wasnt really treating him, and tons of food that he is not eating...how do I handle the old vet that misdiagnosed him? Letter, phone call, in person or nothing at all

I am currently seeing a new vet who has helped me find the probems going on with my little guy - I have not contacted the old vet in 2 wks.

Answer 1

That really sucks that people out there that would do that but there are. If anything you can try the better buisness bureau. As far as being out the money, theres really not much you can do. Just NEVER use that vet again and if possible tell others not to use him/her. Most Vets are not like that...but there are some that are just in for the money and not the Animals :(.

Answer 2

Aw that poor kitty!
First off, it's so nice to know how much you care for your cat =] most people get an estimate of how much the vet bill's gonna be and leave it, which can be pretty sad =[

But I agree with what the others are saying, you need to speak to that vet in person, bring proof that his misdiagnosis harmed your cat even more, hopefully then your vet will learn from his mistakes and another person's pet won't suffer from his actions. I also think you deserve a refund from all that.

Answer 3

Report that jerk! (excuse my language)

Poor Kitten! How could he?!

He misdiagnosed the poor animal and how dare he not look at the facts right?! What kind of Doctor is he? In my opinion, that's another form of cruelty. Don't feel sorry for him even if he WILL loose his job, he HAS TO do everything right (just like anyone else and any other doctor). Just report him by filing a complaint (it's always taken seriously no matter what) with the right people in the Clinic and ask THEM to call you back to let you know what's going on... He doesn't even deserve the title of the Vet.

I hope your Kitten will get better soon. I think he will need plenty of rest, love, care, and encouragement to get better. And, you'll see, it will running around and having fun like there's no tomorrow :) Just give him time and be patient on his recovery, and he'll be a lot better in no time :)

Let us know how your Kitten is doing. We're all worried about him.

Answer 4

Letter, this way you can say what you need without forgetting anything or getting upset, plus you have documentation and it's more professional! Let them know everything and send copies of your new bills showing the diagnosis! If you need to you can threaten to sue!

Get a new vet if you can!

Ugh people are ignorant (that answered above), to make you feel better...I spent like $800 on my cat to have x-rays and surgery because something was clogged in his stomach making him vomit, turns out it was a piece of Easter grass that he ended up passing naturally! We had a substitute vet, well when my vet returned I explained what happened, he said he wouldn't have done the same procedure, he would've tried a laxative first! Now my story is different, but I didn't pay a dime! Lesson learned: Keep Easter grass away from cats, it is very dangerous & can cut their insides!

Answer 5

First of all, Kudo's to you for taking care of your pet. Obviously some people don't realize when you accept the responsibility of a pet that means you get it the medical help it needs. God bless you for your efforts.
Take the diagnosis to the first vet and tell him (in writing, you keep a copy) you want your money back, that you do not feel you should have to pay for his/her incompetence. You probably won't get the money back from the vet. Perhaps if you go to small claims court. Definitely find out (search engine) who you report an incompetent vet to. That one definitely needs reported.
I hope the vet you are seeing now can save your little guy. Good luck. Please let me know how this turns out for you, I do care.

Answer 6

The most important part is that you found someone who could help you and your kitty.
I would be inclined to write your old vet a letter, explaining that he entirely misdiagnosed your cat's problems, which could have led to his death. Since you had to buy all that specialized catfood - I would ask him to take it back and to pay you back for it. Make sure you have a record of the new diagnosis.
Just for curiosity's sake, why don't you post a new question in the legal section, asking if there are any veterinary malpractice laws in your state.

Answer 7

Lot of good answers here, but I would add that if he was not willing to pay you back for his treatment and goods that I would tell him you will take it to the press (especially if the cat dies). Write a letter to the editor or something to expose this vet that apparently does not care for cats.
I have heard some horror stories about some vets that don't care for cats and the treatment they receive behind closed doors. So please do not let him get away with it.

Answer 8

I would go to him in person. Bring the test results and diagnosis from the animal hospital.

He needs to know what he did wrong, so he doesn't repeat his mistakes.

You should probably also report him. I'm not sure where you would go for that, but there must be a veterinarian board that you can report him too. You might also consider talking to a lawyer, you might be able to start a malpractice suit or something.

Answer 9

I would go in person, tell him your cat may now die because of his Misdiagnosis,and demand your money back, take records from the second Vet for proof.

I hope the kitty gets better :)

Answer 10

There should be a grievance committee in your area - your new vet should be able to give you the #. I'd call the other vet tell him you had to take your cat to another vet because of his/her negligence and you want your money back, and you may contact the grievance committee.