My puppy dog at vet office.. Is he being cared for good? PLEASE READ!!!!!! I need your opinions! PLEASE!!!!!?

Question

I saw him this morning and they were “just” cleaning him up, that was at 8.30am, they get there around 7.30am, the doctor does not get in till 9am! What if there is an emergency overnight? When my girlfriend went to see him at noon they wouldn’t let her see him, and then when I came back this afternoon they wouldn’t let me see him either. First he said he is in the middle of a treatment, then that they didn’t want me to get contaminated, then that they were cleaning him up, and then that they didn’t want me to see him because of how he looked since he is depressed and he is vomiting, peeing, and has diarrhea, and had some on him. He has parvovirus, very dangerous virus for puppies. I have just recently gotten a new job, and we are very short on money, this has cost us so far around $1200.00 . My concern is that he is not being cleaned up accordingly. He does keep going to the bathroom a lot because of the virus however. It seems like every time I came by they were “just” cleaning him. I want my puppy to get well, and feel good while being in treatment. I don’t want him to be in his own feces for extended time. I understand they cannot clean after each time he vomits or “goes”, however it seems like they are letting him sit in it because of how much work it would be to clean up after him. Well I did my part and paid for him to get the best treatment without withholding anything. I love my dog and want him to get well. Should I be concerned in your opinion that there is something going on because they won’t let me see my puppy?! Or is that standard procedure for vet doctors for the good of the people? I don’t want my puppy to die because of poor treatment, I have no way of telling if they are doing their job correctly since even in the morning it took them 5 minutes before they let me go back there and they were “just” cleaning him up

Answer 1

I understand your concern over your puppy.

But please consider these things:

1. It's not surprising that they were 'just' cleaning him up each time you got there. Parvo patients often have to be cleaned up a dozen or more times a day. It's very labor-intensive, and one of the things that adds to the cost of treatment.

2. I usually don't allow visitations to such sick pups, either. It's my job to look out for the best interests of my patient...which is the dog, not the owner. If you visit your pup, it is likely to just add more stress when what he needs is REST. Each time you visit, he'll get somewhat 'excited' to see you (even in his weakened condition)....then when you leave, we invariably end up with a more depressed patient than we had to start with. They'll often whine and whimper for 10-15 minutes after you're gone before they settle down and go back to sleep, wondering why you left them 'again.' That's emotional and physical energy they don't have in abundance, and don't need to waste. They need to conserve their strength for getting well. They often pick up on their owners' anxiety and worry, too.

3. Each time you visit, YOU have to be fully disinfected also...so that you don't track virus back through the clinic when you leave. Even if you use a foot bath, they still have to mop after you, and you're carrying the virus with you on your clothes, your hair, etc. You don't see it because it goes on 'behind the scenes' but there is an enormous amount of disinfection going on when caring for a parvo patient.

Some clinics have installed video cameras and will let you view your pup on a monitor in another room. I have found that that helps some owners....but adds anxiety to others, as they have a hard time dealing with the fact that their pup has to be confined to such a small cage in order to keep the IV line from tangling.

If it concerns you that he's left alone overnight, you can have him transferred to a 24-hour hospital....but be prepared to pay even more than you're paying now. It's very expensive to staff and run such facilities.

Please understand that they're trying to help your puppy get better. Trust me....it hits the staff especially hard when we lose intensive-care patients, and we celebrate when they get well and get to go home. It's an incredibly heartwarming feeling to hand a pup back while enthusiastically wagging its tail and licking its owner's smiling face again after lying there near death for several days. They want to see that....I promise. And they're doing everything they can to get to that point as soon as possible. But it takes time. There's no way to speed up the process. Hang in there. Please don't put your needs ahead of your pup's.


ETA to JuicyFruit: Next time you do that, think how you would feel if the doctors and techs were in the middle of a critical procedure on YOUR dog and some unauthorized person "just walked back there".....which startled your dog and caused him pain/harm as a result. :-/
Those areas are designated 'staff only' for a REASON. We have oxygen and other potentially dangerous, sensitive equipment in those areas. Our insurance doesn't cover unauthorized people being back there, because you can cause harm or injury to others or yourself...not to mention the animals. Plus, security can escort you off the premises. You could even be arrested. Your arrogance places other peoples' (and your) pets in danger....but I guess you don't care about any of that, as long as you get what you want, huh?

Answer 2

Let the vet clinic do there job! Each time you or you're girlfriend "visit" your pup you spread parvovirus particles all over the clinic, the parking lot, and anywhere else you go and on anything you touch. This puts other animals at risk of contracting the virus and getting sick.

Your visits might help you cope with the situation but don't do a whole lot for your dog. Parvo puppies are terribly messy and if they were able to clean up after him in 5 minutes they must be pretty good at what they do. It's amazing how much bloody, slimey, stinky filth can come out of one of these guys.

Good luck with your pup but give the folks at the clinic some time and space to do their job.

Answer 3

OK I am a vet tech and I know that he probably stinky and gross and vomiting and pooping everywhere. But you should be able to see him. There is no reason why you should not be able to visit your puppy in the treatment area. I would not accept this as an answer. He is your dog and you visiting him would probably help to make him feel a little better. I do have to warn you though, puppies who are being treated for parvovirus usually look terrible, and if you are not used to the smell it can about knock you over. This does not mean that they arent taking care of him. But please insist that you be allowed to visit your dog, you dont have to raise hell in there but be firm about it. I find that absolutely ridiculous. Oh and as for the docs getting there at 9, it is usually pretty common for them too arrive later than the opening staff. We open at 7 and our docs arrive around 7:30 or 8. I hope all goes ok with your pup- parvo is pretty serious business and they usually have a 50-50 chance with treatment. Good luck!

Answer 4

It does seem kind of unusual that they wouldn't let you see him after numerous requests. It could be, however, that he really is too sick for visitors. I don't know much about parvovirus, but they could be concerned about you contracting it as well. I'm pretty sure that they wouldn't neglect him at a vet's office. They are, after all, in the business of caring for animals. Maybe it's not too late to ask around. Ask other owners if they've had negative experiences with the vet. I know you're worried about your puppy, but sometimes a little patience can go a long way . . . Also, ask them if they've got some kind of viewing area where you can look at your pup without being in the same room.

Answer 5

I know you are concerned. But please be patient. We have one vet clinic that is large enough that parvo patients are kept in a large room in the basement with the cats they have as blood doners. It is a treatment room and very depressing. Its the same as when my daughter was in neo natal as a newborn. Scrubs booties hair net and gloves. They do allow owners to visit but usually once they do they decide to wait for the vet release.

The only thing they are withholding from you is the g*o*d awful smell of the bloody liquid that I have seen shoot out of the A** of parvo puppies. Their intestines are being ripped away by this virus and the best thing is to keep them as calm as possible so as not to stimulate any bodily functions.

They are keeping you from seeing his delapitating body with his shaved leg and iv stuck in him and unable to move about freely. It is horrible and heartbreaking. Knowing there is no cure there is nothing you can do it is up to the vet techs to keep his IV flowing to maintain hydration.

As we have all grown to love and feel for our pets we know they feel what we feel. Don't upset him. Even though you may make him happy to see you it is more depressing to him that you are leaving him behind. Trust me you want him at the vets office and not in your home with parvo. There is no way to control the the bodily fluids and it will be you each time "just " cleaning him up.

Until he has solid stool and holds down food and water he will not be completely clean. There would be no reason to give him a nice warm bubble bath cause he's gonna mess again.

Sorry -

I kept my first Parvo rescue - He's the love of my life. He holds a special place in my heart when I was constantly told it was just worms he shot blood three feet out his rectum I carried him in the house his eyes rolled back in his head and I wasn't sure he was still alive by the time we got to the emergency vet. I had only had him 24 hours but felt so guilty not knowing what parvo was and helping him sooner that I kept him. When it was time for him to go to adoption my daughter hid with him in the bathroom - Here he is all better and ready for adoption I couldn't let him go.

http://www.cincinnati.com/freetime/pets/img/pets/cubby_rea.jpg

Answer 6

There are plenty of other vets who would be willing to take your money and give better care; any feeling vet would let you in; my friend , they let her in to just sit near the cage for hours and bring in his favorite things; there are good mechanics and bad ; good senators and bad; good presidents and bad and good and bad vets; when you have a gut feeling go with !!! It is there for a reason, follow your gut and your heart; if you need to transfer then do it; call other vets and get their take on visitation etc; it is your dog; it is your money; I would demand to see it now or move it ; you have seen your dog go to the bathroom before so that doesn't make sense; you have rights, you are more and deserve more than them just opening your wallet; I think you are right ; stay by your feelings and convictions!!! I want to see my dog! It may help your dog as well; think of someone left in the hospital without any love ones; Since no one knows everything about our bodies or theirs (we are still in the learning process) , the touch, sight or smell of something or someone that loves you can be healthy inspiration; sometimes it works better than medicine. I wish you and your pet the very best; you both have my prayers and best wishes!!

Answer 7

If you feel unhappy with the way they are taking care of him I would call other vets and tell them whats going on and if they think otherwise then I would take him out there and to that vet or even a better one.
Your poor puppy needs to be treated well and loved as he is holding on so strong so do whats best and call around, always go with your gut..
I hope he gets better and I am really praying for him too.

Answer 8

Awww My heart goes out to you.. I know this must be so hard for you.. My mom just actually went through something sort of like this with my brother's cat.. The vet bill is up to almost 800.00 now but it saved his life.... But I remember my mom and my brother was allowed to see his cat before surgery and even after.. and the cat had gotten very sick after he was operated on due to meds and the stress and all.... But everything seems pretty normal that they are doing except for you not being able to see your puppy... I would demand that you get to see your puppy... Have you called the local SPCA to see what your rights are as a pet owner?? You have rights, just like if it was one of your children in the hospital....and our animals are like our children...
So please don't fret hun, being cautious is a good thing... But let them know that you are going in to see your puppy no matter what.... My prayers are with you.. I lost a puppy to Pravo when I was little because the vet couldn't catch it in time...But I do remember the vet saying that it is cureable so my thoughts and prayers are with you hun....I know your puppy will be just fine... : )

Answer 9

Animal and the person with Sunshine have said it all. They are a lovely breed of dog though not for the first time owner. I nearly got a Sammy myself before deciding that all the grooming was going to be too much of a task for me. I visited a breeder near to me and she has become a good friend, not saying the least we found out we were related(many times removed). They are a very friendly breed and never seen a bad Sammy. I have seen on walks people who have not cared for their Sammy's coat and it was full of matts and i was horrified to see the dog like this. The one thing that put me off the breed at the time was the amount of grooming required and everything i would need, like a grooming table and the time i would have to put in to keep the dog in tip top condition. I have to go on what others have said, what happens when you go to college or work, are your parents going to take up looking after the dog? Its something to think about and work out before you get any breed of dog. Good luck in your search and i would start meeting breeders and speak to them and get yourself to some shows and see for yourself whether the breed is right for you.

Answer 10

Most of the time from my experiance the vets will let people see their beloved pet. i do not know this vets policies, but they should let you see the puppy to ease your mind. I would tell them you demand to see your puppy, afterall you are paying them for them to get the dog better. I have never heard of a vet that refuses to let the owner see their beloved pet, unless they are trying to hide something, every vet i have dealt with will allow visits with the pets. So something does not seem right.