Legal question dealing with a bad Vet...?

Question

I took my 5 month dog to a ER Vet on Saturday night cause his neck was stiff and he was in pain. Without even looking at my dog the Vet on call told me he had Meningitis and I would have to have a spinal tap at $3000. I told her I couldn't afford that so she told me I would have to keep him there until Monday at round $1100. Again I told her no and told her I wanted to take him home for rest and bring him to my vet Monday, she was upset but I took him home...anyway, before leaving I asked if I could have some meds to give him to help him fight the "Meningitis" she prescribed me 3 types. So, Monday morning I take him in and my Vet informs me that all 3 meds where wrong, and one isn't even for puppies and could (or did) cause some damage. So, my dog only has a stain neck, and is fine which is funny cause the ER Vet told me it is impossible for puppies to get stained muscles. Should I try to get some $ back from the ER Vet, the bill was $400 and everything was wrong?

Answer 1

I recall your story that you posted the other day and I am happy to hear your dog doesn't have Meningitis!!!! I really don't think you'll be able to do anything. I had a vet misdiagnose one of my dogs. I was told he needed a hip replacement. Took him to a specialist to have it done and that vet said 'no hip replacement will help this dog, he has Osteosarcoma (bone cancer). Since I had two different diagnosis I choose to take him to a cancer specialist vet for a third opinion and he confirmed he had cancer. Mind you I had treated this dog for a bad hip with pain medication for months before going to get the hip replacement. All in all it costs me over a thousand dollars and some of the costs wouldn't have been necessary if he was diagnosed correctly at the very beginning. Any how I called a few lawyers and I was told there was nothing I could do!!! I was stunned and pissed to say the least. I know how you must feel, but feel better knowing your dog is still with you. I'll be surprised if you're able to recoup the $$$. I lost my boy to Rainbow Bridge about 8 months after he was diagnosed with the cancer.

Answer 2

If nothing else see if there is a local vet's association and report this. We see a lot of this now days. One reason a lot of good pet owners can not afford to take their animals to the vet when need to. Not many of us would have had that kind of money the ER vet wanted. Sounds like she was "milking" the situation for what she could! That is so wrong and it is getting to be the norm. Then they try to make it look like folks don't care enough if they won't just fork out thousands to get the animal healthy.

Vet care is now BIG business! And when the vet screws up on a diagnosis they still want to be paid?? I would go over her head at that clinic. Take in something from your regular vet to head of clinic.

And yes, an active dog or pup can pull a muscle just like a human. Normally it is a hip or shoulder muscle from jumping around. Cold/hot packs can be used plus gentle massage of area.

Answer 3

You might try contacting your Better Business Bureau. If the ER clinic where you took your dog is accredited by AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association), you might try filing a complaint with them...it won't get your money back, but it may cause the clinic to lose accreditation, which is a pretty big deal. Check http://www.healthypet.com/

You may try to negotiate with the ER Vet on the bill, but I'm not sure how far you'll get.

Whatever you decide, get as much documentation on your dog's condition as you can (from both vet clinics) in order to prove your "case". I would be interested in what the ER vet wrote on your dog's chart.

Answer 4

actually you can recoup the monies. File first with Better Business Bureau and State Attorney General in you State. Contact the state or local veterinary board and file there. Finally, small claims court to recoup monies and any court costs which are minimal. You can also place an ad asking for any others in your area who may have had problems with this ER clinic come forward.

Answer 5

contact your local humane society and also inform your local t.v. station too maybe they could do like an undercover sting on this place and get them shut down or something sounds like they are milking ppl out of money and scamming ppl.so you should inform the better business bureau as well . good luck .

Answer 6

if i were you i would get a statement from your vet and take it to the head of the emergency clinic and ask for your money back and if they get hostile tell them you are going to run your vets letter and work ups in the newpaper with thiers.

Answer 7

Hi I would contat the Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners Or tTHe (BVME) you can find them on the internet. Or in your State (your state name)-Veternary practice act. Hope this helps

Answer 8

good luck on that one.