During a "routine" tooth cleaning, my vet caused very painful injuries to my dog. During the procedure, the vet used a warmer to maintain my dog's body temperature. However, this warmer caused severe burns to both sides of my dog. He is now completely in bandages and has to have them changed every 2 days. Just changing them is very painful to him. In addition to this, the vet told me that "to save costs" she used a warmer/heating pad intended for humans. And, during the procedure, it got wet and literally steam cooked my dogs skin. My wife is absolutely furious and wants to sue. What should we do?
2007-04-09 05:19:57 · 20 answers · asked by jacob_devin 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I'd turn her into the state vets association. That is not only negligent but also, if she did it once, she'll probably do it again. Do you want someone elses dog to go through this too? At the least, her insurance should pay for the cost of the supplies to help him and any follow up care at another vet's office.
2007-04-09 05:24:59 · answer #1 · answered by mel m 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That's terrible, I was a reg. vet tech for several years and we frequently used heating pads set on low for various things with no injuries. I don't think I would have used it for a teeth cleaning because of the amount of water used, the dogs are usually pretty wet when they are done. Are they charging you for any treatment? I would send a report to the state vet board and let them investigate. They could probably advise you on legal rights too if you did decide to sue. Most people sue for medical bills (which wouldn't matter if you are not being charged) or if it is a show dog that would no longer be able to be shown and would limit desire for breeding then there would be a loss of income. Definately contact your state vet association and see where they say to go from there. You can find the link to your state vet associatioin here :
http://www.avma.org/statevma/
Keep us updated on his progress.
Tara
2007-04-09 05:32:53 · answer #2 · answered by Tara K 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would sue the vet's butt off. That was a very cruel experience for the poor dog and I shudder to think what it must be going through. I say change vets and sue this one to make sure she doesn't make the same mistake with someone else's dog. If this is what she does with a routine check up, then I wonder what she'd do in surgery.
Do as your wife says and get a lawyer real quick.
2007-04-09 05:32:24 · answer #3 · answered by daixyflexi 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well it is a wrong thing to use on a dog, even if the owner knows. I would talk to your vet and if she tells you the same thing over and over again I would first take you dog to a different vet one that will let you know everything that they will do and use during a process. Then if both you and your wife think that the best thing to do is go to court about it then you should but I don't know that much about going to court.
If you should happen to live in CA down by Greenville there is a very good vet there that my family and expecly my dog loves. so if you do you should try him.
2007-04-09 05:37:44 · answer #4 · answered by Polly Esther 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm with your wife on this one. The first thing any doctor whether human or animal is, first do no harm. It was a clean case of her stupidity and negligence that your dog was injured.
Fine a vet that has the equipment necessary to treat your dog with out doing it any more harm and then I'd sue her and the animal hospital for damages to your dog and what ever it is costing you to have the bandages and the dog cared for now..
2007-04-09 05:27:27 · answer #5 · answered by ♥Golden gal♥ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That - is - awful. You so rarely get truly irresponsible vets, but sounds like you found one!
The first thing to do it to report it to the owners of the practice. They could have the same attitude as the vet responsible for all I know - but they could also be completely unaware of what this vet is up to, and they need to be made aware.
As far as suing goes, you'd need to ask a lawyer what your rights are and how to go about this. In England tho, there is the RCVS which is responsible for investigating matters of misconduct and issuing the appropriate discipline/striking the vet off the register.
And it goes without saying - never take your dog to that vets again!
Chalice
2007-04-09 05:29:44 · answer #6 · answered by Chalice 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is this vet still taking care of the dog for the burns? If so, find another vet!
I'm with your wife - Sue for damages and costs of treatment from another vet. I'm not sure what kind of "Pain and Suffering" you'll be able to get, but a lawyer should be able to tell you.
2007-04-09 05:26:22 · answer #7 · answered by Yo LO! 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm so sorry to hear your dog has suffered at the hands of someone who is supposed to be caring for them.
Is your dog insured? the insurance compnay may be able to help with advice and costs. I would at least want to ensure any vets bills were paid by this vet (although I would insist on going to a different vet) and any future bills connected with these injuries were also covered.
2007-04-09 05:32:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
1. Get a lawyer and file suit
2. Call Peta, ASPCA, and every other organization and report the vet
3. Report the vet to the veterinarian licensing board!
4. Report the vet to it's supervisor if they have one.
This is where I would START.
2007-04-09 05:52:04 · answer #9 · answered by Tiff 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yup! Call a lawyer! All costs should be at least covered by your vet for the procedure that they did and any further care needed for the damage!!!
2007-04-09 05:25:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋