A close friend's dog has had a "slipped ligature" after a neutering. The dog started to act "off" and then was taken to an emergency vet, which did another surgery (retied it apparently)...then blood transfusions...ICU, etc. Dog crashed twice.
Anyhow, the dog barely survived, may have cardiac issues now. But, the emergency vet bill is $6,000!!!
From the emergency vets, it sounds like the original vet did not do a good job suturing. A friend who is a vet tech said in 15 years she's never seen it happen because her vet does multiple ligatures...so if one slipped there would be a backup. Though, she said she had repaired some from "more careless vet offices" when she worked at an emergency animal hospital.
I'm wondering, how much responsibility should her original vet have in paying for what it sounds like is likely HIS mistake? Don't they have insurance for this sort of thing?
Hoping someone in the vet field with share opinions? She needs advice on what to do.
2007-05-15 08:33:11 · 6 answers · asked by Kiki 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
First, talk to a lawyer and get their take on it. (try an animal frendly one if possible) Let them know everything (animal medical history, etc.) See if there are any complaints against the vet or the vet office also. Calling the better business brueau(sp?) might turn up something.
If not you can always try talking to the vet maybe an amicable resolution can be met. Although, talking to a lawyer is the best way to go first.
Most of all, be thankful that the pet made it through and needs alot of love right now.
Good Luck...
2007-05-15 08:46:51 · answer #1 · answered by Irishman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The problem with this is that most vets ask you to sign paperwork before they operate on your animal, which usually has you agree not to hold them responsible for complications. The best thing you can do is take the information you've gathered about proper suture methods and give it to the vet, and request that they help cover at least the emergency vet visits if not the entire process. I'm sure there's insurance for veterinary malpractice, but it's hard to prove who is responsible.
2007-05-15 15:44:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I don't know about the legal aspects of getting the vet who did the original surgery so poorly to pay the bill - she should probably contact a lawyer for that. But I would definitely recommend that she document this and complain to her state's Veterinary Board.
http://www.aavsb.org/DLR/DLR.aspx
has links to veterinary regulatory agencies
2007-05-15 15:57:45 · answer #3 · answered by Bess2002 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go to the vet that did such a poor job and explain exactly what happened and tell them that you feel that it was their fault. Try and try to get them to pay the bill. Accidents do hapen but technically it is his fault and he should pay for it. If he doesn't feel that he should you should take it to small claims court. You may not get all of your money back but atleast you did all you could to get justice for your poor pup. Good Luck
2007-05-15 15:40:44 · answer #4 · answered by Alicia G 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
well in my opinion her original vet should pay for the whole thing and if he wont take him to court . i have never heard of this but sounds like malpractice to me sounds like the original vet got in a hurry and did a sloppy job . She should also consult an attorney who specialized in matters of animals and malpractice you will have to hunt for one . good luck .
2007-05-15 16:15:17 · answer #5 · answered by Kate T. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Consult an attorney that specializes in pet issues. Initial consultations are usually free.
2007-05-15 16:00:13 · answer #6 · answered by D 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋