Last evening at around 10:30pm I called the Emergency Line for Edwards. A lady from the call centre answered and took my information and then asked me to hold (which I felt was odd given they generall... Read More
Last evening at around 10:30pm I called the Emergency Line for Edwards. A lady from the call centre answered and took my information and then asked me to hold (which I felt was odd given they generally just have the vet call you back). When she returned on the line she informed me that she spoke to the veterinarian on call and that she refused to come out just for a euthanasia. I am not a regular client at Edwards however I have been there at least three different times and the last time that I was in I was told by one of the owners of the clinic that the after hours emergency was available to anyone in need and not just for their clients. Maybe this has been changed since I was last in less than a year ago however the Veterinary Oath clearly states, and I quote, “I will strive to promote animal health and welfare, relieve animal suffering, protect the health of the public and environment, and advance comparative medical knowledge.” Furthermore, a Veterinarians professional responsibly to an animal is, and I quote, “7. In emergencies, veterinarians have an ethical responsibility to provide essential services for animals when necessary to save life or relieve suffering, subsequent to client agreement (or until such agreement can be obtained when no client is present). Such emergency care may be limited to euthanasia to relieve suffering, or to stabilization of the patient for transport to another source of animal care.”
The point is, if a cat suffering and drowning in their own blood is not classified as an emergency at Edwards, then what is? If a veterinary clinic is going to offer after hours emergency care they should be available to help any animal in need, whether someone’s beloved pet OR like in this case, an unknown cat that was hit by a car. They should NOT be picking and choosing which animal they want to help. Suffering is suffering and Edwards should be ashamed that they turned this cat away when he so badly needed the gentle touch and kind heart of a veterinarian to end his suffering and pain. Read Less