My dog died in their care. He died while in recovery following routine dental surgery. This is still difficult for to write as it still hurts many months later. After moving to this part of town, I st... Read More
My dog died in their care. He died while in recovery following routine dental surgery. This is still difficult for to write as it still hurts many months later. After moving to this part of town, I started taking my 7-8 year old mixed breed there. We initially loved it. Everyone was so friendly and I liked their monthly plans. Despite routine teeth cleanings, my dog's teeth apparently weren't in the best shape. During our initial visit, I was told he would need a tooth removed. (The year before, at another vet, my dog had surgery to remove several teeth.) This vet did a $180 blood work test to make sure he was healthy for surgery. (I received one free per year on his payment plan.) He was. I don't recall being told that the results were only good for a month and when I wanted to schedule surgery almost two months later, I was told he would need another blood work test done. I understood and I relented and paid for a second $180 test as I wanted to be sure there were no worries. Once again, there were no issues so we scheduled the surgery. Right afterward, he developed a bad ear infection out of nowhere. I immediately brought him in that same day. Unfortunately the vet only saw us for about two minutes, if that, before he was called away mid examination for an emergency with another dog. We were given steroid antibiotics for the ear infection and when I questioned his health for his upcoming surgery & expressed concern, the tech assured me that there were no concerns. The following week was not a good one as the steroids caused his behavior to change (he had separation anxiety) and he lost control of his bladder and was peeing every hour or two. I called and spoke to the same vet and he said it was fine to take him off the steroids now and when I questioned, he said he was still fine for surgery. I should've listened to my gut!! I should've rescheduled the surgery and then just paid another $180 for another blood work test. But instead my last memories of my dog are of him pawing at my legs, afraid and begging to stay with me, as the tech pulled him away from me. I didn't even get to say a goodbye. It's a horrible feeling and I'm riddled with guilt. As later that day while the other vet who did the surgery - whom I never met- was on the phone with me and while telling me that my dog was doing fine in recovery, a tech came in and told him something was wrong! He called me back a 1/2 hr later telling me that my dog died and "it must've been a blood clot". I have no idea what happened to my dog. I saw no reports. All I have are assumptions and fears, which I won't say here. All I know for sure is that he died having teeth pulled and he would still be alive if it weren't for that. I will say that this vet did the right thing by not charging me for the surgery that took his life. They also paid for his cremation & urn. (Though sending a condolence card would've been a meaningful gesture.)My warning to you -no matter what vet you go to- do your due diligence. Ask questions. Including medication side effects and alternatives and who will be working on your dog and what is their experience. Any surgery, no matter how routine, is a risk and is a big deal and should be a last resort. Get a second opinion. And always, always follow your gut feeling! As it can happen to your dog too. I have since rescued another dog and I am taking her to another vet. I am more cautious and will not just blindly trust any longer. Read Less