vts office killed my sisters cat by mistake

[dainerra]

Singe hurt himself this morning and needs some stitches. They sedate for that and all I've been able to think of all day was this.

 

[AinaWGSD]

"Put to sleep" is a common euphemism for kill or euthanise. This appears to be clearly a miscommunication. Very sad that this happened, but there are two sides to every story, and if legal action is taken, I am afraid it will turn into a 'he said, she said' situation.

"Put to sleep" is also a common euphemism for anesthesia or general sedation. If the owner did not sign any consent forms giving the vet permission to euthanize her pet, then she has a pretty clear cut legal case here. Consent laws vary a bit from state to state, but in all states documented owner consent is required for the vet to be able to legally perform either euthanasia or anesthesia. No form means no documented consent means what the vet did was illegal. Yes, this is clearly a grievous miscommunication, but miscommunication of this magnitude constitutes gross negligence and/or incompetence and is grounds for malpractice suits. ANY competent veterinary professional understands that euthanasia is not something that can be undone and will double and triple check the reason for euthanasia before drawing up the injection, let alone administering it.

 

[animallover505]

my sister lives in louisiana. my aunt was talking to her husband about this and he said the same thing happened to his bos shere in texas. but it was his dog. the dog went in for something minor. the vets office euthenized his dog with out consulting him... I know I will be asking tons of questions next time I take a pet to the vets office before I let them touch my pet and I will question everything they are doing

2 clinics?! That is aweful. I'm so sorry!!

 

[canesisters]

I'm so sorry for your sister's loss, but I've gotta wonder if there is more to the story....

I was a vet assistant for several years and it would not have been possible for this sort of situation to happen. And that was before these days of multiple release forms and disclaimers.

 

[Sass]

you or her still need to get the board of vet examiners involved, it does not matter what phrase was used, shes not the first one to use it, did they kill all the animals? in that case everyone that goes to the dentist has to worry that they will be killed because they want to be put to sleep for that??? no , they were wrong-- and its NOT a he said she said, she discussed treatment with the person on the phone, they put down Euthanise on a paper, they should have had a release signed prior, and asked what the reason for Euthanising the cat was- did sh e sign a paper to have the cat put down without reading it?? if so, she is at fault, BUT if they did not offer that-- they are completely at fault, its a screw up, not a miscommunication, and if its not reported, many other cats and dogs will die for no reason.. the link is posted, id follow through if i were her..

 

[chixie]

2 clinics?! That is aweful. I'm so sorry!

in 2 different states... scarey

 

[chixie]

you or her still need to get the board of vet examiners involved, it does not matter what phrase was used, shes not the first one to use it, did they kill all the animals? in that case everyone that goes to the dentist has to worry that they will be killed because they want to be put to sleep for that??? no , they were wrong-- and its NOT a he said she said, she discussed treatment with the person on the phone, they put down Euthanise on a paper, they should have had a release signed prior, and asked what the reason for Euthanising the cat was- did sh e sign a paper to have the cat put down without reading it?? if so, she is at fault, BUT if they did not offer that-- they are completely at fault, its a screw up, not a miscommunication, and if its not reported, many other cats and dogs will die for no reason.. the link is posted, id follow through if i were her..

she is gonna report that. I am warning all my friends when taking there pets to the vets to ask questions about everything the vet is doing. I know I will from now on.

 

[theoldchick]

When selecting a Veterinarian make a surprise visit to the clinic you selected. Go on a Monday or a Friday-that is usually the busiest day, and well trained staff can handle the stress.

Listen to the voices. How are the phones being answered? Ask to meet the veterinarian. And if you select a place ask about the staff. Who graduated from an accredited program? How many licensed veterinary technicians do they have on staff? Ask to meet everyone right down to the kennel person.

Ask to see the surgery suite. You may not be allowed to enter the room, but you should be able to get a look see from the door. What kind of monitoring equipment do they have? Is it clean? How old is the equipment?

Evaluate the cleanliness of every room. How is the odor? If they have a boarding facility make sure it is separate from the hospital.

If your pet is having surgery ask about anesthesia. Are they using injectable sedation or general anesthesia? Will the patient be intubated? How is the patient monitored before, during, and after the procedure? Is blood work required before general anesthesia? Will an IV catheter be placed?

Veterinary medicine has come along way since I started 26 years ago. I've worked in places that did the least possible and I've worked in places that did top notch work. I can tell you horror stories and I can tell you about the miracles. I can tell you this: In some places you get what you pay for. A $50.00 spay does not include blood-work, IV cath placement, digital monitoring, and in some cases does not include general anesthesia.

When going to a vet be informed, ask questions, and make sure you are understood.

 

[punk-a-doodle]

Unfortunately, in some places you also get gloriously ripped off by people with high honors and degrees and state of the art clinics. In the last two states I've lived in, I've found the vets from more rural and lower economic areas to be the ones I return to as they have been very honest in what they can or can't do, and have just gone above and beyond for us and others.

In just one rabbit we had two highly recommended (by rescue groups, other vets, etc) clinics with vets specializing in rabbits charge us for an expensive as heck eye-removal surgery they did not perform and we did not have the means at the time to fight it. So sadly, we did not get what we paid for twice over, and our rabbit lost his window for effective treatment. Very clean clinics with smoothly managed staff, but a tip off was that one place tried to push items on you as soon as you stepped in the door. Sorry, don't want to sound like I'm saying those aren't good general guidelines Theoldchick, just that even then some will astound you with their actions so to always be very vigilant!

 

[chixie]

this was not her regular vet. this one was filling in while sisters regular vet was on vacation. niece heard her on the phone with someone saying the cat was biting and scratching... funny thing is the cat was alying there they didnt touch the cat before the gave him the shot to euthinze him ... the lawyer is checking into legal action and told her to contact PETA and the state liscesing(sp?) board.... and I found out on the dog that was euthinized went in to get his teeth cleaned.