Vets error- advice on what to do next

jd87

CFC wrote: »

RCVS. That level of care and attention is atrocious.

Melodramatic much? Nobody died.

GonzoAston

jd87 wrote: »

Melodramatic much? Nobody died.

Lets see how you would feel if you were in the same situation. I know for sure I would be going mad over it!!!!

Thats what the RCVS is there for. I would report it also.

Energize

jd87 wrote: »

Melodramatic much? Nobody died.

Yet. What if the dog dies of cancer as a result of this lack of diagnosis, and should the owner foot the bill for medical costs as a result of the vets mistake?

birduk

ChinUp wrote: »

Thanks to those who have replied with advice. My dog has recovered well, stitches have healed nicely. I have looked into the RCVS to complain but as you say, we don't know exactly whose fault it was. The main thing I want from all of this is an apology, an explanation of what went wrong and any further tests they can do to determine whether the lump was cancerous or not. The letter said that they couldn't do any tests (I had suggested blood tests) to find out if it was cancer and that the vet said it didn't look cancerous (they would say that in the circumstances) so that doesn't really put my mind at ease. If the letter had provided me with an apology and explanation that would be the end of it but the fact is that they have made up a whole host of lies to hide behind. This has annoyed and frustrated me more than I already was after their error.
I have decided to reply to the letter from the vets, if I still don't get an honest reply and apology then I will be complaining to the head office.

Chin Up, it sounds like you have a plan. I am sure that Head Office would look into this for you. Do you have a 'head vet' or 'practice manager' that you can cc in your letter? Don't forget to keep all copies of correspondence.

In all honesty, I don't think there is that much more they can do for your puppy now. Just keep an eye out for any other changes- I am sure he/she will let you know how they are doing! Vet examined the lump and said it didn't look cancerous- so maybe you might be able to trust their judgement in this? My cat had to have a lump removed from her belly- it wasn't examined, but the vet was sure what it was, so no further tests were needed. I pretty sure that a blood test wouldn't detect the big C as it would be localised?

Do you have a reciept for the £60 analysis and refund of costs that you mentioned in your first post? Then surely that should be evidence that you wanted it examined? Put a copy of that in your letter. It may be time for a good meeting with your vet.

BECKIN1507

Look up 'Justice for Ted', they have information on how to make complaints, they are also on facebook.

zzzLazyDaisy

tankgirl1 wrote: »

I would contact the RCVS anyway, and ask for their opinion

I would do this too. TBH the fact that you don't know whether it was the vet or one of staff who made the mistake shouldn't matter. Your contract was with the vet. IMHO The vet removed the lump and said it would be sent for testing. It was the vet's responsibility to ensure this was done, and yes, if the staff made a mistake, that's the vet's responsibility too.

Contact the RCVS and ask them for advice before you go any further.

I would be wanting an undertaking that any future cancer arising out of the vet's negligence in failing to carry out a proper investigation of the lump will be treated without charge - although if the vet were to move or cease trading, I don't know how that would stand - possibly they could take out an insurance to cover this specific issue. These are things that you should explore with RCVS.

juliebunny

I wouldn't bother writing back to the surgery - go straight to head office and send a copy of that letter to your own (former I guess now) vet.

BTW - can't believe some of the idiot people who make such stupid and ignorant replies on this thread/form sometimes - what are they even doing looking at the pet thread?

Our animals are like family to us - replace this scenario with 'my mother/child/brother' etc and then see how your reply reads.

Thank goodness most people here are sane, intelligent and knowledgeable - and compassionate.

And those people I refer to can moan back at me all they like - I've been dealing with morons abandoning their pets, through the rescue shelter I help, for years, so have heard it all before.

undaunted

It appears likely to have been a mistake - someone assuming you didn't want the lump biopsied perhaps? - but if you can "evidence" / confirm having asked the vet to do so & given the potential consequences I'd make a complaint of negligence to the RCVS personally.

snowman2_2

It sounds like an honest mistake, in the immediate post-op period there are so many other things to worry about that lumps get left until the patient is off the operating table and safely awake. The patient is the priority. Saying that, they should have been honest at the start, said sorry we misplaced the lump, refunded the money and come up with a monitoring plan.

I would be amazed if the RCVS would do anything as to misplace a lump is careless, not negligent and there is no evidence as to who lost it. If they said they through it away deliberately, different matter, but this sounds like a simple, honest mistake. If you want to make a complaint, complain about the letter.

Unfortunately, there are no blood tests that would be useful. There is also no point sampling the op site as if it was removed properly the first time, there should be no tumour cells remaining. You need to keep a careful eye on the area and spot any regrowth quickly. It might have been benign though and may never regrow.

At the end of the day your dog is well and it was a clumsy letter. Change vets, monitor the op site but don't worry too much unless you find rapid regrowth.

rising_from_the_ashes

birduk wrote: »

And my point is that the lump has gone. It is no longer possible to analyse it. I understand that was what they wanted in the first place, but sadly that cannot be done. So what do they want now????

An apology would be a good start! (and reassurance that this will not happen to someone else).


OP, I'd definately write a letter of complaint as, at a minimum, you deserve an apology.

Were they able to remove a good chunk of healthy tissue all around the lump? If so, then that's certainly good news.

As for taking them to court, I personally wouldn't bother, it'll cause you no end of stress and, as others have said, it's going to be very difficult to prove who was at fault.

I'd certainly be looking for a new vet - as your friends/colleagues etc for recommendations.