Negligence by our Vet

prudryden

Saucepot - I hope that made you feel like a better person, because I, for one, am very disappointed.

prudryden

Nina
I am truly sorry for your loss. Many people don't understand what
Nature has given us in regards to the relationship between dogs and their owners. I don't think I would pursue the Vet as it may just prolong the hurt feelings. However, if it will make you feel any better, then, by all means, write it all down and sit on it for awhile. Then look at it again and see if you really want to send it.

hopefulfooluk

I'm really sorry to hear the news Nina, that was a shocking way to have been treated by the vet no matter what the circumstances were.

Just look back on the good times you had with him and try to let go of the recent vet experience - as easy as it is for me to say, reeling in the vet's rudeness is not going to make you feel any better in the long run.

All the best and sorry again,

Chris

Xenomorhic

I'm so sorry to read this. That vet made a painful situation so much worse by behaving so brusquely.
I've had to have many small pets (rats and mice) put down in the past because of tumours, and the vet was always sympathetic when the deed was being done- it was important to me that he was. And to have this over your dog, who you'd had for so long. It's horrific. I'm ASTOUNDED he didn't even examine the dog properly. My little rabbit collapsed at new year and I stayed with her giving her drinks of water until I could get her to the vet. Her legs had totally given out, her breathing was laboured.. I knew she was done for as she'd been ill and had an operation to try and save her, and I had called ahead to say I was bringing her in to be PTS. Despite this the vet handled her gently, listened to her breathing, felt her body etc. briefly and carefully before agreeing that she must be put down.
I agree with Prudryden to write it down and see if you want to pursue later. Personally if there's more than one vet registered to the practice I'd complain. Is there a regulatory body for the vet practice as a whole? I might even voice my concerns there. Here is why I probably would- thank HEAVEN your family can lean on eachother. There are people out there who are all alone and their dog or cat is their whole world. I can't imagine the despair of an elderly/isolated person who loses a close friend in the way you have described. It's just not acceptable. Even if someone just ends up having a quick word in the vets ear, maybe he'll think for a second next time.
Re; the carts for dogs with collapsed hindlegs, I've actually seen a dog out using one, got around very well indeed! I personally doubt that all dogs would suit them and this should be borne in mind by anyone wishing to give them a try, but since meeting that dog I've been reluctant to condemn the idea totally.

Nina448

Thanks I appreciated the replies and am glad most people understand. All we wanted was time to come to terms with the situation if it meant having our dog put down we would have as we knew he was old. Its the way he died in such a undignified manner, the vet said that he wasn't in any pain a bit of more time would have given us time to say our proper goodbyes which we were denied and has left us feeling empty. We'll definitely complaim about his behaviour so it doesn't happen to someone else.

Thanks again for all the comments.

mrcow

Hi again

I do think it's right to complain, if only to point out to this guy how upsetting his behaviour was. It may be that he'll check himself in future before upsetting another family.

But please just give yourselves some time to think about what you wish to do. You had 13 happy years with your dog and you need to keep hold of the good memories, not the memories of how he died. You are right, he wasn't in any pain, and never will be now he is at peace. You did the best you could given the circumstances at the time.

Nile

Saucepot wrote:

The world is full of idiots who think animals are people. The dog was old, infirm and in pain. Putting it down was a kindness.

Why put the dog through more misery keeping it alive just for your own selfish attitude toward it?

Be grateful the dog is no longer suffering and if you like dogs, get another. Be sure not to let that one get fat though, and when it’s time comes, be sure that putting it down is a kindness.

Hello Nina448

Welcome to the MSE site.:wave:

I'm sorry to hear your story.

I don't know which has shocked me more, your story............or the response from the member Saucepot.:eek:

I would like to reassure you that there are lots of members of this site who wouldn't dream of using the terms 'idiots' or 'selfish' to describe animal owners. I hope you'll find that most members are supportive, caring and helpful.;)

Kind Regards

Nile

Nina448

Many Thanks Nile and everyone else for the positive support. Here's a picture of my dog wth his chrstmas presents, who will be very much missed and to saucepot our dog was old and when I said heavy I meant he was large. He was not in any pain, if not anything else, surely wanting some time with our dog to say goodbye can't be selfish.

saintjanet

Since i started posting on these forums,i have been amazed at the people who instead of being sympathetic,to other peoples situations,seem to delight in insulting them too.Well done saucepot and others your input is nothing short of disgusting.IS THE OP NOT UPSET ENOUGH ALREADY without your input?Well done to other posters for their sympathy.

Last time i suggested that people who have no sympathy with the op should keep their views to themslves,one poster said it was a public forum blah blah blah,well if your reading this dont bother saying it again!!

My own response to the op is to offer my sincere condolences,i am sorry for your loss and the way you were treated by this vet,sympathy costs nothing,perhaps if he had explained things to you it may have made your loss a bit easier to bear.I would certainly complain to the practice.

I have been in this situation myself so know exactly how you feel.

Xenomorhic

Gorgeous dog. I've got a real soft spot for GSDs. I can see how much a part of the family he was. I'm very sorry.

The briskness and the element of time in which this was done irks me. Heavens sake when we had a family rabbit put down when I was 13 years old we were all left alone in the room with her to say goodbye. I've been given a short period alone to say my fond farewells to animals so tiny and I'm sure to some peoples minds 'insignificant' as a little mouse, but the very fact that the vets I have used were always prepared to say such things as 'I'm sorry, you're doing this for the best I assure you, would you like a few moments alone.. even, 'do you want to be here with your pet when it's done?' was what kept my faith in them. It's just what I expect of good patient care. Or good customer service, if you want to be more distant and less involved about it.