Vet has lost my dogs sample for cancer test

Keanosafc

3 weeks ago my dog had a lump on her bottom jaw, which resulted in part of the lower jaw bone being removed.

The bone sample was sent to labs for testing and I was told an initial result would come back after a week to determine likelihood of spread in the local area, also told after 3 weeks a more detailed result would arrive which would tell us ,Cancer type, Likelihood of spreading/returning anywhere else in the body, and whether it would be worth further treatment.

After 3 weeks we heard nothing so contacted the vet only to be told that the lab hadn't recieved it and it must have been lost in the post. (none of which the samples are sent recorded)

I have spent in excess of £2500 so far for treatment on the dog, and I cannot believe a vet practice would scrimp on a few pounds to send something recorded.

We have been told that they will xray her chest to check for spreading, however when we initially paid they done an MRI scan (at £500) to check where to remove the bone from.

Is there anyway that I could put pressure on the vets to track down the lost sample.

Is it right to ask for an MRI scan as further treatment without paying any extra cost.

Is there any legal action/advise I can take.

It's only just happened and I haven't spoke to vet manager/senior yet so I may get this resolved.

I would also add, the care (and op) from the vet/sergeon so far has been excellent.

Any vets or someone in the know, please advise.

bees_2

Goodness, that is really bad of them! Poor you and your dog (give it a pat on the head from me!)

I can't imagine you'd have to pay again if it was their mistake, if I was you I'd push for any extra treatment that may be needed from now on to be included in what you've already paid, it's their mistake and your dog shouldn't have to suffer in any way from that.

Good luck!

Keanosafc

They've agreed to pay for xrays and an MRI further down the line to check for spreading.

It would have been good to know the results of the tests though, which now seems unlikely as the vet says it's probably been lost in the post.

everythingblogcast

I hope that it turns out to be something other then cancer and your dog recovers fully,

Keanosafc

I got a call from my vet yesterday, and informed me the missing sample had turned up at the lab, (apparently the lab which it had been sent to had outsourced the sample elsewhere).

The results show the tumor is benign, and there will be no risk of spread. So other than having part of her jaw missing, (drooling a lot more) and having liquidised food for a month, my little dog should be fine.

The vet has also told me he is changing his practice (using recorded delivery) when sending out samples which are urgent or can't easily be repeated.

I would suggest anyone who has a pet that needs samples sent by your vet, to insist that it is sent recorded delivery, or at the least find out your vets normal procedure.

Even though I've got a good result the waiting was awful and I'd hate to think someone else would go through the same.

everythingblogcast

Am glad that its benign and that she is just going to have part of her jaw missing rather then having to left (I dont want to use the other word but you know where am getting at). All the best.