Vets fees - additional work buster collar failed

sarahsjb

HI there, first time posting, hope this is ok question to ask, new rescue puppy spayed and dew claws removed at same time, sent home with buster collar, this was securely on when I went to bed, next morning it had come off, the piece of bandage string had broken (I have found it), she had opened wounds in back legs and it has cost £500+ to put it right (in addition to the original fee for the op) wounds were infected and full on bandages had to be repalced every other day.

No-one in vets told me to use her own collar to hold it on (altho they did say afterwards that they generally do tell people that and their vet nurse who discharged me did apologise for not telling me that ie admitting that she had not), their discharge notes say to make sure it is on securely which I did, I have paid £338 of the additional costs (paid on first day before I had time to think), I wrote asking them to waive additional costs as clearly it was not my fault the string broke.

They initially offered 50% reduction as a gesture of good will, I wrote back to ask them to reconsider as I do feel very strongly about this - they either had to tell me to use the dogs collar or provide me with method of fastening that was secure, or warn me that they couldnt guarantee their method of fastening was secure. They have now withdrawn their offer of 50% discount and say they will be pursuing me for the balance owed. I have been with their practice since it opened about 10 years ago, have 4 rescue dogs and have always been a good client, I am really upset by their reaction and also really annoyed as I dont think is my fault that this happened if I had just been given the right advice or equipment I would be £500 better off let alone the time I have since spent in the vet getting the bandages changed every day. However, I dont want to get into trouble for non-payment or spend money counter-suing in small claims or something if I really have no case. Does anyone have any advice - all comments appreciated!!
Thanks
Sarah

tomtontom

Do you not have insurance?

pinkshoes

By buster collar, do you mean one of these:



If so, they clearly have loops that require a collar to be threaded through. We got one after our dog was spayed, and were not told how to fit it either. We thought it was quite obvious, then double checked on youtube.

If it is the above collar, I would just pay the bill.