My little chihuahua was very ill and in pain. I took him to this animal hospital, eventually seen by both vets, and he was completely misdiagnosed, under-medicated, and medical advise incorrect by staff as well. For months he suffered, literally crying out in pain. His symptoms worsened. Bloody diarrhea and blood in mouth. It was horrifying. Tests were taken, but they were misread, as I found out later by taking him to several other vets. I stood vigil night after night, watching over him, soothing him, knowing something was wrong that they were missing. And, thank God I was right, and he is alive today to share this e-mail with you. His signs and symptoms showed that he had worms. The vets never even suggested that this could be a cause. Fecals were fine. However, I have been a dog owner all my life, and not once has a fecal actually shown parasites when parasites were present. Vet 101. It doesn't hurt the animal to rule out parasites out by giving medication for deworming, especially since his signs and symptoms were indicative of worms. In the meantime, he suffered greatly until he got pancreatitis and intractable irritable bowel disease. I didn't realize that the dosage of medication that would have prevented him from suffering was so low that it helped him not. It looked the same as other vets have given me when he had diarrhea. He nearly died a couple of times, and actually, I was even thinking that he could not take the pain any longer, and that I would have to put him to sleep. I called several times. I talked to the doctors repeatedly. Kept taking him in. A vet called me who had never even seen him when I placed an urgent call--he was bleeding out of his mouth and bottom, weak, crying, whimpering. Under their care, he had became worse and worse. After that, I took him to six vets, with little help, save one. Finally, a new friend recommended a new vet to me. I took my dog's records in. He diagnosed him promptly. Spent hours with me on the phone and in person. Contradicted what those vets had diagnosed, showed me on the x-rays what they had missed completely. He helped me save his life. My dog will be on meds for the rest of his life because of the misdiagnosis, for the worms and direct lack of care affected his internal organs. So not only did I pay a small fortune for his care there, I am paying out of my pocket monthly now. I spoke with the vet about receiving my money back for lack of proper diligence so that the money I gave them could go to his present and current care. I told her that I was not angry, to accept this experience as lesson learned next time a dog of his age comes in with those symptoms, they will know what to do. This could save another animal's life! However, our conversation was dismissed. I did not receive any further acknowledgment. I had his records sent to my new vet, and his records were conveniently handwritten very neatly, using the words I had used after talking to the vet. I believe they were altered to protect themselves. I cannot prove this point, but it is my belief, I am sad to say. It is sad that people cannot express their mistakes. People make mistakes all the time. I was hoping our conversation would lead to more knowledge for them--and for me--to make them better healers. Not the case here. I hugely recommend you see another vet. You can contact me anytime so that you can speak to the vet that helped me save his life. In the meantime, be well. By the way, the vet that saved his life is Dr. Kavanaugh at Saddleback vet clinic in Tustin. He is awesome. Thank you, Dr. Kananaugh.
more