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Beware of vet malpractice and grooming incidents
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The difficulty in coping when a companion animal suffers from an injury or death it is compounded when you suspect that negligence or abuse by your vet may be to blame.
-You can help protect your animal before tragedy strikes by seeking out a skilled and caring vet (ask for references from trusted friends and humane organizations and State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to check for complaints).
-Seeking a second or third opinion about your animal’s diagnosis before proceeding with surgery or treatment; and carefully monitoring your animal’s stay and treatment at the vet clinic.
-Never hesitate to ask questions about your animal’s treatment and never leave your animal overnight at a vet hospital unless you are convinced you must (such as surgery).
If your animal companion does become sick or injured while at a vet clinic, immediately take your animal to another vet for a second opinion and treatment. Ask for copies of your animal’s medical records from the original vet and show these to the second vet.
If your animal companion does become sick or injured while at a vet clinic, immediately take your animal to another vet for a second opinion and treatment. Ask for copies of your animal’s medical records from the original vet and show these to the second vet.
What to do if you suspect malpractice:
There are several steps you can take when you suspect that vet malpractice has led to your companion animal’s injury, sickness, or death.
First, send a concise, accurate, and factual written complaint (what happened, when, and where) to your state veterinary licensing board, asking for an investigation and response. Follow up your written complaint by telephoning the licensing board.
First, send a concise, accurate, and factual written complaint (what happened, when, and where) to your state veterinary licensing board, asking for an investigation and response. Follow up your written complaint by telephoning the licensing board.
You should also submit a complaint to your local veterinary medical association, asking for an investigation. (Any veterinary clinic should be able to provide you with addresses for the state licensing board and veterinary medical association, or look in the phone book under state agencies.) File copies of your complaints with the Better Business Bureau, local and state Consumer Affairs offices.
You can also file a small claims suit against the vet by filling out a form and paying a small fee at your local courthouse. You are responsible for presenting your own case in small claims court, so be sure to have copies of all your animal’s medical records and statements from other vets who examined your animal once you suspected negligence, and copies of your veterinary bills.
You may think this is taking it to far but please remember this although small claims courts award only "out-of-pocket" expenses, the attention generated by your case may be enough to prevent a veterinarian from acting irresponsibly in the future.
You can also hire a lawyer and bring a malpractice lawsuit against the vet or negotiate a settlement. As with a small claims suit, you will need documentation to back up your case, including statements from "expert witnesses" (such as vet, pathologists, and others with special professional knowledge of the issues under consideration).
You can also hire a lawyer and bring a malpractice lawsuit against the vet or negotiate a settlement. As with a small claims suit, you will need documentation to back up your case, including statements from "expert witnesses" (such as vet, pathologists, and others with special professional knowledge of the issues under consideration).
Unfortunately, you may find that many lawyers hesitate to take on these cases because the potential for a large monetary award is low. In most veterinary malpractice cases, awards are limited to the costs incurred, plus the cost of replacing a companion animal with an animal of similar value.
Some state courts, however, are beginning to acknowledge the unique nature of the bond shared by humans and their companion animals, and these courts also permit the recovery of "reasonable sentimental value" in some instances. California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, and New Jersey are among the states where recent veterinary negligence cases prompted judges and juries to assess the value of companion animals beyond their “property value.” To find a good attorney, ask for a recommendation from the local bar association, friends or family.
Please regardless of what action you decide to take, consider contacting local newspapers and television stations. Your story could help protect other animals from harm.
Grooming Accidents
Animals have been seriously injured or worse at grooming salons. Some suffer from heat exhaustion as a result of being left unattended in front of dryers, and others are the victims of other types of neglect.
The best way to prevent accidents is by taking precautions and doing research. If you must leave your companion animal at a grooming salon, do the following things to ensure his or her safety:
The best way to prevent accidents is by taking precautions and doing research. If you must leave your companion animal at a grooming salon, do the following things to ensure his or her safety:
-Check to see whether the groomer you are considering is a member of any trade organizations. Although groomers are not required to be licensed, association with groups like the National Dog Groomers Association often indicates professionalism. Evidence of participation in industry seminars is also a good sign.
-Find a groomer with experience. Groomers who have many years of experience in working with animals will be more confident in their skills and limitations and should be more comfortable with animal behavior. Any reputable grooming salon should have at least one veteran groomer on staff.
-Request references from other clients.
-Consider a groomer who makes house calls so that both your animal companion and the groomer are under your supervision.
-Find a groomer with experience. Groomers who have many years of experience in working with animals will be more confident in their skills and limitations and should be more comfortable with animal behavior. Any reputable grooming salon should have at least one veteran groomer on staff.
-Request references from other clients.
-Consider a groomer who makes house calls so that both your animal companion and the groomer are under your supervision.
Added note for cost saving and peace of mind:
Another option is to learn how to groom your animal friend yourself. Regular bathing, brushing, and clipping help you to build rapport and trust with your animal companion while keeping him or her looking and feeling healthy. A good grooming routine should include the following:
Brushing
Brushing removes dirt and dead hair, stimulates circulation, distributes natural oils throughout the coat, and provides a fantastic bonding opportunity for you and your animal companion.
A thorough examination of the body and skin
Regularly checking for lumps, parasites, wounds, and other abnormalities is a great way to catch potential medical problems before they become serious.
Checking of the ears
Check for unusual odors or inflamed skin, either of which could indicate the presence of infection or mites.
Toenail clipping
Overgrown nails can lead to injuries of the foot-pad, walking difficulties, and elongated blood vessels in the nails. Your veterinarian can show you the proper way to trim nails. When trimming your pal’s nails, check for cuts or things between the toes.
Dental care
Use toothpaste that is especially formulated for dogs and cats. If your companion does not like you to use a toothbrush on his or her teeth, try wrapping some gauze around your finger instead.
Baths
Depending on your animal friend’s breed and activities, baths may or may not be necessary. If you do bathe him or her, use lukewarm water, rinse well, and consider putting cotton in his or her ears to prevent water from getting in and promoting infection.
If your animal becomes injured at a grooming salon remember that a story about your animal’s injuries on a local television station or in the newspaper can help prevent future tragedies. Public awareness is a powerful tool.
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