Veterinary Specialty Hospital

Below is the response letter that was sent to Ms [redacted] : Dear Ms [redacted] , Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to review your case and experience with Veterinary Specialty Hospital We would like to send our sincerest condolences on the passing of *** As pet owners ourselves, we realize how much he meant to you and our thoughts are with you during this difficult time As a specialty hospital, we are held and hold ourselves to a high standard in everything that we doVSH’s commitment is to provide the highest quality of veterinary care to our patients and we strive to treat our patients and clients like they are part of our family Your request was reviewed by the doctors involved with ***’s case as well as the Hospital Supervisor and it was determined that a refund will not be offered at this time All medical recommendations were provided based on ***’s condition and our doctors believe that all treatments performed were in ***’s best interest When Dr [redacted] arrived at the hospital the morning of 5/29/15, [redacted] appeared slightly anxious, but was not struggling to breatheHe had some stridor, which is typical of partial upper airway obstructive disease, but he was not dyspenicAt that time, an examination was performed by Dr [redacted] and Dr [redacted] and the lymph node was aspirated, which the preliminary review was highly suggestive of LymphomaWhen you arrived to pick [redacted] up on 5/29/15, Dr [redacted] discussed concerns over an upper airway obstruction that was worsening***’s recent history of having vomited after surgery and the radiograph report did not rule out pneumonia, but his physical examination was most consistent with upper airway obstructionHe had enlarged submandibular lymph nodes, and there was also the potential for retropharyngeal lymph nodes that are not palpable or visible that may be enlargedSwelling may have been exacerbated by a recent intubation, although [redacted] had been breathing more appropriately on the morning of 5/29/and had adequate blood oxygen saturationThe difficulty with upper airway obstruction cases is that they can be progressiveOnce a narrowed lumen has been created there is a higher degree of negative pressure and you can get secondary soft tissue edema in the area as well as pulmonary edema if the problem continuesThese cases can progress rapidly, as was the case prior to presentation on 5/28/and the short period of time prior to your arrival to pick up [redacted] on 5/29/ [redacted] was provided oxygen therapy and a dedicated technician as soon as he displayed signs of difficult breathingAfter you visited with ***, you informed Dr [redacted] that you wanted [redacted] to be euthanizedAt that point, Dr [redacted] left the room to inform the technicians so that the appropriate paperwork could be brought to you and signed Unfortunately, you vacated the premises before we could obtain legal authorization to euthanize ***Numerous attempts were made to contact you so that we could obtain authorization by phone with two witnesses, which is required when we do not have a signed authorizationWhile we were awaiting verbal approval, [redacted] was kept on oxygen and propofol was administered as needed to keep him comfortable and sedate We have yet to receive word on your wishes for ***’s aftercareWe will hold his body at our facility for days and if in that time we do not receive word on your decision, he will be sent for routine aftercare with other animals and his remains will unfortunately not be returned to youPlease let us know as soon as possible what your requirements are for ***’s aftercare We were worried about your wellbeing, as you informed some of our staff members that you had recently experienced very traumatic events with your family and ***’s medical situation was upsetting to youAdditionally, you informed our Hospital Supervisor that you were going to buy a shotgun, but disconnected the line after that statementWe were obligated to inform the police of this incident for the safety of our clients, patients, and staff members Again, we are very sorry for your loss of ***Please let us know if we may provide you with any grief resources to help you through this difficult time and do not hesitate to reach out with any additional questions that you may have Sincerely, [redacted] Client Services Supervisor Veterinary Specialty Hospital

Below is the response letter that was sent to Ms. [redacted]:
Dear Ms. [redacted],
Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to review your case and
experience with Veterinary Specialty Hospital. 
We would
like to send our sincerest...

condolences on the passing of [redacted].  As pet owners ourselves, we realize how much he
meant to you and our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. 
As a specialty hospital, we are held and hold ourselves to a high
standard in everything that we do. VSH’s commitment is to provide the highest
quality of veterinary care to our patients and we strive to treat our patients
and clients like they are part of our family.  Your request was reviewed by the
doctors involved with [redacted]’s case as well as the Hospital Supervisor and it
was determined that a refund will not be offered at this time.  All medical
recommendations were provided based on [redacted]’s condition and our doctors believe
that all treatments performed were in [redacted]’s best interest.
When Dr. [redacted] arrived at the hospital the morning of 5/29/15, [redacted]
appeared slightly anxious, but was not struggling to breathe. He had some stridor, which is typical of partial upper airway
obstructive disease, but he was not dyspenic. At that time, an examination was performed by Dr. [redacted] and Dr. [redacted]
and the lymph node was aspirated, which the preliminary review was highly suggestive of Lymphoma. When you arrived to pick [redacted] up on 5/29/15,
Dr. [redacted] discussed
concerns over an upper airway obstruction that was worsening. [redacted]’s recent
history of having vomited after surgery and the radiograph report did not rule
out pneumonia, but his physical examination was most consistent with upper
airway obstruction. He had enlarged submandibular lymph nodes, and there was
also the potential for retropharyngeal lymph nodes that are not palpable or
visible that may be enlarged. Swelling may have been exacerbated by a recent
intubation, although [redacted] had been breathing more appropriately on the morning
of 5/29/15 and had adequate blood oxygen saturation. The difficulty with upper
airway obstruction cases is that they can be progressive. Once a narrowed lumen
has been created there is a higher degree of negative pressure and you can get
secondary soft tissue edema in the area as well as pulmonary edema if the
problem continues. These cases can progress rapidly, as was the case prior to
presentation on 5/28/15 and the short period of time prior to your arrival to
pick up [redacted] on 5/29/15. [redacted] was provided oxygen therapy and a dedicated
technician as soon as he displayed signs of difficult breathing. After you
visited with [redacted], you informed Dr. [redacted] that you wanted [redacted] to be
euthanized. At that point, Dr. [redacted] left the room to inform the technicians so
that the appropriate paperwork could be brought to you and signed.  Unfortunately, you vacated the premises before
we could obtain legal authorization to euthanize [redacted]. Numerous attempts were
made to contact you so that we could obtain authorization by phone with two
witnesses, which is required when we do not have a signed authorization. While
we were awaiting verbal approval, [redacted] was kept on oxygen and propofol was administered
as needed to keep him comfortable and sedate.
We have yet to receive word on
your wishes for [redacted]’s aftercare. We will hold his body at our facility for 14
days and if in that time we do not receive word on your decision, he will be
sent for routine aftercare with other animals and his remains will
unfortunately not be returned to you. Please let us know as soon as possible
what your requirements are for [redacted]’s aftercare.
We were worried about your
wellbeing, as you informed some of our staff members that you had recently
experienced very traumatic events with your family and [redacted]’s medical
situation was upsetting to you. Additionally, you informed our Hospital
Supervisor that you were going to buy a shotgun, but disconnected the line
after that statement. We were obligated to inform the police of this incident
for the safety of our clients, patients, and staff members.  
Again, we are very sorry for your
loss of [redacted]. Please let
us know if we may provide you with any grief resources to help you through this
difficult time and do not hesitate to reach out with any additional
questions that you may have.  
Sincerely,
 
[redacted]
Client Services Supervisor
Veterinary Specialty Hospital

Review: After a surgical procedure conducted at my regular vet my dog experienced respiratory distress.

I took him to Veterinary specialty hospital paid $2202 up front to keep him there overnight on IV and oxygen . was told that this would include xrays. Received call at midnight stating that my dog was doing well , breathing on his own . spoke to vet in the am and was told that the dog was doing great and that they would call me back with a time to come get him . At 9 thirty they called to tell me that I could come to pick up my dog . I got there 30 minutes after they called me . I was told by the vet that the dog was taking a bad turn . When I asked why they had not called me , they did not know .

I asked what I should do and they said that maybe the dog was getting lymphoma , as he had swollen glands and that they clould give him chemotherapy . I asked if there was anything that could be done for him and they said they could give him a steroid shot to reduce any inflammation that he might have , since they did not know what was wrong . I said ok .

The vet said it would be a good idea to leave him there so they could treat him with oxygen if needed thruout the day . The vet left the room for a while and said he would be back . I walked out of the room and saw him enter another exam room . I waited . When he walked out , I asked to see my dog .

I was horrified . He was in the same state of distress that he had been in when I brought him in the night before , but this time he was receiving zero treatment no oxygen , no IV nothing . His tongue was turning purple and his eyes were bulging out fro the stress !

I immediately asked how long the dog had been in this condition ?? I said that the dog should be euthanized immediately , as he was suffering terribly . I could not believe that the vet would give any kind of injection of steroids to a dog in this condition who could not even breathe!!!

I left .they called me and had not euthanized himDesired Settlement: they said that they could not without two witnesses . there was nothing in the paperwork stating this , or nothing said by the vet when I was there. Then the office called the sheriff who called me and wanted to check on m e for a wellnesss check !! and insisted on seeing me ,. Apparently my dog had suffered for several hours in a state of panic . This is in humane and must be reported

Business

Response:

Below is the response letter that was sent to Ms. [redacted]:

Dear Ms. [redacted],

Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to review your case and

experience with Veterinary Specialty Hospital.

We would

like to send our sincerest condolences on the passing of [redacted]. As pet owners ourselves, we realize how much he

meant to you and our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

As a specialty hospital, we are held and hold ourselves to a high

standard in everything that we do. VSH’s commitment is to provide the highest

quality of veterinary care to our patients and we strive to treat our patients

and clients like they are part of our family. Your request was reviewed by the

doctors involved with [redacted]’s case as well as the Hospital Supervisor and it

was determined that a refund will not be offered at this time. All medical

recommendations were provided based on [redacted]’s condition and our doctors believe

that all treatments performed were in [redacted]’s best interest.

When Dr. [redacted] arrived at the hospital the morning of 5/29/15, [redacted]

appeared slightly anxious, but was not struggling to breathe. He had some stridor, which is typical of partial upper airway

obstructive disease, but he was not dyspenic. At that time, an examination was performed by Dr. [redacted] and Dr. [redacted]

and the lymph node was aspirated, which the preliminary review was highly suggestive of Lymphoma. When you arrived to pick [redacted] up on 5/29/15,

Dr. [redacted] discussed

concerns over an upper airway obstruction that was worsening. [redacted]’s recent

history of having vomited after surgery and the radiograph report did not rule

out pneumonia, but his physical examination was most consistent with upper

airway obstruction. He had enlarged submandibular lymph nodes, and there was

also the potential for retropharyngeal lymph nodes that are not palpable or

visible that may be enlarged. Swelling may have been exacerbated by a recent

intubation, although [redacted] had been breathing more appropriately on the morning

of 5/29/15 and had adequate blood oxygen saturation. The difficulty with upper

airway obstruction cases is that they can be progressive. Once a narrowed lumen

has been created there is a higher degree of negative pressure and you can get

secondary soft tissue edema in the area as well as pulmonary edema if the

problem continues. These cases can progress rapidly, as was the case prior to

presentation on 5/28/15 and the short period of time prior to your arrival to

pick up [redacted] on 5/29/15. [redacted] was provided oxygen therapy and a dedicated

technician as soon as he displayed signs of difficult breathing. After you

visited with [redacted], you informed Dr. [redacted] that you wanted [redacted] to be

euthanized. At that point, Dr. [redacted] left the room to inform the technicians so

that the appropriate paperwork could be brought to you and signed. Unfortunately, you vacated the premises before

we could obtain legal authorization to euthanize [redacted]. Numerous attempts were

made to contact you so that we could obtain authorization by phone with two

witnesses, which is required when we do not have a signed authorization. While

we were awaiting verbal approval, [redacted] was kept on oxygen and propofol was administered

as needed to keep him comfortable and sedate.

We have yet to receive word on

your wishes for [redacted]’s aftercare. We will hold his body at our facility for 14

days and if in that time we do not receive word on your decision, he will be

sent for routine aftercare with other animals and his remains will

unfortunately not be returned to you. Please let us know as soon as possible

what your requirements are for [redacted]’s aftercare.

We were worried about your

wellbeing, as you informed some of our staff members that you had recently

experienced very traumatic events with your family and [redacted]’s medical

situation was upsetting to you. Additionally, you informed our Hospital

Supervisor that you were going to buy a shotgun, but disconnected the line

after that statement. We were obligated to inform the police of this incident

for the safety of our clients, patients, and staff members.

Again, we are very sorry for your

loss of [redacted]. Please let

us know if we may provide you with any grief resources to help you through this

difficult time and do not hesitate to reach out with any additional

questions that you may have.

Sincerely,

Client Services Supervisor

Veterinary Specialty Hospital