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If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

My last dog died under this vet, should I change vet for new dog operation?

28 replies

StaplesCorner · 23/03/2018 12:48

This is a tough one. Some people may remember me I had huge support on here at the time, under another username, my dog had to be put to sleep 3 years ago after complications from an operation that may not have been necessary.

The vet is a great person I really rate his honesty and integrity, I trusted them with my last dog but I had a feeling I was wrong to do that on the day I handed the dog over for an exploratory operation - I had a terrible feeling it was "wrong". Immediately after the op my boy developed necrotising pancreatitis - he was sent home saying he's fine but within a few hours it became clear he was far from fine. The vet did everything possible to save him, but it was horrible the things that animal endured, I will never get over it. I wasn't 100% happy with the care he received whilst being kept at the vets - one day I took the kids to see him and there was fluid on the floor under him and my DD kept saying mummy there's something wrong. The nurses insisted it was wee, in fact his wound had opened up Sad.

We had him home for 2 week but he had no quality of life and I could see no end to the interventions so we decided to have him put to sleep. Bearing in mind all he had originally was recurring diahorrea we felt we'd made the wrong decision to allow the vet to do the operation. He waived £000s in fees, wrote to us, came to the house etc., he was truly contrite. We didn't "blame" him, but we questioned his methods. I spoke to other vets/veterinary nurses at the time and they were all saying that the vet had taken unnecessary risks.

2 years later we got another dog. Unbeknown to us he had a retained testicle, and it is apparently in the abdomen somewhere, so to be removed will require abdominal surgery - we went back to the same vet, our choice, but we now have this dilemma. The vet is keen to remove the hidden testicle, he says it MUST be done. But i think that the risks of cancer are often overstated?

My question is this (a) does it really have to be done, as I say I question the risks if we leave it there and (b) how can I cope with mine (and my family's) fear of handing over another dog to this vet (I know the vet must be nervous too). Should I just move practice?

So as not to drip feed, my friend who originally recommended him years ago now feels he should not have operated on her dog - different circumstances but that dog had to be put to sleep as well and she feels the operation led to this outcome. This is feeding my paranoia - we both feel that the vet is always quick to operate if that makes sense.

OP posts:
villainousbroodmare · 25/03/2018 17:56

Staples, I'm a vet and I actually agree with Redhelen but you sound so conflicted that I suggested you switch.
It's so sad what happened with your previous dog. And so rare and so unpredictable. I feel like your previous vet has really done his best and at that still does not have your confidence. If I were him, my heart would sink watching you walk through the door again, because you haven't managed to move on from the previous events, and you are finding it impossible to trust his judgement. That is no foundation for ongoing engagement.

BiteyShark · 25/03/2018 18:54

Getting a second opinion is a good idea. The fact that you are posting here means you are not 100% comfortable with your current vet. Irrespective of whether it was or wasn't any of his fault I think you need to have trust in your vet (and I say that having had my dog undergo many investigations and surgeries).

reachforthewine · 25/03/2018 20:21

Change vets and have the 1 testicle removed. This needs to be done.

I would have them both removed at the same time but that's your decision.

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