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Ask the Veterinarian/Misdiagnosis by emergency vet - refund?

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Expert: - 10/26/2010


Question
My dog presented with vomiting and lethargy for more than 24 hours. I took him to emergency vet and they did xrays and blood work and kept him over night. They did 2 sets of xrays appx 6 hours apart and said that they looked fine and sent us home. He returned to his lethargic state and I brought him to my regular vet the next day when they opened. They looked him over and re-hydrated him and sent us home. I brought him back to my vet the next day, as he was not improving. I brought with me the xrays from the emergency vet and when my vet reviewed them they saw an obstruction and went in for emergency surgery. Unfortunately, with two days having gone by since the xray was taken, the intestines had perforated and the surgery was very complicated. My dog pulled through the surgery well, but was ravaged by infection 3 days later and had to be euthanized. I was completely broken hearted, and while I know that it was not intentional, I feel like there was some sort of negligence or incompetence or something and I feel like I at least need my money back from that emergency vet. I paid the emergency vet more than $2,300 for the mis-diagnosis and aftercare from surgery and my vet over $2,000 for the surgery itself. Do I have a claim to get a refund at least from the emergency vet? How do I go about doing this without being unreasonable? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  

Answer
I am sorry for your loss. Thank you for realizing that the mis reading was not intentional. I am not an expert at what can be compensated for. First, speak with your regular veterinarian to get her opinion. Be sure to have the xrays and all bills. Then I think your best approach is to first contact the emergency clinic, set up an appointment with the owner and tell them the reason for the appointment. If you do not get satisfaction, go to your state board.

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Dr. Christina Chambreau

Expertise

I can give you the holistic approach to any problem in any species, though mostly I work with dogs and cats. Depending on the condition and the type of animal, I will be able to give very specific treatment suggestions such as what flower essences, homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplements, diet changes, lifestyle changes or herbs that may be helpful - not drugs. I can also suggest where you can go for further education or to find a specialist in a specific holistic field. I can help you understand why your animal is ill and what improvements can be expected. I do not check messages more than every one to two days, so PLEASE DO NOT ask about EMERGENCIES - call your local veterinarian. I cannot diagnose your animal. I cannot prescribe specific treatments. I am no longer very current with conventional treatments, so cannot answer questions on those. I am not an expert on birds or small critters. I will give you helpful connections about hose species.

Experience

I graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1980 and began using homeopathy in my practice after a client introduced me to it. By 1988 I was using exclusively holistic treatments. I began lecturing in 1987 and have spoken at veterinary conferences, health food stores, people's homes, churches, veterinary college conferences - anywhere people want to learn more about keeping their animals healthy.

Organizations
Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy (I helped found this one) American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association National Center for Homeopathy American Veterinary Medical Association

Publications
I have written in many magazines, journals and newspapers. A few include Bark Magazine; Journal of the AHVMA; Baltimore Dog Magazine; Whole Dog Journal; Tiger Tribe; Wolf Clan. I have also been frequently interveiwed on radio and TV.

Education/Credentials
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Certified Veterinary Homeopath (CVH)

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