Advise from all (helpful!) Welcome!

[wiggal]

Hey all,

Have posted this in A&N & law, but also thought I would post it in here to see if any one else can help?

Was talking to one of my best mates and she was explaining that a few weeks ago, her dad unfortunately ran over her sisters cat.
The cat had been in the vets, and today she was saying to me, that earlier this week, had to have its leg amputated, as when the vet had done up the bandage, it was too tight and cut off the circulation.
They didnt have a choice but to let the vet do the op obviously, but have now been asked to pay for it!
Her sister has, imo rightly refused to pay the bill for it, as it was down to the vet.

The vets are not at all happy about this, and no longer want to be treating the cat, but they have phoned round, and no other vets will take out the stitches or go near the cat!

Firstly, any ideas on how they can go about getting the cat cared for and the stitches removed?
And secondly, could they say, pay the amount and then take it to some kind of small claims court? or not pay and take it to small claims?

Any help would be really appreciated!

many thanks
Wiggal xxx

[joggerjayne]

Ahem (composes herself).

So, this slapstick cat ...

Ahaaa haaa haaa haaaaa ...

No, sorry, (tries to compose herself again) ... it's not funny.

It's really, really serious .............

.............

... (breaks down)

Sorry, I can't do it.

[wiggal]

And whats so funny may I ask?

[funnygirl]

A 3 legged cat!

Have you got proof that it was the vet's fault??

Is it a large amount? it may be worth paying for the cat's sake and his health.

[Eve]

You could ask for advise here...

http://www.rcvs.org.uk/Templates/Internal.asp? NodeID=89916&int1stParentNodeID=89644

[wiggal]

There are many 3 legged cats, one of mine was only 2 hours away from having her leg amputated when she was 3 weeks old. Nothing strange about 3 legged cats!

She was told by the vets when she was called in that that was the reason, so Im guessing it would be on the notes.

I'm not sure of the amount, thats why I was asking wether it would be worth paying and then they could do something afterwards?

[ChuckFickens]

First thing I would do is take the cat to a vet thats a bit out of area to get it cared for as that is the most pressing problem.

If the first vet has admitted that the amputation was solely due to the bandage being put on too tight by them then no I don't think that they should have to pay the bill for that treatment, however you would probably still be liable for the initial treatment, if you took your car to the garage and they caused more damage to your car while working on it you wouldn't be expected to pay for resolving the damage they caused but you would be expected to pay for the work you needed done in the first place.

I would go and see the first vet and offer to pay for any treatment that the cat had apart from treatment caused by or including the amputation and also inform them that they will receiving the bill for any further treatment the cat requires due to amputation.

Also contact the RSPCA about it, as a vet phoning round and stopping other vet treating a sick animal is disgusting

[Eve]

They can't deal with fees as such...

http://www.rcvs.org.uk/Shared_ASP_Files/Upload edFiles/8CF5762C-16BB-4B4F-84FF-2632756BC35B_A N04_Fees.pdf

I'd give them a ring and get their advice though.

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
Belgravia House
62-64 Horseferry Road
London SW1P 2AF

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]


Professional Conduct
Matters relating to complaints, disciplinary and preliminary investigation issues, requests for advice, veterinary hospitals and riding establishments approval
Email: [email protected] Telephone: [phone]

[~max~]

Joggerjayne, I'm not following either...

anyway!

I believe that vets aren't allowed to hold animals "hostage", as in, they aren't allowed to refuse to give you the animal back if you don't want to pay their fees.
Are you saying that the other vets you called REFUSED to treat your pet? Well, they probably aren't sworn as doctors are, but I'm sure you will find somewhere that will treat him. Have you called the Cats Protection league yet?

Couldn't find a number, but the RSPCA will give you it!

http://www.rspca.org.uk/servlet/Satellite?page name=RSPCA/Utility/Contact

[stonekicker]

my advice to you would be to take the stitches out yourself (usually 10-14 days after surgery) if they are accessible and you are confident enough as its not that difficult - i have always taken the stitches out of my cats (post neutering and op without any trouble). as for other vets, you will have to go farther afield or perhaps through a friends surgery and there is no way i would pay the bill. approach the vets and tell them this and say they can gladly take you to court (if they have the balls - i doubt it). good luck with things and i wish the puddy a speedy recovery x x x

[wiggal]

jenna, thank you for that, I will pass that site onto my friend.

Chuck, thank you for your reply.
They have no problem paying for the treatment that was needed when the cat was first taken in. It is paying for the op that was carried out due to the bandage that they have a problem with!

[sense4all]

http://www.pdsa.org.uk/eligibility.html

http://www.cats.org.uk/workwedo/index.asp

I would see if either of these organisations who are interested in the cats welfare can help with their connections in your local area.
I don't have pets, and don't want them, but I have to say I am disgusted with the Vets' in your locals approach to animal welfare - they suck.

[Eve]

Found these as well...

Vetfine - for advice by charged...

http://www.rspca.org.uk/servlet/Satellite?page name=RSPCA/RSPCARedirect&pg=AdviceCentre&marke r=1&articleId=996827946799

Also gives advice re RSPCA.

[joggerjayne]

Me neither max, but if it's true, I feel a bit bad.

So ...

Dad runs over his daughter's cat.

Vet bandages leg.

Bandage is too tight. So ... cat loses leg.

And sis won't pay for the cat's op.

The word "jinxed" comes to mind.

And nobody wants a piece of this cat action any more?

Oh, it's quite sad, really

[wiggal]

I have texted and asked her if they have tried CPL, PDSA or RSPCA yet.

Stonekicker, I wouldnt feel comfortable taking out stitches, and I studied animal care, let alone some one else doing it. But good on you if you have mastered it!

Hey max!

It isnt my cat, but my best friends sisters cat, and I'm trying to find out what I can to help them. As far as I know the cat is at home, but have asked my best friend to let me know more, and will let you know when I can.