I Am Sooo Mad! - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Oscar's Mummy · 08-08-2006, 07:52 AM

Some of you may remember I posted on the weekend about little Ruthie possibly having an eye infection - I took her to the ER vet that day, spent about 2 hrs there, we were in the exam room for all of 5 minutes during which time she simply looked at her eye the same way I would and diagnosed it as an infection and prescribed Tobrex eye drops for it. I went away feeling relieved that that was all it was and thinking these eye drops would clear it all up. Later that day Ruthie was playing and running around like her old self again and opening the eye more - the drops seemed to be doing the trick. The next morning (I also posted about this) her eye was clouded over. I thought, maybe it's just the eye drops coating/protecting her eye... who knows, the eye didn't seem to be bothering her though and since it was a holiday I couldn't take her to the vet anyways. I went in first thing this morning because her eye was still cloudy and I knew something wasn't right. MY vet stained her eye to reveal a corneal laceration - which is much more serious. The vet is concerned that the laceration will work it's way down into deeper layers of the eye, etc. etc. - and the way we treat it is important because she's so young and still developing. She called into the opthomologist to get his opinion as far as treatment but until we hear back we are to use two different types of eye drops. Based on his recommendation we may or may not have to go back later today to get MORE eyedrops. I then have to take her back in on Thursday to get a re-check to see if she's healing - otherwise I will be referred to the opthomologist to discuss our 'options'. I am SO angry that the ER vet didn't take the time to properly check her eye - I thought that staining the eye was pretty much common practice when presented with her symptoms. Now it's been left untreated for 2 days so who knows how much it has progressed in that time. I've already paid $300 dollars for this and it's going to end up costing me much much more. Unfortunately I don't think this is going to be covered under the PetCare insurance I got for her a couple weeks ago...

Sorry this is so long... just needed to vent...

YorkieRose · 08-08-2006, 08:04 AM

I hope you will go back to the ER and inform the vet of the problem the missed. I would ask fo rmy ER fee back..don't hold your breath getting it.
My Isabel got oen from rough housing with her littermates at 4 months...the vet stitched teh 3rd lid shut..used drops..within a couple weeks it was okay..you might notice a white speck that remains..a small scar. Best wishes

ARCHIE · 08-08-2006, 08:08 AM

Janice,
I did read you post regarding Ruthie eye and I agree with you that the
ER should have done a better job with their exam. After all it is the eye!
I would wait until you get the results of what is going on now and after
Ruthie is taken care of I would write or call and tell them if they had done
a bettter job you would have saved two days in her treatment.
Your pet insurance may cover it. My insurance for Buddy said I had to wait
7 days before it would become active. Check out your contract. It if is
7 days also I would submit the bills. I have VIP. Good luck to Ruthie and I
hope the drops heal her eye.

Oscar's Mummy · 08-08-2006, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YorkieRose

I hope you will go back to the ER and inform the vet of the problem the missed. I would ask fo rmy ER fee back..don't hold your breath getting it.
My Isabel got oen from rough housing with her littermates at 4 months...the vet stitched teh 3rd lid shut..used drops..within a couple weeks it was okay..you might notice a white speck that remains..a small scar. Best wishes

I want to call and complain but knowing it will get me absolutely nowhere prevents me from doing so. I too think that she must have gotten it while playing with Oscar - I always separate them when things get too rough and I don't let them play unsupervised, but it could have happened regardless. I just really hope that this heals itself and shows some improvement by thursday - the poor little thing has only been home with me one week and has seen the vet 3 times already!

(first was just the general health check, last two were for this eye fiasco)

Oscar's Mummy · 08-08-2006, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ARCHIE

Janice,
I did read you post regarding Ruthie eye and I agree with you that the
ER should have done a better job with their exam. After all it is the eye!
I would wait until you get the results of what is going on now and after
Ruthie is taken care of I would write or call and tell them if they had done
a bettter job you would have saved two days in her treatment.
Your pet insurance may cover it. My insurance for Buddy said I had to wait
7 days before it would become active. Check out your contract. It if is
7 days also I would submit the bills. I have VIP. Good luck to Ruthie and I
hope the drops heal her eye.

I have PetCare insurance and I got a pretty extensive plan for both of my little ones. There was a 30 day waiting period for ILLNESS coverage, and ACCIDENT coverage was immediate after I signed them up. So I don't know which category this falls under. I'm not too worried about the bills up to this point, it's more the 'fear of the unknown' - wondering if this is going to end up costing me a great deal more. Really I just want Ruthie's beautiful little eyes to be ok again!

Tiger's Mom · 08-08-2006, 08:21 AM

Oh poor baby ruthie . . . I do hope you can get some reimbursment from your pet insurance . . .is it VPI?

ehunney · 08-08-2006, 08:27 AM

That's slightly irresponsible on your vet's part. Actually it's extremely irresponsible on his part. By him not following simple procedure, your Ruthie's eye could possible be more damaged, then it had to be. As a vet it's his duty to cross every T and dot every I. Major mistakes (like this one), can profoundly affect an animals quality of life, and in turn affect the lives of their owners. You should bring his misstep to his attention, and he shouldn't charge you full price, since he didn't fully do his job!

Please give Ruthie and Oscars big hugs from me

Oscar's Mummy · 08-08-2006, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ehunney

That's slightly irresponsible on your vet's part. Actually it's extremely irresponsible on his part. By him not following simple procedure, your Ruthie's eye could possible be more damaged, then it had to be. As a vet it's his duty to cross every T and dot every I. Major mistakes (like this one), can profoundly affect an animals quality of life, and in turn affect the lives of their owners. You should bring his misstep to his attention, and he shouldn't charge you full price, since he didn't fully do his job!

Please give Ruthie and Oscars big hugs from me

That's the way I feel too - I'M not the expert, so I have to completely rely on them to know what's best and DO whatever is necessary - or at least explain the possibilities to me. This lady seriously seemed so incompetent to me and my bf just thought I was being silly for thinking so (I always want the best for my babies, you know). If she had even said "it COULD be a laceration, and we COULD test for that" then I would have said YES, PLEASE DO - it's her DAMN EYES we're talking about here! I understand that mistakes are made (even our doctor's make them) but when I got home and did some research EVERY site I found said it was common practice when presented with Ruthie's symptoms to flush the eye, stain the eye to check for lacerations, etc. When all is said and done, I will be writing a letter to this clinic to inform them of this 'missed' diagnosis. Just because they are an ER vet, they should still take the same time, care and consideration with each and every pet - How else can they justify such outrageous fees just to step into an examination room ($115)???

BamaFan121s · 08-08-2006, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oscar's Mummy

I thought that staining the eye was pretty much common practice when presented with her symptoms.

You are very correct...staining will reveal if it is a viral infection vs a bacterial infection...both are treated differently and cause by different things. Tobrex only treats bacterial infections...corneal lacerations are caused by viral infections and trama...but rarely by bacterial infections. The drops you were given would do nothing to solve the problem, but would prevent it from becoming infected by bacteria...but I guess you already knew that and it doesn't help you much, huh?

(Hey, being an opthalmic tech paid off some...

)

JeanieK · 08-08-2006, 08:58 AM

I can appreciate your anger. The dye seems like a simple enough test it should have been routine.

ehunney · 08-08-2006, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oscar's Mummy

That's the way I feel too - I'M not the expert, so I have to completely rely on them to know what's best and DO whatever is necessary - or at least explain the possibilities to me. This lady seriously seemed so incompetent to me and my bf just thought I was being silly for thinking so (I always want the best for my babies, you know). If she had even said "it COULD be a laceration, and we COULD test for that" then I would have said YES, PLEASE DO - it's her DAMN EYES we're talking about here! I understand that mistakes are made (even our doctor's make them) but when I got home and did some research EVERY site I found said it was common practice when presented with Ruthie's symptoms to flush the eye, stain the eye to check for lacerations, etc. When all is said and done, I will be writing a letter to this clinic to inform them of this 'missed' diagnosis. Just because they are an ER vet, they should still take the same time, care and consideration with each and every pet - How else can they justify such outrageous fees just to step into an examination room ($115)???

Exactly! I completely agree with you! And I'm mad for you

.Your poor baby. I'm sorry someone's mistake is affecting her and you. Big hugs all around!

Get better baby Ruthie, your way to cute to be sick.

LuvMySissy · 08-08-2006, 09:07 AM

I also would wait until you know exactly what damage, if any and what other eye drops you may need. Then, if the ones you paid for through the ER vet were not appropriate - I would at least demand $ back for these since they were unnecessary. I would also ask to speak to the chief vet of the ER clinic and explain what had happened, that you feel your baby was not fully treated and that you want your money back and the physician reprimanded. I've got to believe that their is malpractice for animals just like their is for people. If Ruthie's eye has any type of permanent damage, you might want to think of pursuing this.

Hope Ruthie is better soon. Glad you trusted your mommy instincts.

Patti · 08-08-2006, 09:33 AM

Janice, My first Yorkie Karma had a severely lacerated cornea from trying to get under a chain link fence. The vet thought that I might have to take him downstate to the University vet clinic but he was able to treat him and he was fine. No cloudiness no problems and that was 35 years ago. So hopefully the vet can fix baby Ruthie up with no lasting memories.

RLC12345678 · 08-08-2006, 11:39 AM

I would definately think that this would be covered under "accident" insurance. I mean, more than likely she got it while playing with Oscar. That would definately be considered an "accident" in my opinion!

Hope it isn't too serious and that Ruthie is all well real soon.

08-08-2006, 07:52 AM	#1
Oscar's Mummy Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2006 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,275	I Am Sooo Mad! Some of you may remember I posted on the weekend about little Ruthie possibly having an eye infection - I took her to the ER vet that day, spent about 2 hrs there, we were in the exam room for all of 5 minutes during which time she simply looked at her eye the same way I would and diagnosed it as an infection and prescribed Tobrex eye drops for it. I went away feeling relieved that that was all it was and thinking these eye drops would clear it all up. Later that day Ruthie was playing and running around like her old self again and opening the eye more - the drops seemed to be doing the trick. The next morning (I also posted about this) her eye was clouded over. I thought, maybe it's just the eye drops coating/protecting her eye... who knows, the eye didn't seem to be bothering her though and since it was a holiday I couldn't take her to the vet anyways. I went in first thing this morning because her eye was still cloudy and I knew something wasn't right. MY vet stained her eye to reveal a corneal laceration - which is much more serious. The vet is concerned that the laceration will work it's way down into deeper layers of the eye, etc. etc. - and the way we treat it is important because she's so young and still developing. She called into the opthomologist to get his opinion as far as treatment but until we hear back we are to use two different types of eye drops. Based on his recommendation we may or may not have to go back later today to get MORE eyedrops. I then have to take her back in on Thursday to get a re-check to see if she's healing - otherwise I will be referred to the opthomologist to discuss our 'options'. I am SO angry that the ER vet didn't take the time to properly check her eye - I thought that staining the eye was pretty much common practice when presented with her symptoms. Now it's been left untreated for 2 days so who knows how much it has progressed in that time. I've already paid $300 dollars for this and it's going to end up costing me much much more. Unfortunately I don't think this is going to be covered under the PetCare insurance I got for her a couple weeks ago... Sorry this is so long... just needed to vent... __________________ Janice, Oscar and Baby Ruth "The more people I meet, the more I love my dog."

08-08-2006, 08:04 AM	#2
YorkieRose YT 4000 Club Member Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: South Florida Posts: 7,207	eye I hope you will go back to the ER and inform the vet of the problem the missed. I would ask fo rmy ER fee back..don't hold your breath getting it. My Isabel got oen from rough housing with her littermates at 4 months...the vet stitched teh 3rd lid shut..used drops..within a couple weeks it was okay..you might notice a white speck that remains..a small scar. Best wishes __________________ Pat, Kate, Becca and Pinkkee Prim

08-08-2006, 08:21 AM	#6
Tiger's Mom Donating YT 8000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 8,872	Oh poor baby ruthie . . . I do hope you can get some reimbursment from your pet insurance . . .is it VPI? __________________ Tiger and Annika - official members of THE CRAZY CLUB & PINK CLUB www.mygofetch.com

08-08-2006, 08:27 AM	#7
ehunney Princess Bella Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: virginia Posts: 2,185	That's slightly irresponsible on your vet's part. Actually it's extremely irresponsible on his part. By him not following simple procedure, your Ruthie's eye could possible be more damaged, then it had to be. As a vet it's his duty to cross every T and dot every I. Major mistakes (like this one), can profoundly affect an animals quality of life, and in turn affect the lives of their owners. You should bring his misstep to his attention, and he shouldn't charge you full price, since he didn't fully do his job! Please give Ruthie and Oscars big hugs from me __________________ I miss you two more then words can express, but I still have hope that I'll find you and hold you again! Tucker and Teddy always say: "If I want it, it's mine and if I put it in my mouth, it's food."

08-08-2006, 08:58 AM	#10
JeanieK Donating YT 6000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Council Bluffs Iowa Posts: 7,804	I can appreciate your anger. The dye seems like a simple enough test it should have been routine. __________________ Ollie Chachi Hallie Harlie & Me CircleKRanchYorkies.com]

08-08-2006, 08:08 AM	#3
ARCHIE Owned by "Buddy" Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: NEW YORK Posts: 11,182	Janice, I did read you post regarding Ruthie eye and I agree with you that the ER should have done a better job with their exam. After all it is the eye! I would wait until you get the results of what is going on now and after Ruthie is taken care of I would write or call and tell them if they had done a bettter job you would have saved two days in her treatment. Your pet insurance may cover it. My insurance for Buddy said I had to wait 7 days before it would become active. Check out your contract. It if is 7 days also I would submit the bills. I have VIP. Good luck to Ruthie and I hope the drops heal her eye.

08-08-2006, 09:07 AM	#12
LuvMySissy Luv my Angel, too! Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 8,214	I also would wait until you know exactly what damage, if any and what other eye drops you may need. Then, if the ones you paid for through the ER vet were not appropriate - I would at least demand $ back for these since they were unnecessary. I would also ask to speak to the chief vet of the ER clinic and explain what had happened, that you feel your baby was not fully treated and that you want your money back and the physician reprimanded. I've got to believe that their is malpractice for animals just like their is for people. If Ruthie's eye has any type of permanent damage, you might want to think of pursuing this. Hope Ruthie is better soon. Glad you trusted your mommy instincts. __________________ Jodie, Sissy & Angel Proudly dressin' your furkids at: www.sissyangelwear.com Members of the CRAZY Club!

08-08-2006, 09:33 AM	#13
Patti Donating YT 10000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 19,197	Janice, My first Yorkie Karma had a severely lacerated cornea from trying to get under a chain link fence. The vet thought that I might have to take him downstate to the University vet clinic but he was able to treat him and he was fine. No cloudiness no problems and that was 35 years ago. So hopefully the vet can fix baby Ruthie up with no lasting memories. __________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : Maya's Mom RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html

08-08-2006, 11:39 AM	#14
RLC12345678 I heart Hootie & Hobbs Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: USA Posts: 7,128	I would definately think that this would be covered under "accident" insurance. I mean, more than likely she got it while playing with Oscar. That would definately be considered an "accident" in my opinion! Hope it isn't too serious and that Ruthie is all well real soon. __________________ Hobbs on Dogster Hootie on Dogster Lamar on Dogster Belle on Dogster Goose on Dogster