So Worried- Long Post Hi everyone, This is a LONG post. Please forgive me for writing such a long post, but I am so worried and I want to include all the facts. In the middle of October, we went back east (from California), for a funeral. I was discouraged from taking my two girls with me (Cassie and Muffin) by family and friends so I boarded them at the Vets, who i have used for a LONG time and never had any problem with. I was reluctant to leave them for so long (12 days) but I consented to leave them because I trusted the Vet. I came home on the 27th of October and picked them up. They were in deplorable condition. Both were knotted so bad, I had to cut knots out of them-mostly Muffin. The knots were impeding her walking. They are both scratching alot. Muffins eyes were so encrusted she could barely open them. She was due for a shot (I think it was for Kennel Cough) and so she was given that at the Vets. When I go to pet her around her head and ears and eyes, she seems to squeal and cry out in pain, or fear. Muffin has never been a fearful dog, now she will not walk into rooms, she is very clingy and wants to be held all the time, she will not play with her toys, and has coughed 2-3 times in a day, every day, and I'm afraid it sounds like a collapsed trachea. Muffin has always been very active, full of the devil. very curious and happy, and loves to play catch with her toys. She is a completely different dog. She will not play with her toys, is fearful and wants to be held and wants to sleep in my arms all the time. And she has cried out several times, seemingly in pain, as I mentioned before. She is just not the same dog I left in October. I have left them last year with this same Vet when our ceiling collapsed and we were living in a motel for about two months, and they were not in this condition. To make matters worse, this Vet's office staff called us about 5 hours after we got home and told us they gave us an extra $50 back, which they did not. THey were training a new person and could not balance the books at the end of the day, and so they decided that they gave us too much money. When I told them we didn't have it they got mad and hung up. Was I supposed to pay them the money they were out just to appease them. We really did not have an extra $50, and if we did and we owed it i would certainly have paid it. So now I am looking for another Vet, a naturiopathic, Holistic Vet in Southern California, and they are not easy to find or come by. But anyway, Muffins behavior is completely changed. Does it sound like she has been abused? Do you think the shot they gave her could have been done wrong and hurt her? Could it have been given somewhere around the head area? They were certainly neglected. They both came back underweight, and they only weight 2-3 lbs each respectively anyway-(Cassie and Muffin). Do you think Muffin may have kennel cough in spite of the shot she got, or worse, a collapsed trachea? I don't know what to do, I am so worried. Should I Pay the money they say we owe, even though we do not owe it, just to appease them? As I've said before, we have left them many times, and last year, for a lot longer, (6 weeks to 2 months when our ceiling collapsed and we were living in a motel). But they were a year younger then. We only just got muffin then and she was only 5 months and Cassie was only a year and a half, so maybe that is a factor. Anyway, please forgive this long post, but I just wanted to include everything I could think of. Any responses would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance to all who have had the patience and tenacity to read through this entire message. Shellie |
I think you need to make an appointment and walk in and talk to the vet. He/She needs to explain the condition of your dogs and what is going on. He/She also needs to know about someone in his office hanging up on you. Something doesn't sound right but the vet should give you answers.:mad: |
sorry to hear about your experience; first please don't pay them any additional money; second please find a vet asap to check up on your dog; it seems that something is wrong; trust your instinct. i would take her today to any other vet to see if something is wrong. maybe she has kennel cough by staying with other dogs there; and it seems like she has been abused; if she's acting afraid and squelling and in pain. good luck |
sorry to hear that, i hope u got photos of ur babies when they came back in that state, that wud be proof, |
I would try to speak to the vet about the money and the condition of the dogs in person. It is very possible for a dog to get kennel cough, even if they have been vaccinated. My dogs get real jumpy about their heads if they have an ear infection or something similar. The dogs should be checked out for any health issues. I really hope they settle back in quickly and feel better soon! I feel bad for them. |
Gosh, so sorry you are going through this. :( Yes, by all means go to another vet and get them checked out well. Then go back into the vet that kept them and demand an explanation of the condition of your girls. I definately would not give them anymore money..in fact they should be refunding some to you for how your girls were treated!! They would not want to see my hubby come into their office if our dogs looked and acted like that. :mad: |
Oh my goodness, Shellie, your poor babies :(! I'd be beside myself too. First, if they did not give you back extra money by mistake, you should in no way feel obligated to hand over money to them. On to the babies, they can actually get kennel cough from the vaccine - so given they were under stress/duress from being at the kennel, the immune system could have been suppressed at the time, so Muffin may have contracted kennel cough *from* the actual vaccine...how bad/frequent is the coughing? If it is getting worse, I'd get to a vet asap bc kennel cough can also progress to pneumonia. It's really tough to say why they are in such rough shape this time, esp. since they've stayed there before...did they have "play" time w/ other dogs? If yes, there could have been another dog there who really stressed them out. Or, there could have merely been another dog IN the kennel who caused a lot of stress in the kennel - i.e., barking/crying 24 hrs a day, causing a lot of stress to the other dogs. Kennel stress is a very real thing, and sometimes dogs get traumatized from kennels - but try not too worry to terribly bc they usually just need time and TLC and reassurance that they're home and safe again. It helps to literally talk out loud and tell them where they are *now*, that they're back home, that they should let go of anything that happened "back there"....it may sound dumb...but sometimes we have to help our little fur kiddos "clear things out" and "take deep breaths" just like we do for ourselves sometimes. Do you know what I'm getting I'm at or do I just sound like a nut :p? But sometimes, we have to help them let things go... |
Gosh, so sorry you and the furbabies had to go through this. I'm furious just reading your post:mad: As far as kennel cough goes, my vet once told me that when you give them a kennel cough shot it doean't mean that they won't catch it at all. It means if they happen to catch it at some point it will be a lot milder. I would definitely walk in and demand to talk to the vet himself/herself. As far as the money goes, THEY are the ones that should be giving you a refund!!!!! If I were you though, I would go get them checked by another vet at another clinic ASAP. You never know. Besides, another vet's opinion on their condition might come in handy once you go back to set things straight with the clinic that is responsible for their condition. Good luck and please keep us posted. |
Talk to the vet right away if he doesn't know what's going on he should be told as he is resposable for his staff and about the money I would say I paid you what you asked for and that's all your getting |
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I know of a home based place if ever needed in the future. I know the people personally and have left my guys with them before and they were very happy and well cared for. I even had someone stop by and check on them unexpectantly and they were happy. It is called YORKIE CAMP located in Ontario, Ca. I am sorry for you and your babies. This is just wrong not to be able to leave them with a vet you trusted to come back to this. I hope you get to the bottom of this and your babies recover soon fromn their traumatic experience. |
I would not pay them a cent more and personally, I would have taken pictures of the condition they were in when I picked them up and had taken them to court. If not for any reason but to prevent others from going through the same thing. I'm sorry for you and for your girls that this happened. Just love them and over time they will get better. Elaine |
I dont understand why you left there without saying anything. If it were my dogs, I would have stayed and thrown a fit--not debate about it later after they've called asking for money. I understand that maybe you didnt question their health right away if you didnt notice signs that they were ill, but the condition they were in was clearly visible when you arrived there to pick them up would be enough in and of itself to throw a fit and question the care of the dogs. Had you said anything at that time, even if they mistakingly gave you extra money back, they probably wouldnt have even called asking for it back. If you dont have photos and legal documentation (2nd vet opinion and exam) you probably will have no legal recourse. They could say that you only had a complaint after they called asking you for the "extra" money they mistakingly gave you and your just being a bitter client and don't feel you should return the money. I hope it all works out. It must be awful to have to go through entrusting and paying people to care for your pets and having them come back in awful condition--then asked to return money they didnt give you. |
I am so sorry that your poor babies are not themselves. I hope that they are okay. Yes, please take them to another vet for a complete checkup. There is not telling what may have taken place although from what you are describing, no a whole lot of anything good. :( I hope that your babies will be okay. |
It is not uncommon for boarded pets to loose weight mostly from stress. As for the pain she could have been dropped or jumped from her cage. There is a good vet in Hemet her name is Dr Green I used her when I lived there. I actually used Dr Thayer for a long time till he made me mad then I tried a few others till I found Dr Green and she was wonderful with my wolfhound mix. He was a shelter dog who had been severely abused and she was so good and so patient with him. She really cares about the animal not just the $$$$$$. Also there is a wonderful Chiropractor who treats dogs for free and he's very good at it I used him for several of my rescues when I lived there. His name is Dr Cullins. There isnt much I miss about Ca. but I miss them. I will Pm you with the numbers. |
Hello all,:) Thank you all so much for your concern and wonderful advice. Slowly Muffin is starting to improve. I have an appointment with a Vet tommorrow as an emergency patient, but will continue the search for the perfect vet. One good thing is that her appetite has not been affected, and I am grateful for that. I continue to spend tons of loving time with her stroking and caressing her and talking to her and telling her she is home and she is safe (thanks Ann, no I don't think you sound like a nut and I don't think it sounds dumb at all. In fact, I think you are one of the very wisest and most helpful angels I know). So thank you again. It IS working Lillymae-Thanks so much for the referral, I will definitely look up Dr. Green and Dr. Cullens. They sound great. Cares for Dogs-Thanks for your concern. I'll try to answer your question about why I did not say anything at the time. There is a short answer and there is a long answer so i'll try to combine them. The short answer is, believe it or not, i simply didn't notice anything at the time. The long answer will explain this. Firstly, we had just flown in on a 6 hour flight from New Jersey to San Diego. We were exhausted, we had jet lag, our plane flew around in the air for 45 minutes before they would let us land. Then we had to get our baggage, wait for the airport van to take us to our car and then drive up to Murrieta which is about an hour away. We were exhausted but I just had to stop by and get my girls. When I got there, my dad was paying the bill while they brought both girls out to me. They were very excited to see me and were kissing me and jumping around in my arms. I completely trusted my Vet and was not looking for anything to be wrong, and although they were knotted up to the gills, Muffin especially has very thick dark coarse hair, and the knots were underneath the top coat of hair. We were in a hurry to leave and get them and ourselves home. I didn't put them down but just carried them out to the car ASAP, and everything seemed normal to me. She did not cough, or scratch or appear traumatized at the time. If she did, or she looked unduly terrible, I certainly would have said something to them, at the very least. But not until we got home and I started stroking them and running my fingers through their hair, and watching them try to walk when I put them down, and witnessed them coughing and scratching, and while trying to pet Muffins head had her cry out in pain, or watching her not want to play with her toys, or be afraid to walk into rooms, or have a chance to look closer at her eyes and see they were so encrusted, not until we were home and were a little more relaxed and had some rest, were we able to see all these things. And even then, sometimes you question yourself and wonder, "Am I imagining all this? Am I not seeing things right? Is this really accurate? After all, you have to understand I've had this vet for about 15 years, and nothing like this has ever happened before. My other yorkie Merlin never had a problem and they saw him all the time. So yes, you do question yourself and wonder if you are making mountains out of molehills. But when my Dad, who usually never makes a big deal out of anything, and feels that nothing is really any big deal, when even HE see's that something is REALLY wrong with Muffin, then you start to know your perceptions are right. And its such a shock too, after all those years of trusting our Vet, it's difficult to really believe this could actually happen there. So, there you have it. That is why I didn't make a beg deal at the Vets. I just didn't see it. Answers short and long. Imperez, Ontario is not too far from me, and its close to the other Airport we use. Maybe this person you speak of is a good option. I'd love to know more. Thank you jrsygal137 for your caring thoughts. And no, I didn't take pictures, I never thought of it, but I will talk to my present Vet after I get Muffin examined. Thanks sushidoodidoo, cthalhofer, Yorkie AZ, Wend, Bailie, alli173, and livingdustmops for all your kind words, caring and support. When I am beside mself with worry and anxiety, I count my blessings that you are all there beside me when I'm walking through the darkest storm. Thank you all, I am so fortunate to have you guys. Namaste, :-) Shellie |
I am just seeing this and glad that Muffin is doing better. I was going to quote Ann and say that I agree....time and love will heal this. I am just so sorry that you and your babies went throught this. NO, I would not give them another cent. I am not sure speaking to the vet will do much good. Surely he knows what condition the pups in his facility are in. There is no excuse to leave pups in such condition. I hope you find a wonderful vet! |
Mom to Hot Rod, Thanks ever so much for your kind soothing and caring words. They mean so much when one is so distressed. Thank you a million times. Shellie :-) Namaste! |
LadyJane, I totally agree with you. I do think she knows what is going on in her Clinic. I will talk to her anyway, because I do think it is important she knows why I am no longer going to be a client, and just because it needs to be said. And she needs to hear it. I like you, do not think a whole lot will be done, but just for myself and my babies, I feel I need to know said something when they mistreated my babies. Thanks for your caring. Shellie, :-) Namaste:) |
I would deff check out the people Imperez mentioned the next time you need to leave your babies. I have not boarded my pets since I worked at a vets office and saw just how stressfull it is on them. Think about it , that's the scariest place there is for your pet. That's where they get shots(ouch) that's where they get knocked out and have sergery ( no fun there) That's where they have stitches removed (oooh pinch) That's where they get things stuck in their ears for cleaning and infactions (very painfull) It's no wonder they don't want to eat well when they are boarded there. How well can you eat when you are stressed? And we did everything we could to make them comfy, I carried a few aruond in my shirt because they were so scared. But they can smell the fear from the other animals being hospitalized and all the barking oh my goodness some of the little ones would shake so much I thought they would shake out of their skin. Need I say more? Just make sure they keep the little ones seperated from the big ones wherever you take them, and always leave emergency contact numbers and your vets number as well. When I have to leave my pets, they stay home and I have someone come to them. I always let my vet know I will be out of town and let them know they have my permission to treat for anything and everything while I'm gone and I leave my credit card with them. But thats me, I'm completly neurotic when it comes to my pets. All my pets are rescues and came from pretty bad situations , so I promised every one of them they would always be safe and loved for the rest of their lives. I would have to hurt someone if they ever hurt or neglected any of them. |
Oh Lillymae, Oh gosh!!! That sounds so awful. No, you don't need to say more. Although it was difficult for me to read your post, I think it was very important that you posted it and that I read it. Poor little ones. And big ones too for that matter. I had hoped it wasn't like that at my Vets, but I guess it is. Thanks for shedding more light on this matter for me. You are such an angel. Me too. I want to hurt everyone at the Vets. I too am neurotic about my babies. You are so right about the stress and eating. Actually I agree with everything you wrote. Thank you! :-) |
Sorry to be so harsh, but if you have never worked in a vets office there is no way you could know how your pet reacts to all the things that go on there . And most of the time they tell you they were fine. Well they were fine as far as safety goes but that's about it. And that's questionable with the diseases that come in. I always told the clients how their pets reacted weather they wanted to hear it or not. Most of them were greatfull for the info but some continued to board their pets with us anyway. Some people just don't get it. It's like taking a vacation in a hospital. Well I can't vacation very well knowing my babies are scared out of their minds. So I bought a van and take them with me now. All 5 dogs and 4 cats and I can't say who has more fun , the dogs or the cats. |
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how far are you from garden grove area by knotts berry farm? |
oh and my cousin lives in rancho santa margarita and there is a great doggie daycare place where they board that my cousin uses right by john wayne airport |
How are the girls doing? Did you get a chance to talk to the vet? Just wanted to quickly stop by and say hi and send the girls some warm loving vibes. :) |
Vet in Temecula We've had issues with a local Temecula vet, too, but not relative to boarding. More like "price gouging" and recommending very expensive tests etc when not needed. We now go to Woodcrest Veterinary on Van Buren, and see Dr. Verrault if our local vet gives us questionable diagnoses. Dr. Verrault is excellent and has been Mary-Margaret's doctor since she was 9 weeks old. We trust her to be honest and fair (unlike so many other doctors who wear expensive shoes....if you catch our drift?). |
Hi all, So much has happened since I last updated everybody. I tried to do an update a few days ago, but by the time I finished writing it, the site logged me out and I LOST the whole post!!! This happened to me several times before, so I got really discouraged because my post was so long and so detailed, and then to lose it all-ugh. And then I got sick-I mean VIOLENTLY ill with some sort of stomach flu or food poisoning or something. Over the weekend I was so sick I couldn’t even feed Muffin and Cassie, my Dad had to do it for me. So today, well, I missed the appointment with my wonderful holistic Vet, because I was still so weak and still feeling some stomach pain. Later in the day, however I was starting to feel better when I noticed something about Muffin, that her head was tilted to the side. I thought she had been looking at me quizzically, you know, how when they are listening to you they tilt their heads to the side? But then I noticed that she was always looking at me like that, so I thought that was strange and picked her up and tried (very gently) to straighten her neck, and she screamed and I stopped immediately. I was so upset I called my local Vet (the one who’s staff member practically accused us of stealing $50) and I told the girl there what was going on with Muffin, and how I was so upset I was looking for a different Vet. She appologized for the other girl, who she said “sometimes gets like that”, and told me she could get me in, in a half hour. I went to see my Vet and told her everything from the beginning. To make a long story short, she examined Muffin and told me she thought she was blind in the right eye and she sent me to a Veterinary Hospital to see an ophtamologist or a neurologist. She did not charge me for the appointment but denied all wrong doing or accidents or any thing that could have caused this with Muffin. We went to the hospital and they did some preliminary tests. They say there is something really wrong with muffin. There may be some neurologic damage in the brain, she may have encephalitis or something else. I have to bring her back tommorrow, as there was no neurologist there at the time, this was just an internal medicine doc. They concur with the findings of my local Vet about the blindness in one eye, also her back leg is not functioning. I am in such grief,that I cannot even breath. They wanted me to leave her there over night, but I said no,I will never ever leave her anywhere else again overnight unless it is medically essential. She is home now, and I fed her some Boston Chicken. I’m going back tommorrow to the ER with her. Please please pray for Muffin. Shellie:-( |
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so sorry to hear about poor muffin, thoughts and prayers to u all, please keep us posted |
Prays are with you and Muffin. I am sorry that you are going through this. Please keep us updated. |
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