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Southpaws

Fairfax, Va.

Charles of Silver Spring MD (10/01/06)
When my beloved pet dog needed emergency surgery, I brought him to SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Center. This hospital touts itself as providing the finest care with its large staff of certifed veterinary specialists. Because of its reputation as a referral hospital for difficult mdecial and surgical cases as well as emergencies, I brought my mastiff there in February, 2006 when he developed symptoms of an intestinal obstruction. He was operated on by a board certified surgeon who removed a piece of rubber that my dog had swallowed. The surgery was described as routine.

When he almost died ten days later of an abdominal abscess, it became clear that mistakes were made. The surgical report (which I later obtained) did not document that the abdomen was cleaned as is necessary for this procedure. The hospital also would not prescribe post-operative antibiotics (which I questioned but was told he did not need). These two mistakes almost killed my pet and caused him weeks of pain and suffering. Ther first surgery cost around $3500; the second around $7500.00

One might believe that given the big league charges by SouthPaws, there would also be big league accountability for the work they do. Guess what? The hospital never addressed these issues with me directly. They did however, delay, cover up, deceive, and blame my pet for their errors and sloppiness. When a veterinary hospital brushes you off in a condecending manner and appears totally indifferent to concerns involving life threatening issues take heed.

As a physician, I've taken surgical training so I think I know a bit about this as well. I'm posting this to let you know what you can do if you suspect veterinary malpractice. First, try to talk to your veterinary hospital. Most really care about you and your pet and will be willing to admit that will they try but they are only human and do make mistakes and correct them. If this does not work and the hospital is as uncaring and arrogant as SouthPaws, file a complaint with the State Veterinary Board, consult an attorney, and give serious thought to having your day in court. 

My pet sufferred for weeks. My wife and I worried about him constantly often at the expense of losing days from work and being preoccupied with his plight. The total direct costs exceeded $12,000.

Southpaws responds:

Charles of Silver Spring alleges that mistakes were made while in the care of SouthPaws post surgery.

This gentleman filed a complaint with the Virginia Board of Veterinary medicine. A Special Conferene Committee reviewed the complaint (same allegations he posted on your website) and based on their review, the Committee found there was no evidence to substantiate his allegations and they took no action on his complaint.

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