CONSUMER NEWS    RECALLS    COMPLAINT FORM    SCAM ALERTS  


Complain about a product or service

Small Claims Guide | Class Actions | Lemon Law | FAQ | Resources | Newsletters | Spanish
Automotive    Education    Electronics    Family    Finance    Health    Homeowners    Shopping    Travel   
PET CARE & SUPPLIES:   Stores & Breeders |  Boarding, Groomers, Vets |  Supplies |  Pet Lemon Laws

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.

Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.


Consumer News

July 5 2008

Recent Recalls & Safety Alerts

Print, mail, etc.




FREE CONSUMER NEWSLETTERS

The Daily Consumer
Afternoons M-F

Sign up now!


Consumer News & Alerts
Every Sunday

Sign up now!


Knowledge is free.
Knowledge is power.

Back to the top |

Advertisement


Home | Rogues Gallery | Good Guys | Complaint Form | News | Recalls | Search | Video | FAQ |
Consumer Resources | Small Claims Guide | Lemon Law | Newsletter | Contact Us
Advertise With Us | Testimonials | Newsroom | RSS Feeds | Radio | Job Postings




Terms of Use Your use of this site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use

Advertisements on this site are placed and controlled by outside advertising networks. ConsumerAffairs.com does not evaluate or endorse the products and services advertised. See the FAQ for more information.

Company Response Welcome If complaints about your company appear on our site, we welcome your response. Please see the Response Form for more information.

For more information, see the FAQ and privacy policy. The information on this Web site is general in nature and is not intended as a substitute for competent legal advice.  ConsumerAffairs.com Inc. makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information herein provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from the use thereof. 

Copyright © 2003-2008 ConsumerAffairs.com Inc.  All Rights Reserved.