Advice needed please

Re: Advice needed please

albatross — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 13:12:23 GMT

being a charity low income vet clinic, we run into this problem many times a year.
We also have the immediate accidents where there are more than likely broken bones but as we have no xray we have to advise the client to go to a full price vet practice - and in some cases we know that as soon as they walk out of the door that is the last time they will see a vet.
We treat what we see, advise on further treatment, help out those who are genuinely unaware of problems until it has escalated (like the tumour scenario above), or who have been referred to us after an RSPCA visit to them.
The ones who are neglecting, don't want to pay for treatment, don't want to find time/transport/money etc to go to a vet are the hardest to help.
One dog appeared last week with a degloved tail, but after 2 1/2 hours of persuasion, made it onto the vet list, but then disappeared before their appointment ! We have their details, that is now a case of failing in the "five freedoms" of animal care but due to client confidentiality and as mentioned above. the fact that if we report them, others may not step forward when they have decided to seek help, we do nothing other than keep a watchful eye out.....

Very sad, and these days we are seeing more and more pets whose owners cannot afford/don't want to pay for ... their pets.

But privately (nothing to do with vet clinic) we have a dog neglected in our village, and despite several calls to the RSPCA, and allegedly two visits, the fact that he lives 24/7 in a run open two sides by mesh, concrete floor, no bedding, faeces all over the floor, skinny dog, hardly ever fed - that is deemed not to be a case of neglect and the dog is allowed to remain with the owner.....(I shan't mention the state of the other animals in their care but just link the words ponies and snow and you have a good idea).

In your case I would engage in conversation with the owner, try to get the to come along for perhaps reduced price treatment if money is an issue, or print off info from the net if ignorance is the problem, then if they keep coming back give them incentives to return, and if they don't appear perhaps discuss with the practice manager/boss/head nurse a way forward - letter inviting them to come for a free checkup etc?

Re: Advice needed please

Steph Phillips — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 13:06:13 GMT

We've reported someone before..

Stella & I went to a house call to collect a "dead dog" and bring her back for cremation.. only when we got there, she wasn't dead, she as in the kitchen with a huuuuge ruptured tumour on her abdomen.. she has many many other tumours along her abdomen, but this huuge one was bigger than a larage pumpkin!! - There is loads more to say about this dog, but I wont go into detail.

Basically we told the owner we need to take her back asap - tumour now inoperable & vet recommends euth is best option for dog - owner signed dog over & agreed. When we got back, we euthanaised the doggy, then rang RSPCA as this dogs tumour & other problems had NOT recieved veterinary treatment, and she was left for days in the kitchen bleeding out..

We had to fill in a statement and was told it might to to court - vet had to give his opinion too as to wether or not it was neglect - that was months ago and still not heard anything.. so probably all over.. it's pretty streight forward.. if you & the vet think that animal has suffered - report it - prevent another one from suffering.

Re: Advice needed please

Sal the 1st — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 12:55:17 GMT

have been in this situation before - what does your vet say?

its difficult if your vet says dont report it , you may end up in trouble with your boss re data protection, client confidentiality etc and If you do mention it to client there is a chance this animal may never be seen by a vet again and the neglect continues because they have been scared off .

If the patient is neglected it is something that the owner has brought it in for treatment - so they have noticed that something is wrong or maybe had it pointed out to them by somebody else and they are wanting to do something about it so maybe they arent totally uncaring and maybe other people are already aware of the patients condition.

If the animal is due follow up treatment or checks it is sometimes a way of keeping an eye on the situation without appearing to be too threatening, checking weight etc. If client misses check ups then that may be grounds to report as you are concerned about the patients welfare, but dont be too hasty. Its a really fine line. I would advise talk this through with your vet before doing anything. Not all neglect is malicious sometimes its a lack of knowledge or understanding that causes it. I dont know details and I dont want to

If after talking it through you are still not happy - anon tip off

Re: Advice needed please

Stuart McQueen RVN MBVNA — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 12:48:10 GMT

Could you or someone from the practice speak to the people about it?

You could always phone the RSPCA and say you're a concerned neighbour?

Or even just phone up and not give your details!?

These are all sneaky ways... I don't know legally where a veterinary practice stands in these situtation! Sorry.

I guess it would also depend what kind of neglect?!

When I worked at the PDSA we had a guy come in with a 15 year old collie with a mam tum the size of a football that was scraping along the floor, had burst open and gone all necrotic... the guy tried to tell us that this all happened over night!