A Dogs Life in Thailand - Vet Care.

[Liquorice]

I have a small cross breed about 1 year old now.

About 4 weeks ago he sustained an injury, we don't really know how. We took our eyes off him for a few minutes and wham!

He was limping, back left leg and had a bloodshot and grazed right eye. This was about 8pm at night.

Our local vet was just closing but he recommended a 24 hour emergency animal hospital.

We took the dog there and I asked for an x-ray fearing his back leg may be broken.

They said they couldn't x-ray him that night, first thing in the morning, so we left him in their care overnight.

Following morning I telephoned to find out if they had x - rayed him, they said the vet didn't think he'd broken anything.

I repeated that I'd like an x-ray to confirm any damage. They said it would be later that morning and to call in at lunchtime.

I arrived at 12.30am to find they still hadn't x-rayed him. The vet assured me the fact that he could stand, sit and walk even with a limp told her nothing was broken and it was just badly bruised. He'll be fine in a couple of weeks.

Well 3 weeks later the dog still limped, but was getting around on 3 legs. Not happy with the situation I took him to another vet's who had x-ray equipment. Within minutes it was discovered he had a dislocated hip. After 3 weeks though they couldn't just pop the joint back in because the ball had fused to another bone. They explained that it meant an operation to cut and part the fused bones to relocate the leg joint back in the hip. I was fuming at this point because had the first hospital followed my instructions to x-ray (twice) then the dog wouldn't have to go through the pain of an operation.

It doesn't end there, it gets worse.

The operation went fine, but he had to be immobilised for at least a week until the stitches were removed. I decided it was better to leave the dog in their care for a week. Each and every day I visited twice a day taking food etc. His medication was kept in a bag above his pen. Every day I checked this medication and the tablets remained the same in numbers.

Each day I could see his deterioration, to the point he developed a serious ear infection after 3 days.

I pointed it out to the staff and said it needed treatment.

By day 5 I was so concerned I pulled the staff and vet to one side to let them know I wasn't happy with the state of the dog and suspected he wasn't being given his medication regularly. At this point a number of staff admitted he growled and snapped at them when they tried to treat him.

I'll add here that this is a friendly dog, but obviously in pain and scared.

I had to persevere for a couple more days until they removed the stiches and I could get him home.

I arranged to attend to remove him from the pen and hold him while they removed his stitches, in case he became aggressive.

He didn't, but............to my horror, once we got him on the table and could inspect him properly, his ear infection was disgusting to even look at. It was like layer of yellow molten cheese dripping from it. His two front paws were raw and infected, so much so that he can hardly stand on them. He has a bare infected 2" patch on one of his sides and his testicles are inflamed and raw.

After bringing him home on Friday morning, he later cried to tell me he needed to relieve himself.

I carried him from the house onto the garden because he can barely walk, not to mention the steps he has to navigate.

As he squatted and pushed, his side where they had just removed the stitches split open like a zip.

Oh for <deleted>! The poor dog doesn't deserve this!

I'm treating him myself at home now, reluctant to take him to another vet.

The incompetence and lack of veterinary care is unbelievable. I'd like to report this to someone, or sue the b******* for cruelty.

I'm absolutely livid!

Any advice?

[isanbirder]

This is a very sad story, Faz, and I hope your dog eventually recovers.

Where did all this happen?

In 24 years in Thailand, always with a dog or four, I've used private vets and the Small Animal Hospital in Chiangmai, and now a vet in Buriram. Maybe I've been lucky, but I've never had anything to complain of.

[Liquorice]

[konying]

OP sorry if I missed, but where are you located ?

[Liquorice]

Roi Et.

A dislocated hip turned into multiple infections and a lot of suffering for the dog, for only 4,450 baht.

He still has a way to go to recover, I just hope he doesn't have any further complications.

[konying]

Faz, best advice I can give you is to either head over to bkk or Pattaya .

In Pattaya have a new American licensed vet, Thai but studied and worked in U.S.

In bkk have a few options.

I would make the trip to make sure hip surgery was done properly, because to my knowledge the only specialists who this this are based in Bangkok .

If you make trip to Pattaya, can help with a couple of dog friendly hotels, so if need to stay it would not be a problem.

That's the best I can suggest

[isanbirder]

I would endorse what Konying says, Faz. Something which has been mishandled is always harder to put right, and for that you need the best available. That means going to the big centres, Bangkok, Chiangmai or Pattaya.

[Liquorice]

Thanks for the advice but unfortunately the dog isn't even fit to travel.

He's in pain and doesn't have much mobility. I'm treating his infections 3 times daily and it's costing me 300 baht a day for the medication.

He will either improve or deteriorate over the next 3/4 days.

Maybe the photos I posted don't show the extent of his infections and certainly not the discomfort it's causing him.

What I'd like to know is if it's possible to sue a Veterinary Surgery for lack of care.

If it were a human that came out of hospital in that condition I'm sure the family would sue.

I had a dog for 17 years in the UK that was raised alongside my kids. I eventually had to put the dog down because it's back legs had gone and it broke my heart,

but that was natural causes.

I don't want to put another one down because of the incompetence of a local vet.

[konying]

Thanks for the advice but unfortunately the dog isn't even fit to travel.

He's in pain and doesn't have much mobility. I'm treating his infections 3 times daily and it's costing me 300 baht a day for the medication.

He will either improve or deteriorate over the next 3/4 days.

Maybe the photos I posted don't show the extent of his infections and certainly not the discomfort it's causing him.

What I'd like to know is if it's possible to sue a Veterinary Surgery for lack of care.

If it were a human that came out of hospital in that condition I'm sure the family would sue.

I had a dog for 17 years in the UK that was raised alongside my kids. I eventually had to put the dog down because it's back legs had gone and it broke my heart,

but that was natural causes.

I don't want to put another one down because of the incompetence of a local vet.

Faz,, dog will be ok to travel if you have a car.

You have can sue, but zero chance winning, because you would have to get another Vet to confirm this one did something wrong and as you know Thai way, it will not happen.

Hip surgeries are pretty complicated and hard surgeries.

Most Vets will not do it and would send animal to Bangkok to specialist.

I am very concerned about the hip, i understand they did the surgery, but i have serious doubts they did it well.

Ear while an ugly scene, should be easily fixed with antibiotics and daily clean, hip on the other hand is a serious matter, which could develop into a life long problem

If you donot have a car, rent one and head to BKK or Pattaya and i would not wait.

I can also tell you from experience, my older dog has a hip surgery, it took her over a year to recover.

I am happy to help anyway i can

[meatboy]

Faz, best advice I can give you is to either head over to bkk or Pattaya .

In Pattaya have a new American licensed vet, Thai but studied and worked in U.S.

In bkk have a few options.

I would make the trip to make sure hip surgery was done properly, because to my knowledge the only specialists who this this are based in Bangkok .

If you make trip to Pattaya, can help with a couple of dog friendly hotels, so if need to stay it would not be a problem.

That's the best I can suggest

if it was my boy who had to go through this i would shoot the ba--ards[VETS].

what konying says makes sense,our vet down here in korat obtained his diploma in the usa and we cant fault him.

get well soon loved one,and please keep us posted.

meatboy LOVE ME LOVE MY DOG.

[Liquorice]

Thanks konying for your kind offer and concerns, and I agree with your sentiments meatboy.

I have my own vet, highly recommended, English speaking and all the foreign pet owners use him, unfortunately

he wasn't available at the time and doesn't have x-ray equipment.

His hip operation is the least of my worries. He is using the leg and has no pain. That at least appears to be fine,

it's the amount of untreated infections he came out with after 7 days that is my main concern.

Other than a dislocated hip, he went in fit and well.

After 7 days, he has bad infections to his left ear, left side, front paws and tesicles.

They obviously should have left the stitches in longer, but that wound is now healing from the inside outwards.

(I had a deep wound in the UK a few years ago and that's exactly how I was treated).

I had a real go about his condition at the Clinic yesterday, who told me they always take extremely good care of the animals

they care for. I then produced the photo's I'd taken and asked if one of their family members went into hospital for an operation,

and 7 days later was released with multiple infections, would they find that acceptable and 'good care'.

Speechless................

They did give me some free medication though...........guilty conscience?

After 48 hours of homecare, I can at least see some improvement with his ear and paw infections. It's just the one on his side that still concerns me.

His testicles have returned to normal size.

I'll take him to my own vet later today for a once over and any further advice on treatment.

I've cooled off a bit now, but I'd still like to find a way to get back at the other vet clinic, otherwise they'll feel they can get away with anything.

Time for some 'farangness'.

[weka]

Good on you for what and how you're looking after your dog Faz. He's a good looking hound

No doubt your normal vet will set him further on the right track. we're lucky too that we have an excellent vet although to look at his clinic you'd be skeptical but my word he does well with the facilities he's got.

My advice on taking any action against the incompetent clinic is don't bother mate. Just stay away from them and verbally spread the word to other pet owners you know and like.

It's my experience that telling these types the error of their ways doesn't really achieve anything here. They'll probably nod, smile and stay quiet. You'll give them some constructive criticism and when you're gone they'll curse you behind your back and continue their practice satisfied that they have many customers who are happy to have their dogs nails clipped or fur shaven etc

If they truly felt remorse or any responsibility then this wouldn't have happened in the first place or they'd have demonstrated such remorse before now.

look after your dog, stay away from the dodgy vet is my advice for what that's worth

Edited June 8, 2015 by weka

[meatboy]

if you have a receipt for the treatments,you have the photo's. NAME AND SHAME THEM.

and see if the press will.

maybe ask the soi dog foundation for some advice.

[Liquorice]

if you have a receipt for the treatments,you have the photo's. NAME AND SHAME THEM.

and see if the press will.

maybe ask the soi dog foundation for some advice.

I have the receipt for costs and so called 'care'.

Never heard of the soi dog foundation, but I'll check it out and try to get some details.

Do they operate nationally?

I'm thinking of putting a post on the 'Ask a Lawyer' forum for some advice.

I'll keep everyone advised.

[isanbirder]

There's always Facebook or Twitter, Faz.

I'm glad to hear he's improving.... may it continue.

[meatboy]

if you have a receipt for the treatments,you have the photo's. NAME AND SHAME THEM.

and see if the press will.

maybe ask the soi dog foundation for some advice.

I have the receipt for costs and so called 'care'.

Never heard of the soi dog foundation, but I'll check it out and try to get some details.

Do they operate nationally?

I'm thinking of putting a post on the 'Ask a Lawyer' forum for some advice.

I'll keep everyone advised.

sorry a bit late replying got some drinking butties from the uk.here,if you google the soi dog foundation you will get all the info you need.

they help soi dogs,with every problem they are likely to inherit.they have their own vets and are funded by donations by all good pet owners and are based in phuket.

[Liquorice]

if you have a receipt for the treatments,you have the photo's. NAME AND SHAME THEM.

and see if the press will.

maybe ask the soi dog foundation for some advice.

I have the receipt for costs and so called 'care'.

Never heard of the soi dog foundation, but I'll check it out and try to get some details.

Do they operate nationally?

I'm thinking of putting a post on the 'Ask a Lawyer' forum for some advice.

I'll keep everyone advised.

sorry a bit late replying got some drinking butties from the uk.here,if you google the soi dog foundation you will get all the info you need.

they help soi dogs,with every problem they are likely to inherit.they have their own vets and are funded by donations by all good pet owners and are based in phuket.

Cheers for the information meatboy .

Looks like the beers and UK drinking butties are already having an effect on you

I found and e-mailed the Soi Dog Foundation with photos and asked for their advice.

(I'll take a longer look at their site when this drama is over. I'd like to help somehow)

I'm also waiting for a post to be approved in the 'Ask a Lawyer' section.

I've also got the name of an English speaking Lawyer in Roi Et, if that's the way I have to go.

Tomorrow morning I'm taking him down to my own Vet for a check over and to make sure I'm doing everything possible

in treating him and to stock up on the meds again.

Edited June 8, 2015 by Faz

[konying]

Faz, while shaming and naming would be natural urge, do not do it as they could easily file defamation charges.

Go back and demand full refund plus all costs for ongoing treatment.

Tell them if they refuse, you will file a complaint with consumer protection board.

Take pup to another vet and keep all the bills asking for detailed report as well( without mentioning the reason)

Should this end up in consumer protection board, use vet bills and reports as evidence.

They would find it hard to explain when dog went in for hip surgery but came out with ear and balls infection, not to mention open wound.

They might claim unrelated, but dog had to be on antibiotics and anti inflammatory medication , so no chance for infection to develop.

If you need contact for consumer protection board, let me know will forward the link.

In Thai it's called ( pardon the spelling) so ko bor

Edited June 8, 2015 by konying

[konying]

I had somewhat similar experience in Pattaya with 1 known vet.

They did a surgery on a kitten and then tortured him for 2 weeks until he died of severe infection.

I was there to visit daily and daily they kept telling me he was better and they were dressing the wound every 4 hours.

Total bill came to 16000, all paid.

After kitten died, I went crazy.

Had a meeting with the owner who stated they could not possibly dress wound every 4 hours, yet I was charged for it.

He was not aware that kitten has infections because night vet did not tell him and more BS

I demanded full refund with th a threat of going to consumer board and seeing as owner had many Buddha's also told him Buddha see everything and he would be punished for " killing" kitten.

I was not interested in listening to excuses and he had many. Told him was his problem .

I got full refund and many sorry's

Sadly it did not bring back the kitten or made his pain any less but hopefully they will not kill

Another one in the future.

Edited June 8, 2015 by konying

[Liquorice]

konying.

Go back and demand full refund plus all costs for ongoing treatment.

Already done that. They won't even admit any liability to the dogs poor health and insist they take care of

all the animals. They gave me a free bottle of Benadine as a goodwill gesture.

He was supposed to be on anti biotic and anti inflammatory............ so maybe therein lye's the answer.

Just how did he acquire so many infections?

I remember you posted an excellent information piece giving links to certain agencies.

I certainly wouldn't mind you reposting the link, but I think I'll wait for an answer from the Soi Dogs Foundation and the Somsak Lawyer

before I decide how to inflict my own retribution.

Nothing worse than pissing a Man U fan off!

Edited June 8, 2015 by Faz

[Liquorice]

I had somewhat similar experience in Pattaya with 1 known vet.

They did a surgery on a kitten and then tortured him for 2 weeks until he died of severe infection.

I was there to visit daily and daily they kept telling me he was better and they were dressing the wound every 4 hours.

Total bill came to 16000, all paid.

After kitten died, I went crazy.

Had a meeting with the owner who stated they could not possibly dress wound every 4 hours, yet I was charged for it.

He was not aware that kitten has infections because night vet did not tell him and more BS

I demanded full refund with th a threat of going to consumer board and seeing as owner had many Buddha's also told him Buddha see everything and he would be punished for " killing" kitten.

I was not interested in listening to excuses and he had many. Told him was his problem .

I got full refund and many sorry's

Sadly it did not bring back the kitten or made his pain any less but hopefully they will not kill

Another one in the future.

Sad story and a terrible experience for the poor cat.

That's exactly what I'm trying to avoid.

[konying]

konying.

Go back and demand full refund plus all costs for ongoing treatment.

Already done that. They won't even admit any liability to the dogs poor health and insist they take care of

all the animals. They gave me a free bottle of Benadine as a goodwill gesture.

He was supposed to be on anti biotic and anti inflammatory............ so maybe therein lye's the answer.

Just how did he acquire so many infections?

I remember you posted an excellent information piece giving links to certain agencies.

I certainly wouldn't mind you reposting the link, but I think I'll wait for an answer from the Soi Dogs Foundation and the Somsak Lawyer

before I decide how to inflict my own retribution.

Nothing worse than pissing a Man U fan off!

http://www.ocpb.go.th

[topt]

Faz, best advice I can give you is to either head over to bkk or Pattaya .

In Pattaya have a new American licensed vet, Thai but studied and worked in U.S.

konying - can you post details please?

Thanks

[konying]

Faz, best advice I can give you is to either head over to bkk or Pattaya .

In Pattaya have a new American licensed vet, Thai but studied and worked in U.S.

konying - can you post details please?

Thanks

Do not recall the full name of the clinic but on sukhumvit road, opposite Soi 46/3, opposite big wing, very close to Kawasaki shop. Have a big sign " American licensed vet"

His name is Dr Sumadee or Dr Sam, and gf also a Vet, Dr. Wan.

If can not find, pm me and will give you the number.

I think it's called Eastern Pet clinic

Edited June 8, 2015 by konying

[meatboy]

when you read stories like this it brings more than a lump to the throat,as i said what i would do,i have enjoyed 30yrs of bliss with my wife then when our boy came into our lives it was more than the iceing on the cake.

i have just about learnt to keep my mouth shut when seeing pets being either left to fend for theirselves or being abused,because of reprisals.

as i am now past the point of no return it wouldnt bother me if i took revenge if something like this happened to our son and i had to pay the price.

so keep it going faz so another loyal loving friend doesnt have to go through what yours have and may he keep improving.

if you need advice from a good honest lawyer we have one who is married to an american that lives 50yds.from us and comes highly recomended.

yours taff.

[Liquorice]

Thanks Taff and All, for your support and encouragement.

After 4 days of at home care, his testicles, ear and front paws are responding to treatment and improving.

I took him to my usual vet this morning, who was shocked to see the state he was in.

(He saw him only 10 days ago before he went to the hospital for an x-ray)

He said the anti biotics I had been given are no good for the seriousness of the infections.

We've agreed that I will take him to his surgery daily for an anti biotic shot, rather than multiple tablets.

He is very concerned about the infection on his side though and said that is very serious. The tissue is dead.

His only explanation is that 'Pepper' probably got the infections from lying in his urine, which would have been acidic as well.

He said that no 'vet' would write a report though denouncing the malpractice of another.

He said to sue would cost a lot of money (same as the Somsak Lawyer)

He is giving me receipts though with treatment and medication given by him.

He also knows the 'vet' who carried out the op and said he is a good surgeon, but he can't speak for the staff who take aftercare of the animals after an op.

He is barely hobbling and I carry him outside when required.........and then back in again.

Treatment repeated 3 times daily. It's a full time job!

Taff, I really haven't had the time to consult a lawyer yet, but intend to.

If you know the neighbour well enough, an idea of cost to pursue action would be appreciated.

I've got a friend who speaks fluent Thai, so intend to have another go at the hospital first, but he hasn't any time until Thursday afternoon.

I really don't want another animal to go through what my dogs going through because of poor aftercare.

I only want to them to admit liability and cover my ongoing costs, but failing that, if a lawyer considers I have half a chance, then I'll see them in Court.

[meatboy]

yes it would be a good idea to go and see the owner of the hospital and take all the photo's and see their reaction.

even if you bluff them with,nameing and shaming,consulting a lawyer,and refunding all its cost you and going to the local tv.station and the press.

and your final word to him/her UP TO YOU.

[konying]

Faz in all honestly forget the lawyer, go with OCPB, it is free and more effective.

No need for other Vets to testify, just your bills from current Vet and from experience they would usually try to settle.

I am certain it was not the actual Vet, but the staff who look after the animals.

As was in my case about the kitten.

The boss surgeon was good, but the idiots working is another matter.

However at the end of the day, it is not your problem, but his and putting aside dogs pain and discomfort, you should not be out of pocket for their incompetence.

[Liquorice]

konying, you may well be correct.

Later today I'll be confronting the owner (again) as a last ditch effort to resolve the situation amicably, otherwise I'll escalate my complaint.

I've already been advised that I have sufficient evidence to sue them, but that route would be costly and time consuming.

The Soi Dog Foundation also replied to my request for any advice, but I'm waiting for their Director (Katherine) to return from a trip on this coming Sunday who wants to speak to me personally.

Apparently the Animal Welfare Bill was passed in November 2014, so that's a positive for animal lovers.

Meanwhile Pepper is still having daily anti biotic jabs and at home treatment, and is slowly improving.

Surprisingly at our local weekly farang meeting, last evening, a couple suggested I just put the dog down....less hassle.

I'll wait until they have a medical issue and then suggest it would be easier for all if they were put down!

[Liquorice]

Yesterday afternoon I confronted the Vet Practice again.

At first they even denied they knew about the problem!!!

Some 60 minutes later they more or less admitted some liability.

It appears the doctor thought staff were giving him anti biotic tablets, but the staff say he growled and tried to bite them.

Not surprising, he's sick, in pain and scared.

So the option was to tie the dogs snout and inject the anti biotic if they couldn't give them by mouth.

Only the doctor was trained to give injections and the staff didn't tell him of the problem.

Complete breakdown in communications!

The outcome, they offered us the costs of the medicines (that weren't used) but charged for, some 600 baht.

I refused the offer point blank.

This morning I telephoned the Consumer Protection Board who said I should complain to the Vet Council.

Vet Council

022500395

[email protected]

My g/f is having one last go at them as I write.

I have asked for a 2,000 baht refund from the 4,350 baht they charged which I think is very reasonable.