Comments on Are You a Victim of Veterinary Abuse?

Hi, I was wondering if I could Will a question-the one thing that makes me furious when you go to vet is how the receptionist makes you sign a paper stating you give permission to the vet to do whatever they deem necessary. Including all vaccinations, drugs, ect. The last one told me "he won't see her if you don't sign". So what are we suppose to do? There are some things I don't want done to my pets, but they tie our hands and render us helpless to their (evil) will. Also, is this even LEGAL for them to do this? I'm also sick and tired of how they demand payment at the end of every appointment especially when we don't know how much the bill is going to be? THIS has got to stop and we the public need to get laws against them doing this, especially when most people don't have insurance. Even when we humans go to the ER they will bill you and give you 60 days. I wonder if being forced to pay the entire bill at a vet's is legal as well. A "policy" is not a law. Any feedback will be appreciated, thank you.

This page shares media coverage and personal stories about Bad Veterinarians. If you have a "Bad Vet" story you'd like to share message this page with all of your information gathered including pictures, documents or anything else you may find helpful in sharing your story. facebook.com/ regretavetveterinarynegligence

It blows me away that evil people like this would become veterinarians. You would think it would be kind hearted people who do it because they love animals. But I guess every profession is bound to have its bad apples.

I have scheduled a surgery for my cat to have some kind of lump above her mouth removed, but now I have decided to cancel it. After finding photos and video of my cat showing this lump or cyst over a year ago with no further growth, this veterinarian missed it in May 2019 during an exam and vaccinations. This veterinarian was in a hurry and only spent about two minutes with me while the technicians did all the work. However I do not know what is going on under the skin. I also believe when we pay a lot of money for these procedures and surgeries, we should be given the results printed out. These veterinarians seem to be afraid we might take them to another vet. Don't we have that right? I paid for those results and should get them. I'm not relying on some veterinarian with possible money motives. Her bottomline isn't mine.

She is requesting surgery at an estimated cost of $2,000 which includes an x-ray plus follow up appointments. Why did she not do the x-ray first when the cat was being examined? What about a biopsy? A biopsy isn't even listed in the estimate. This is unethical and I believe, and have in the past, this veterinarian is gouging maybe due to lack of patients. She used to be good. Now she's too greedy. I am cancelling the appointment tomorrow and firing her. This estimate is heavily padded and my cat is over 14 years old. She shows no sensitivity by touching this lump and shows no signs of discomfort even though I know cats can hide pain. I knew my cats better than this vet ever did.

Over a year ago, I brought my now deceased 15-year-old Siamese in for an annual exam and vaccines. I mentioned to this vet I suspect he has arthritis because I have noticed him showing some difficulty walking and jumping. Twice I mentioned this in 2018 and both times she ignored me. Come the end of April 2019, this vet diagnosed him with a serious case of arthritis. She's the vet and didn't see it the year before. I knew that already because he could barely walk and kept falling down. I had to carry him most places. She missed another opportunity. I took him in to see about pain medications and his exam. The vet said she could give him pain medications, but "it will only be for you." After a week he would have to be euthanized.

Only for me? I told her I was not going to make this cat suffer a week only for me. What kind of doctor is this? I had been going to her for over 15 years. Has the dollar sign suddenly become more important to her? She was never like this before, but it might explain why her waiting room is always empty.

I thought I was bringing my cat back home with pain medications. Instead he was euthanized. I still haven't gotten over it nor has the only surviving cat who is supposed to go to this monster for an intrusive surgery that could probably kill her. Not happening. I decided the veterinarian doesn't know best. I do. I know my cat better. Besides, she was just put on medications for her thyroid because the vet says she is losing weight. She looks to be gaining not losing. Why should I trust this greedy veterinarian?

How can I give her the thyroid medication twice a day after a surgical procedure around the mouth? Then I was told my cat would have to wear a cone collar for 3-4 weeks. Let's torture the cat more so this vet can make more money. She must have a vacation coming up. I have often scolded this veterinarian before because I have questioned her ethics.

My playful tabby had been examined for large tumors on his body especially a very large one causing him difficulty to walk. The vet suggested amputation of the back leg by a specialist ($$$$). This cat was over 15 years old. Why would I force him to have to re-learn to walk again on three legs. I took him home. Two weeks after my Siamese died, this tabby cat followed because he had to be euthanized. He was already near death when I found him in the bathroom then revived him. It was obvious to me his organs were shutting down, he stopped breathing and was cold. I was afraid he would suffer and the process could drag out so I took him in immediately.

Two cats within two weeks. Now the only surviving cat seems to have a death sentence awaiting with what seems to be an unnecessary surgery pending. No x-rays, no biposy. Just a vet's eyes and finger touching. She missed it in March 2019 and photos/video prove it was the same color and size then as it is now. Why excessive padding a bill when an x-ray or biopsy could be done first to eliminate surgery? No wonder veterinarians are so expensive. We're keeping them in business with unnecessary procedures that only benefit them.

Congratulate me. I finally got a holistic vet (recommended via this site) to see my dog yesterday, because the old drugsdrugsdrugs vet could not understand the concept of my dog's "sensitive to medications" issues.
My experience was like this...
The first available New Client appointment with the holistic vet was 6 weeks out.
First hour long appointment was $250. And after that they charge by 15 minute increments at $60 each.
While I was glad that many of the holistic vet's view were same as what I read here, it was disheartening to hear that 1) she would have prescribed the same dewormer, Drontal, as the old vet when we found tapeworms in my pup's stool, a drug my dog did not react well to. 2) Aside from flea prevention, we did not get any "alternatives" to dealing with current fleas, and in fact the "holistic" vet encouraged me to continue with the Sentinel and other topical pesticides for the time being (!!!). 3) Like another highly regarded holistic vet I went to, I had to wait 20+ minutes AFTER the appointed time, no doctor in sight. I was so fed up I was literally in the hallway, with my bag and dog with every intention to leave when the vet ran down to meet me, apologies and excuses.
What's my point? I totally believe that too many vets are lazily hiding behind "evidence-based" BS and drugs, and that we need to support effective alternatives to drugs treatments for dogs and pets. HOWEVER... if the holistic vet community wants the make a larger impact, you all NEED to make it more accessible to people. Treat people with more respect. Be On Time for your appointments. Provide treatments at a somewhat reasonable and affordable rate!
There's almost no limit to how much I will spend on my dog to keep her healthy, but most of the population of pet owners cannot afford $250 an hour, or $60 for 15 minute consultations.
$250 an hour? That's more than my car payment and insurance combined.
$60 for 15 minutes? That's almost as much as I pay to feed my dog for a month. Do I really need to choose between feeding my dog for a month, or talking to the vet for 15 minutes?
You've got the first step down: information, spread the word, sow doubt in the mind of people unhappy with the drug-centric treatments their dogs and cats are getting.
But if the holistic veterinary community can't take the next step to provide better access to "holistic" care for pets, as is touted on this site, then it's all just philosophy and idealism.
And that leaves well meaning, compassionate pet owners doubtful, mistrusting and nowhere to turn. They're "bad" if they keep going to conventional vets, but unable to afford or unwilling to put up with less than desirable experiences with 'holistic' vets.

I wish we had an affordable holistic vet this side of the U.K. ???? One of the vets at the practice I go to told me that although the puppies fecal test came back 100% pathogen free, that I should still worm as the worms could be in their muscles, they were 3 weeks old!!! Needless to say I don't go to him! He is also happy to vaccinate a dog that is having repeat anal gland issues and severe itching ????

I am new to this site and am probably asking on the wrong link. I am looking for advice. I have a GSH, 8 yo that is suspect to have Osteosarcoma . My vet sent the x-rays off to a specialist and we should have his opinion tomorrow. Well can't wait. I have been reading these blogs and am very impressed with everyone's knowledge, so thought I would ask a few questions. #1 is it too late? ( Not a for sure diagnosis and no stage set)
#2 has anyone heard of artemisinin?
#3 any ideas on dosages or/ and a reputable source.
#4 any other herbs/remedies that may help???
Thank you so much, and if I am asking in the wrong forum, please send info on the correct one.
Again thank you so much.
Penney

Thank you, thank you, thank for all of your insite, knowledge and wisdom!!! I forward your blog to everyone that I know. Your knowledge is so forward thinking and something that is so absent here in the states.

I have been absorbing every article you produce on your site Dr. Falconer, and its so refreshing to get not only a wealth of information on how to keep my dog vital, but also the opinions, stories and antidotes from other readers.
We have a 5-month old German Shepherd, and we have declined all vaccinations. We are just learning about raw feeding, but so far we are comfortable with 25% raw, as well as regular raw recreational bones for oral health.
We believe that with the right diet, homeopathic support, plenty of fresh air and sunshine, lots of exercise, and of course lots of love, our dog will remain vital, and his immune system will function on a very high level, protecting him from parasites - the way nature intended.
Wishing wellness and joy for you, your readers, and all our furry friends!!!
-Sarah F., Ontario, Canada

Sometimes it is not just the vets who bully pet owners. I hired a cat sitter, and on the initial meet-and-greet one of the sitters started giving me a hard time because my cat was on a raw diet. "I've been a vet tech for 15 years...." she tried to say before I cut her off and ended that conversation. After the meeting I called the owner, and fired them.
My cat is 16 years old, has not had any vaccinations since she 2001. Funny how the sitter had no problem with that, but just couldn't handle my cat eating natural, unprocessed foods.

I appreciate you Dr. Falconer!! So few like you!! I am tired of the vet profession killing our companion pets for fee. I stand up and I tell them what they WILL and WILL NOT do to my baby. If they don't like it I will find another vet. God Knows there are plenty out there. Perhaps Not Good ones but plenty!
I learned from gathering pieces here and there about the what I think is best for my baby. They always want to use the old bull WELL, you can't board without this and that. WELL, I don't board anyway so stuff it.
Thank you for being there and speaking up and out for those that can't. I wish you had a clone in SC!!!!!!

My 11 year old cat was borderline diabetic, vets bills were mounting up, when a lovely lady suggested I tried Bachs Rescue Remedy. 5 drops on his water every morning. After a few days the cat would wait until I dosed his water before drinking! He lived for another 7 years, with no more treatment for the diabetes.
You are right, cats love homeopathy.

Several years ago, our dog Mickey became seriously ill (continual vomiting & unable to keep food or fluids down) & we took him to an emergency hospital. Eventually it was determined that he had ingested an acorn while we were hiking in the mountains. It was surgically removed but then 3 weeks later his gall bladder had become infected and back in for surgery he went. It took a serious toll on him & if he hadn't been eating a home-prepared diet and un-vaccinated, he likely wouldn't have survived. Although we had paid our bill in full at the conclusion of the initial surgery, we were told they wouldn't even look at him unless we pre-paid the bill for the second surgery. Our other dog Maverick tore his cruciate ligament later that year, which we had surgically repaired. Those 2 incidents alone cost us $20,000 that year, which we compliantly paid without complaint.
A few years later, at the age of 13, Mickey became seriously ill once again and back we went to an emergency hospital. 48 hours, several misdiagnoses (first an ulcer, then a collapsed disc in his back) and several invasive tests later (including multiple spinal taps for which they repeatedly put him under), he was finally diagnosed with immune-mediated meningitis. For this they wanted to treat him with high and repeated doses of steroids which may have given him 18 more months of misery. When we were finally "invited" back to the clinic to see him, he was in an incubator lying in a pool of his own saliva as he was no longer able to swallow. During the entire time they had him, we were not permitted to feed him as we fed raw. And, yup, we authorized all of this for which I still weep and hate myself every, single day.
18 months later Maverick was sent for an ultrasound and it was determined that he had an enlarged heart and "something wrong with his liver." For this the recommendation was to perform exploratory surgery (he was almost 14). Thankfully we had learned from our repeated mistakes with Mickey, declined their ridiculous recommendations & took him home.
Now we have a dog with a lipoma on his neck. Following a ct scan to make this diagnosis, the recommendation was to amputate his leg, followed by some fancy new method of radiation for which they would keep him for 5 days. During this time we would not have been permitted to visit him nor feed him. As we did not wish to have him carved up like a turkey to serve as their science experiment, we declined.
Now, in the province that we live, the VMA is bullying, harassing, & threatening alternative therapists (osteopaths, homeopaths, chiropractors, etc), causing many of them to close their doors and us to lose these options for our dogs.
For us, they cannot do anything more to demonstrate what unprofessional, disgraceful, financially driven bullies they truly are. We have completely lost all faith in the entire veterinary industry - with the exception of the holistic vet we were finally able to find. It was a long journey for us, with a lot of very costly mistakes along the way, but we are now true advocates for our dogs and do not put up with any of the pure abuse that conventional vets feel they are entitled to dole out to their clients.
And people like you, Dr. Falconer, have been very influential in empowering us to take control of the well-being and treatment of our dogs. Thank you - we are very grateful.

I am following your site after reading about Apoquel, which my wee fox terrier was taking until I read your post. She's still scratching away, sadly. I have just read the article about feeding, and am presuming that your recommendations are all US brands. I checked out the price of Sojos in the UK and it costs £86, which is ridiculous. Do you have any knowledge of UK and EU brands that would be suitable with reference to your article above, I particularly like the sound of Sojos.

To listen to the Sit, Stay Listen Podcast on GME by Roberta Chadis​ with Dog Health News​ click this link today! sitstaylisten.podbean.com/e/sitstaylisten-margaret-ditty-guest-pet-parents-fighting-gme-encourageshareeducate/
My sweet little Chihuahua acquired an auto immune disease called GME from an unnecessary re-vaccination. Please listen to this podcast to learn the signs and symptoms. And for god's sake believe it! After their first immunization as a puppy no further vaccinations are required unless of course you want to give them a life threatening disease like GME. I would love for you to contact me so I can give you cricket's story of her fight for life. Margaret Ditty you can find me on FB or contact me on your sight as I joined!

ATTENTION "texvet" Quoting you: "I’m sure you’re making nothing off the subscription and sales from your website."
Dr. Will is probably making farrrrr less revenue telling the truth, than the 70,000 pathological liars who call themselves "vets," make, torturing and killing millions of defenseless Dogs and Cats with your rabies scam, poison shot scam. test-test-test-test ad infinitum scam. At least he sleeps at night. You cannot, because you are up counting how much $$$$ you scammed out of pet parents each day. trollllll.

Wow, doc...you know you're over the target when you start getting hit by the flack. It seems "skeptivet" has abandoned his dead blog which nobody reads to attack you directly in your forum, ha ha! It's still too late for the traditional, brainwashed vet because we're onto them. It's them who have no credibility or even laurels to rest upon.
So you make money from your website? At least you provide something very valuable in exchange...better to be in your shoes, than those of the idiot whining about how you're "causing (vet) suicides" by standing up for what's right. I wonder how much the pharmaceutical industry is paying THEM to berate you! Here a troll, there a troll, everywhere a troll-troll! Kiss his foot, troll!
(LOVE you doc!)

Unfortunately, science supports actually zero of your assertions.
And you would do a ton more by offering to discuss your views with other vets instead of labeling them money hungry and predatory.
I'm sure you're making nothing off the subscription and sales from your website.

Shame on you!
And to your readers; Just remember how abusive your vet was when your child has visceral larva migrans.
- Sincerely another vet who indeed deworms pets with negative fecal floats who had to euthanize 3 unvaccinated puppies with parvo so far this week.

I can't believe you have a license to practice! You are quoting literature from 1992 as your support data????? Do you not realize the high suicide rate in the veterinary profession because of clients and veterinarians like you?? Grow up and act like a professional. . .