Emergency Surgery
Early Labor Day morning, one am to be precise, we received one of those late night, just fell asleep, phone cuts like a laser through your dreams, serious problem type of calls. Turns out, the call was from the surgeon at the animal hospital where Uno was being boarded. The details about what had happened were fuzzy at best and only Uno’s current condition was known. We were being informed that he was being rushed to surgery to sew up severe lacerations and bites as well as receive a series of x-rays to determine whether or not he had a broken leg. Good to know – still know answers but at least he was in good hands. We were told we would receive another call after the surgery was complete, and we did, confirming he was doing well and that he was comfortable, but there were still no details as to what had happened. To make it more frustrating the vet was closed due to the Labor Day holiday (granted later we found out that the vet left five voicemails but we didn’t see until Monday night).
The animal hospital called Tuesday morning to let us know that Uno was out of the hospital and had returned to their facilities all patched up and was resting comfortably. We found out that there was another dog that was sharing a run with Uno that was terribly aggressive and that some protocol about dealing with this dog was not followed by the folks that took care of the late night walks and feeding. The aggressive dog was able to get out of its noose style leash and once free attacked Uno, whom was minding his own business in his kennel. The dog was able to force his way into Uno’s cage and proceeded to attack him, mainly chewing up his right front leg.
Uno is home now and heavily medicated but in otherwise good spirits – he was greeted by four very concerned little kidos who showered him with arms full of love. He has spent the evening resting on his pillow and trying to clean his wounds by licking through his bandages – doesn’t seem to be very effective but I think he is just passing the time. We were told Uno should be on his feet in a few weeks. Regardless, it is good to have him back safe at home.
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Oh my goodness!! I cannot believe that!!!! I would definitely be so frustrated too if I were you guys. It’s hard to imagine they do not separate such aggressive animals into other areas. Poor Uno. I’m glad he is home and doing better
I agree. It is frustrating and sucks for Uno. The vet said that there was definitely a “breach of protocol” in dealing with the dog that was known to be very aggressive to other dogs. Normally the night crew would never walk more than one dog at a time but in this particular instance they decided to walk two – neither of which was Uno – and the aggressive one was able to get off his leash. The vet, whom I have known for years, was more than apologetic – hell they Love Uno and that gets him some special attention during the daytime hours when everyone is around.
He will get better though. Right now he is doing anything he can to ensure he is always at our side – this morning even he decided that a flight of stairs was only a minor distraction to an immobile front leg and decided to come up while we were getting ready for work and school (this after I had just carried him down the stairs….crazy dog)!
AAWW! This makes me want to cry! Poor Uno. I hate it when our aminals are hurting and especially Uno, he is so sweet and calm. Has the vet offered anything other than appologies. I would be livid and I’m sorry and hopefully paying for the surgery may just not be enough for that type of negligence (thats the b!#*hy part of me coming out)
There is certainly a part of me that is angry about the whole issue. I have been using this vet for Uno’s entire life and know them well – and they know him well. They told me up front that there would be no cost and they would do everything they could to accommodate taking care of Uno until he is healed. I cannot really ask more than that.
Obviously I could seek some sort of legal action against them or the dog owner but honestly it’s not worth it to me – and not because I am not irritated about it – but because I don’t see any outcome that can make the situation any better. The vet admitted openly that their folks messed up and didn’t follow protocol for this particular dog and that negligence on their part left Uno and one of their staff hurt. If they would have tried to cover it up or make us pay for the surgery, medication, boarding, etc….they would have had my full wrath directed their way…but they took an honorable approach and seem sincerely upset and apologetic about what happened.
I do know that after this they have changed how they deal with aggressive dogs, whether they board them and who has access to let them. They also found a defect in the kennel doors that they can fix so that another dog cannot force them open or climb under them.