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swollen face and no appetite
- Thread starter banabanuferry
- Start Date
Yes, I sent her a link to a wonderful group (pm) and she has joined. I too would love to see an update though
BanaBanuFerry, Yosemite is absolutely right! REPORT THEM!! If what you are telling us is the entire story (and I'm not saying it isn't)....They are not ALLOWED to refuse medical treatment to an animal in need of treatment REGARDLESS of whether kitty has had shots or not. And by "report them", I mean file a complaint!
I would initially suggest you attend the clinic in person, but with 1 or 2 witnesses with you, if they still refuse to treat your cat then demand that their reasons for refusal be put in writing. If s/he refuses (which they most likely will since they know they CAN'T do that), you have your witnesses with you to corroborate what was said. Then file your complaint with the Veterinarian licensing society of Ontario (I didn't google so I don't know the exact name of your regulatory body there).
These complaints are diligently reviewed by the licensing authority and they, and only they, can "force" them to look at your cat. This is sooooo totally against the ethical boundaries it isn't funny! I know exactly where Timmins is, would've loved to have grown up with Shania (*grin*), but being in the sticks does not excuse this!
Unfortunately, the complaints process takes time, and that is something your kitty doesn't have. If they again refuse after the above attendance at their office, then please take her to the next city, record your expenses incurred to do so, retain all receipts including vet bills, and WHEN your complaint is ruled in your favor - file a small claims action (normally $25) to get this back.
Only when we start sticking up for ourselves, and our animals, will society change. Some may think a small claims action is frivolous, but it will certainly teach that vet a thing or two - in addition to the vet society sanctions.
Lora
I would initially suggest you attend the clinic in person, but with 1 or 2 witnesses with you, if they still refuse to treat your cat then demand that their reasons for refusal be put in writing. If s/he refuses (which they most likely will since they know they CAN'T do that), you have your witnesses with you to corroborate what was said. Then file your complaint with the Veterinarian licensing society of Ontario (I didn't google so I don't know the exact name of your regulatory body there).
These complaints are diligently reviewed by the licensing authority and they, and only they, can "force" them to look at your cat. This is sooooo totally against the ethical boundaries it isn't funny! I know exactly where Timmins is, would've loved to have grown up with Shania (*grin*), but being in the sticks does not excuse this!
Unfortunately, the complaints process takes time, and that is something your kitty doesn't have. If they again refuse after the above attendance at their office, then please take her to the next city, record your expenses incurred to do so, retain all receipts including vet bills, and WHEN your complaint is ruled in your favor - file a small claims action (normally $25) to get this back.
Only when we start sticking up for ourselves, and our animals, will society change. Some may think a small claims action is frivolous, but it will certainly teach that vet a thing or two - in addition to the vet society sanctions.
Lora
BanaBanuFerry,
I also want to clarify why I think these 2 vets are out of line. From your post, they are refusing treatment since your kitty is not UTD on shots and therefore might be contagious.
Ok, we'll give them that point.
But:
- are they also refusing treatment to any animal with ringworm?
- how bout fleas?
There are dozens of diseases/infections that are contagious that the vet will not know about until examination.
AND, I have NEVER seen a vet that did not have a quarantine area.
Lora
I also want to clarify why I think these 2 vets are out of line. From your post, they are refusing treatment since your kitty is not UTD on shots and therefore might be contagious.
Ok, we'll give them that point.
But:
- are they also refusing treatment to any animal with ringworm?
- how bout fleas?
There are dozens of diseases/infections that are contagious that the vet will not know about until examination.
AND, I have NEVER seen a vet that did not have a quarantine area.
Lora
I would say this is probably an abcess and even if she doesn't have a regular vet, she needs to see one, anyone, pronto. My cat (RIP) Cody died a horrible, painful death from abscessed teeth, which is the only visible problem. He had kidney disease and UTIs when we had to put him down. Get her to a vet, she needs meds and care.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #26
I've spent the day out of town today. I took Pixie (my cat) to the vet in Sudbury (the 4 hour drive) and they examined her. ( I am still in Sudbury). I mentioned my experiences with the vets in Timmins and they were outraged about it. Before I left today I pureed her food and warmed it slightly and she ate quite a bit more than usual. She also wanted lots of love and attention and was playful with me. I hope this is a good sign. The vet seemed to think so. But I still don't think it's enough so I will follow the vet's instructions on force feeding her. She told me if I have any trouble with it, or if she doesnt keep it down, to bring her back and they will help. Fortunately, Pixie is quite cooperative about it. She is also doing bloodwork for her and I will know more about that soon. But the vet mentioned that the fact she is not yellowed is "promising". She said she'll have more definite news for me after the bloodwork is done, but it looks as though with diligent feeding and monitoring she might make it. Pixie has been generally more energetic all day (since this morning), I really hope this leads somewhere positive. I will update you guys again tomorrow after I know more. I'm also planning on taking action against the vets in Timmins.
That is good news. But did the vet give any indication of what is causing the swelling?
I am delighted you now have a vet to work with, and that Pixie is beginning to eat some. Sending my best wishes for answers soon, and continued improvement.
This is good news. I'm hoping everything works out happily for all.
Why didn't the vet tell you want the abcess was from? And why didn't she give you antibotics? What was the blood work for? I'm never heard of a vet just saying force feed a sick cat and not treating it for anything.
I totally agree with Lora, we will only "win" if we speak up and do so diligently. If enough people hear of the vets horrid behavior people will start looking else where for healthcare for their pets and soon these despicable people will be out of jobs (as they so deserve in my opinion). Our pets cannot speak for themselves but we can scream as loud as we need to and eventually we will be heard!
I realise it's a couple of years later, but I was searching 'cat swollen face' on google and came across this website and read about a poor 16yo kitty-kat that was in a woeful way. The young girl (aged 19 at the time?) ended up having to go to a town about 4hrs drive from Timmins (where she and Pixie lived). The last post basically said that she would have to force-feed Pixie if necessary in order to get some weight on her bones and that the vet had taken blood tests. Does anyone have the latest news on Pixie? I realise I'm thousands of miles away, but still very concerned and eager to hear the latest news. Cheers, Girl downunder!
