Vet rant

[Nospot]

Im Not sure if anyone can help or give advice as I’m not sure you cover the welfare of animals so feel free to delete or move as I’m just letting off steam.

I have a ten year old staff called nospot and 3 days ago his hind leg swelled considerably and he was plainly in considerable pain. I used to have pet insurance but as he has ongoing allergy problems they refused to keep paying two years ago. Anyway long story short I’m waiting for universal credit and can’t afford vet fees at the moment. I contacted the RSPCA to help and they agreed to pay for a consulatation.

O took him this morning and the vet almost immediately diagnosed cancer and told us we should put him to sleep and that she would do it for free. I was distraught and no way wanted to say goodbye then and there as I originally thought it might have been a sprain or strain. So she gave him a pain relief injection and again advices that to put him to sleep was the kindest option.

I rang around family and managed to scrape enough this afternoon to see his usual vet. She said she really didn’t think it was cancer otherwise he would unlikely to bear weight on his leg and said it was most likely an infection and gave antibiotics and steroids and another appointment in 5 days.

How two different vets gave completely different advice when one was being paid by charity and the other privately is beyond me. If it hadn’t been for the kindness of my family I would be without my beloved dog this evening. Forever actually. How can vets put animals to sleep without proper investigation or because the owner is having financial problems for an infection and the cost of antibiotics? Had the first vet diagnosed an infection I would have got the money together by hook or crook but she was comvimcing me it was cancer and almost made me feel guilty for taking him back home..

i was totally rocked this morning and I’m very angry that this could be allowed and obviously goes on.

thanks for hearing.

[Amethyst]

You rant away it sounds like you need to after what must have been an absolutely terrible day. I'll tag Kati to look in for you xxx My first thought is to see how you get on with the antibiotics and steroids from the 'usual' vet and what the verdict is when you go back in 5 days before taking any action or making a complaint to the RSPCA/Vets . It doesn't sound like they handled the situation particularly well - surely a scan or biopsy would be required before diagnosing something as serious as cancer...not a swelling and bit of a limp, and especially before putting a dog to sleep ffs.

My cats leg swelled up to about 4 times it's size a couple years back, turns out he'd got a thorn embedded between his toes ( paws whatever lol) which had got infected and antibiotics cleared it up after a few days, so fingers crossed it's just something like that or as you say a sprain.

[des8]

RSPCA...staffie....problem
Not surprised at that advice.
In this area (W. Wales) RSPCA are well known for that sort of advice following cursory examination
Have a look at RSPCA reviews on Trustpilot.
There are other dog charities eg blue cross

Best wishes to nospot

[Amethyst]

Really? That's horrendous ! I thought it would be a one off Vet having a narky day or just incompetent dog hating Vet.... seriously the RSPCA have something against Staffies? gracious !

[des8]

Trouble is that Staffies are bull terriers and get tarred with same brush as pit bull terriers (not necessarily dog's fault but the type of owner they attract)
I however would never approach RSPCA for help.

[Nospot]

Omg I have just read the reviews on trust pilot. I’m absolutely horrified. I would have thought they are the first port of call for most people.

i know everyone puts there own pets on a pedestal but our Nos is absolutely adorable and the most loving affectionate animal I have ever known. There is not one bad bone in his body and all he wants is to be everyone’s friend, human or animal. I can’t believe I nearly lost him today for what? Surely they can’t keep getting away with it.

there again bob Martin products have been killing animals and almost killed my cat nearly 10years ago and cost me the best part of £600 in emergency treatment yet surprise surprise they are still on the shelves of most pet stores and supermarkets.

disgraceful. Thanks for the well wishes xx

[Nospot]

Oh I think I should make clear now that I have calmed down somewhat, that the first vet we went to today was not a rspca vet but the nearest vet to our home which was Medivet. It was funded by the RSPCA so I guess under there instructions but just for clarity it was not actually the RSPCA that gave the diagnosis or advice.

[Kati]

I'm afraid I have to agree with des8 here ... the rspca are not the best when it comes to SBTs (or any animals for that matter) and I'd suspect they agreed to fund the consultation on the basis it would be a one off.
Hopefully your dog responds well to the antibiotics and the swelling will go down!

If you need help with vet bills in future I'd suggest you have a look at the pdsa (who assist low income families with vet bills etc... ).

Also, while I'm not trying to upset anyone, please be aware that the rspca will probably send an 'inspector' out to try and assess the dogs health. They'll want to enter the house (I'd advise against allowing this).

There are many more people on the internet who have had problems with the rspca over the years ... have a search for the SHG (self help group for issues with the rspca) ... they'll make sure you are aware of your rights before any inspection xx