Never been there but I felt a great need to respond to Olivia H. whose dog had ACL surgery.... as a veterinarian assistant AND someone who has a dog with a torn ACL. There's ALWAYS risks with ANY surgery, especially risk of infection post-surgery. IF they didn't explain risks or complications, it would be YOUR responsibility to ASK QUESTIONS before any surgery. Recovery after ACL surgery on an animal requires DEVOUT attention to your animal for those 6 months. It would be like caring for an 90 year old woman... 24/7, 365. Only a 90 year old woman won't be jumping or running when she's not supposed to. It takes ONE oops with a post-op animal to completely undo a $4-5K surgery. ONE!! You need to follow post-op instructions to the T!!! (There's a gradual introduction to movement and then physical therapy) It's a LOT!!
I'm not sure how you (or any other vet) would be able to determine that what was done was "equivalent to what a small cat would need". That would be impossible. But that's irrelevant anyway. He couldn't fix it and wanted to amputate?? I would've definitely sought out a second opinion AFTER I pumped that dog full of antibiotics STAT through IV AND orally!
The infection would be 100% on the owner of the pet. Some vets prescribe antibiotics and pain meds to take home after any surgery... but not all.
It is up to YOU to make sure the surg site stays clean, watch for swelling (and smell!). An infection, if caught early BY THE OWNER, can be cleared up with antibiotics.
As far as I can tell, by the information provided, this veterinarian was NOT negligent! Take some responsibility! Judge Judy would have a hay day with your story!
SIDE NOTE FOR ANYONE CONSIDERING ACL SURGERY: I made the decision to opt out of the expensive surgery because, quite frankly, I knew it would be a waste of money. Even with round-the-clock care, he could blow it out again. I purchased a brace made specifically for the back right leg of dog. You have to measure several areas of the leg before purchasing to make sure you get the right fit. The wrong fit could be detrimental. I ordered online, then took it to my vet to make SURE it was the right fit and he helped me put it on. Don't buy the cheapest one you see, you'll be wasting your money. They range from 50 bucks to $700! I'm trying one that my VET and I thought would work. It was $150... mid-range. It takes the pressure off the knee which is where the pain is coming from. It's not a FIX but it reduces the pain and he is able to stand, sit and walk better. It also reduces the chance of it getting worse or turning into arthritis.
Since this is coming from a complete stranger, who could actually be AI ;), ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR OWN VET THAT YOU TRUST and..... ASK QUESTIONS!!
Good day my friends! :) read more