As both Mao's adopter and a registered nurse, I was extremely disappointed by the lack of medical…read moretransparency during his adoption.
Before adopting Mao, I specifically requested his surgical records but was told his urinary issues had been resolved with surgery and was not allowed to review the paperwork. I never spoke with a veterinarian or medical staff, despite later discovering in his records that a veterinary consultation with prospective adopters was recommended. It was only six days after adoption, on the day we rushed him to the vet for another urinary blockage, that I finally received his complete medical records.
Those records revealed that Mao had experienced two urinary blockages while in the organization's care, had only been off medication for one day before being medically cleared for adoption, and was recommended for a foster observation period before permanent placement to monitor for recurrent urinary issues. None of these recommendations were followed, and none of this information was disclosed to us before adoption.
From the day we brought Mao home, he showed concerning urinary symptoms, including frequent urination. We carefully followed all instructions, fed his prescribed urinary diet, and monitored him closely. Despite this, he suffered a third blockage just six days after adoption and required emergency treatment.
The outcome was devastating. After veterinary evaluation, we were advised that due to the severity of his urinary disease, possible kidney damage, and a potential diabetes diagnosis, he remained at high risk for future blockages even after additional treatment. He required another unblocking surgery and is now being evaluated for Perineal Urethrostomy (PU) surgery. Faced with the likelihood of ongoing complex medical care beyond our ability to provide, we made the heartbreaking decision to medically surrender him so he could receive the treatment he needed.
My concern is not that Mao had medical issues. Animals with special needs deserve loving homes. My concern is that critical medical history, documented recommendations, and the seriousness of his condition were not fully disclosed before adoption. Full transparency allows adopters to make informed decisions and helps ensure animals are placed in situations where their medical needs can be properly anticipated and managed.
Despite everything that happened, we loved Mao deeply during the short time we had him. In just six days, he became part of our family, which made the decision to surrender him even more painful. We wanted nothing more than to give him a safe, stable, and loving home, and we were fully committed to following his medical care plan.
What makes this experience so difficult is the feeling that Mao was not set up for success before adoption. Given the severity of his medical history, the lack of disclosure, and the absence of the recommended observation and veterinary consultation, it seems he was placed for adoption without the safeguards necessary to ensure he was truly stable. Looking back, it is hard not to feel that Mao was denied the best possible chance at a healthy and happy transition into a permanent home. He deserved better, and I hope lessons are learned from his case so that future adopters and animals do not experience the same heartbreak. Do better.