Animal Health Services Inc

misdiagnosed cat

Posted by misdiagnosed09 on 9/15/2009

I took my cat into this clinic since it was vomiting blood. I even scooped up some on a papertowel but the vet told me he didn't need to examine it. They took my cat in and gave him an IV while they write up paperwork of what needs to be done. They said they need to run bloodwork, x-ray etc for $422.50 upfront. I agreed and paid on credit card. After all that I'm told my cat is diabetic since his glucose was I think 370 (it was never written on my paper). They suggested insulin for another $55.20. Well, he's the doctor if the cat's diabetic wouldn't he need insulin. They then recommend me to take him to the Westside Animal Emergency Clinic for monitoring (whatever that means). I asked what would that cost? I'm told $100-$120. Well I get there and they tell me since he's newly diagnosed diabetic he needs fluids, glucose testing periodiacally at a cost of $586.32. I received a credit of 80.99 since he didn't need anti vomit med. They practically laughed at me when I said I was told $120. What was I to do? Let my cat die? So I charged that. The next day I was to take him back to Animal health center for another $30.28 which included me going home with an IV bag to administer. Yeah, Right. Try doing that and keeping the needle in. My cat continued all weekend throwing up four times and very lethargic but I couldn't afford to take him back to the emergency clinic. I was glad when Monday came so I took him to their other clinic on Brownsville. It was suggested another set of bloodwork, meds, etc for $280.85. Not once was a urinalysis done. He continued to vomit Monday even after trying to give him anti vomit meds. By Tuesday, I was so frustrated I took him to another clinic not connected to this group. In my opinion, this vet knew how to diagnose him and find out what was making him sick. She did a urinalysis and no sugar. BTW, Animal Health center on Brownsville said he wasn't diabetic after the last test. The vet at Leland said lets do another x-ray. She found a blockage. I agreed to surgery (at a price I could afford) and she found a hairball he couldn't pass nor throw up. That was 3 weeks ago and he's fine every since. In my opinion, due to the misdiagnosis, I was incurred charges of $1,294.16 needlessly that I am disputing and refuse to pay on my credit card. You can use this clinic if you like, but as for me and my cats we will not use any of their facilities again. I only hope they do the right thing and credit back the $1,294.16. If he was diagnosed correctly, I wouldn't be disputing these charges. Everyone I have told this to has said what does glucose have to do with your cat vomiting blood. I am no vet, but even I would have thought of him with parasites or swallowing foreing object.

Posted by banks.april on 11/16/2008

We look forward to meeting you and your pet.