Found Clot in Cats Heart, lots of Questions

rampionrampage

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We're not saying she is a terrible person or failed to hold herself accountable. It's just a huge, huge mistake that led to treatment that wouldn't otherwise be indicated. That kind of error in other situations could have much more dire consequences.

That and I'd always worry a bit in the back of my mind. I'd hate to run into a situation where I think, "I knew she made a huge mistake before, why did I keep going there?"
 
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babiesmom5

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WOW that is great news!  Now aren't you glad you didn't make a rash decision based on the previous (erroneous) results!  Mistakes can and do happen.  I know.  Recently, one of my cats had to have complete bloodwork prior to Ultrasound and consult for IBD.  Next morning, the local vet calls and tells me the cat is severely anemic--to the point of needing an immediate blood transfusion!  This threw me into a complete panic because this cat's brother DID have anemia and over the past year, had to undergo several blood transfusions along with regular hormone infusions.  I immediately got on the phone to the Internal Medicine Vet who told me to watch her closely over the weekend and have her to the hospital early Monday morning.  Upon exam, her gums and paw pads were still pink...she did not look anemic.  Repeat bloodwork was done.  Next day results came back...she was NOT anemic.  Her packed red blood cell volume was completely normal!  Somehow, there was a mistake (probably by the lab) of the local Vet.

Believe me, I can relate to the sheer panic of dire news regarding a beloved cat.  In fact that cat is sitting on my lap now as I type.  She does have mild IBD, but no anemia.

Now as for your cat, high blood pressure is very treatable.  You have to monitor the blood pressure often and adjust medications as needed.  Stay on top of it!  Kidney values are extremely important...heart and kidneys go hand in hand.  The cat I had with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy had high blood pressure and thickened heart walls, but she was successfully managed for years and lived to almost 20.

I am so happy for you and your cat!  For sure you have been on an emotional roller coaster...I can relate!  We certainly learn important life lessons from our cats, don't we!

Here's wishing you and your cat all the best!
 

kittens mom

Kittens life was lost to a negligent veterinarian.
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We're not saying she is a terrible person or failed to hold herself accountable. It's just a huge, huge mistake that led to treatment that wouldn't otherwise be indicated. That kind of error in other situations could have much more dire consequences.

That and I'd always worry a bit in the back of my mind. I'd hate to run into a situation where I think, "I knew she made a huge mistake before, why did I keep going there?"
A veterinarian murdered my cat. Believe me I know about consequences. There are two kinds of veterinarians it seems. Those that continue to learn and improve and those that find a way to sling hash for the rest of their careers. Only the OP can decide if she still trusts this vet.
 

rampionrampage

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She already indicated that she's leaning towards someone new, which is the only reason I responded the way I did. I wasn't intending to call you out, so much as continue in the vein of what was already being discussed.

I'm cool with people learning and growing, which is why I'm not calling to break out the pitchforks, but for myself I'm not comfortable with being one of the test cases that bears out whether she's learned or not (sometimes even the most dedicated, caring professionals just continue to have weak points), with this particular kind of mistake.

Of course only OP can make that ultimate decision - you've offered up a pro, I'm offering up a con. Both are valid.

I'm sorry that you went through whatever nightmare you are alluding to. That is horrible.
 

maddies momma

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Wow that is crazy! Happy for the good news, but that is a serious mistake. And if it was a mix up, does that mean the cat with the clots and heart failure got your results and wasn't on the needed medications? That was a very dangerous mistake.
 

kittens mom

Kittens life was lost to a negligent veterinarian.
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Yikes is right. I am super happy about the results but jesus thats a pretty big error. I am not going to nail her to the cross for it because I dont feel she is a bad Dr. We all make mistakes and I understand but will probably be looking for a new vet. Right now I am just happy to get some good news.

She explained to me she was anxious for Charlies results and wasnt waiting for anyone elses that day and when the hospital faxed Chalries over they included another cats from a week prior. These cat owner already new the prognosis and the vet was getting the results for her records.

She is refunded me for the medication which is great.

What an emotional rollar coaster. I hope we all learned something from this. For me it is to be patient and not get so anxiety ridden.
So right off the bat my bad veterinarian murdered my cat. And I spent 6 months learning not only what she done and her litter box full of excuses but also read a great deal on the subject of veterinary malpractice. Which is really considered gross negligence since pets are property. I also read hundreds of cases where owners claimed their pets had been harmed or killed. I spent hours going through the FDA adverse reaction reports. Your veterinarian made a horrible mistake that could have cost your cat it's life and you immeasurable heartache but your veterinarian did what so many won't , she owned her own crap. I hope you have a heart to heart talk with this veterinarian because you want to leave a lasting footprint on her soul and heart and mind. I also had a message board of young veterinary students I followed and the subject of mistakes often came up and the wise ones would say it's not if it's when you will make a mistake and how you handle it. There is even an accepted protocol that your veterinarian came close to following. She should have refunded a great deal more than the cost of medication. Because of my experience and months of research I tend to look at the broader picture because I looked at it from both sides. In the end you need to do what your heart tells you that you need to do. Be well and again I am so happy that things turned out right for you.
 

mewcatmew

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She owned up to it, but it doesn't matter either way. Veterinarians can basically make whatever mistakes, kill your animal, and there is basically nothing you can do about it. There are so many horrible veterinarians out there because the oversight is just not there. Animals are basically property.
 

kittens mom

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She owned up to it, but it doesn't matter either way. Veterinarians can basically make whatever mistakes, kill your animal, and there is basically nothing you can do about it. There are so many horrible veterinarians out there because the oversight is just not there. Animals are basically property.
I lost my court case but won with the State Veterinary Board. The system is biased to the veterinarian who can testify , an lie, uncontested unless you have thousands to hire experts.

In this case the veterinarian at least told the truth. The OP has to decide if the history with that vet and the mistake is cause to move on.
 
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