RedBankVet.com – Mistreatment of my pet.

My dog was under the care of RBVH for chemotherapy following his lymphoma diagnosis. Because of my dog's kidney failure, he needed to be taken outside to relieve himself every few hours. However, during his chemotherapy appointments, he was left waiting in the back with other dogs for extended periods-often 5 to 6 hours-without being given the opportunity to go outside. I repeatedly asked the veterinary technicians for help, but the oncologist told me directly that she would not have anyone take Henry out, insisting he would have to hold it. I even offered to take him out myself, but the doctor refused.
A staff member who witnessed my distress contacted the Client Advocate and Liaison, who listened to my concerns and spoke with the doctor. At our next visit, the doctor reiterated that no one would be available to take my dog outside and told me that if this was a problem, I should seek treatment elsewhere-even though he was in the middle of his chemotherapy protocol.
After this, some technicians discreetly helped my dog when possible, but as time went on, his condition deteriorated. He stopped eating and, heartbreakingly, collapsed in the parking lot after a treatment session. He weighed over 100 pounds, and I found myself waiting with him on the ground until another pet owner got help from staff. Despite his obvious distress, the doctor discharged my dog in this condition without comment or concern.
I immediately took my dog to our primary veterinarian, who advised stopping chemotherapy. When I returned to RBVH for follow-up bloodwork, the doctor insisted the chemo must continue, disregarding both my wishes and my vet’s recommendations. Trusting her expertise as an oncologist, I reluctantly agreed, but my dog never recovered from that final round of chemotherapy. My dog's quality of life was stolen.
Throughout this ordeal, my dog and I were ignored and powerless. The doctor consistently dismissed my concerns, as well as those of other staff and my primary veterinarian. The doctor denied my dog the quality of life he deserved in his final days. The lack of empathy and communication I experienced was devastating, and I hope no other pet or owner has to endure what we did.
“A critical aspect of successful oncology case outcome is to develop a treatment plan specific for the type of tumor involved… all parties involved in referral decisions should focus on the patient’s quality of life and the importance of providing compassionate, empathetic support for the owner.”
The veterinary guidelines emphasize the importance of individualized care, open communication, and empathy for both patient and owner-standards were not met in this case.