My dog died during anesthesia, was there negligence involved?

edmethod

She was old and had cancer, we brought her to a vet to have a cancer lump removed, we were told she died under anesthesia, if this is the case is the vet who gave her the anesthesia not at fault?

degsie

Every operation carries certain risk. Was this explained to you?

Avatar MIA

edmethod wrote: »

She was old and had cancer, we brought her to a vet to have a cancer lump removed, we were told she died under anesthesia, if this is the case is the vet who gave her the anesthesia not at fault?

Did you not understand the seriousness of the operation.

I'll assume you're grieving and not thinking straight.

Discodog

I very much doubt it. You signed a consent form which pointed out the risks. And old dog is always going to be under greater risk. The dog was old & had Cancer that was serious enough to need an operation. As a dog lover I would be pleased that my old dog passed away with no suffering & under good care.

edmethod

The lump was on the outside of her hind leg I doubt it was a life threatening operation, so if an old person who is in hospital has a non life threatening operation dies from the anesthesia the hospitals not at fault?, no the hospital gets sued for negligence, my dog didnt die during surgery she died before the operation began from the amount of anesthesia administered, it was my dad that brought her in I didn't see or sign any consent forums.

AryaStark

I am sorry for you experience and your loss. Your father would have signed the consent forms. If the dog was old then the anaesthesia could have been too much for her.
I do not think that the vet is responsible. Again I am sorry for you loss.

Avatar MIA

edmethod wrote: »

it was my dad that brought her in I didn't see or sign any consent forums.

Are you simply being pedantic, did the person bringing the dog to hospital sign a permission form.

You could possibly sue your father if you didn't give him permission to take the dog.

Discodog

How old was the dog & how big was the tumour ?

PhoneMain

No the hospital is not at fault. Surgery under general anaesthetic (irrespective of what the operation is for) is a major stress on the body and theres a risk of death (often small) with any surgery. This risk is increased when there's comorbidities or in elderly patients, both of which would be what your dog would have. Often surgeons wont operate on elderly patients as the risk of intraoperative death is too high. And the physiology of a human body would be similiar to that of a dog's.

I'm sorry for your loss but please talk to your vet with an open mind, don't be of the opinion that he was negligent. He more than likely wasn't.

Heroditas

edmethod wrote: »

The lump was on the outside of her hind leg I doubt it was a life threatening operation, so if an old person who is in hospital has a non life threatening operation dies from the anesthesia the hospitals not at fault?, no the hospital gets sued for negligence,

There is ALWAYS a risk when anyone or anything undergoes an anaesthetic. That's why hospitals always try to avoid, if possible, operating on elderly people. There is a risk they won't survive. That's how it goes...
There's no question of negligence

edmethod

Fair enough, thank's for the reply's, I asked because I didn't fully understand if the vet was at fault or not.

Heroditas

Just to add, sorry about your dog.

pilly

I'm sorry for your loss also OP but vet definitely can't be held responsible here.

Before any operation it's explained that it carries risks. Your Dad took this risk. Unfortunately it didn't work out.

As someone who's had a dog that died of cancer it may have been a kinder way for him to go tbh.

dev100

edmethod wrote:

Fair enough, thank's for the reply's, I asked because I didn't fully understand if the vet was at fault or not.

Anaesthesia is always extremely hard on an animal and even for humans also and carries a high risk of death if an animal or human isn't fully fit.

If you look at any of the zoo docs or wildlife shows anesthesia is nearly always carried out as a last resort .
Unfortunately for you your per didn't make it .

degsie

Just curious why the first port of call is to lay blame on a profession who's priority is the welfare of animals?

edit: may have been a bit harsh, sorry for that and sorry for the loss it can be difficult to lose a good companion.

OpenYourEyes

Mod Note: Thread moved to Animal & Pet Issues

DBB

A user who's not permitted to post in the A&PI forum is involved in this thread prior to it being moved over here.
As I think the op has their answer, I'll close this thread now.
Thanks,
DBB