Q: My mother's veterinarian dropped the ball on her dog's diagnosis and now he is going to succumb to this disease
My mother brought her dog to the vet with lumps on his side, they told her he needed surgery and sent her home with antibiotics and Chinese herbs! it shrunk and she was told he did not need surgery. 2 months later he is diagnosed with mast cell cancer! When I consulted with his former veterinarian I was told that they dropped the ball. My objective is to hold them accountable. I am completely disgusted with the practice and I fear for other animals that would be their patients
A:
If the vet is a member of the New York State Veterinary Medical Society, you should file a complaint with them. They will investigate faster than the appropriate state agency. Their complaint can be found at:
https://nysvms.knack.com/complaints
If the vet is not a member, you will want to file a complaint with the NYS Education Department. That agency can investigate and impose penalties through its Office of Professional Discipline (OPD), since it's the licensing body for professionals in New York.
http://www.op.nysed.gov/opd/complain.htm
You should understand that once you file a complaint with NYSED, NYSVMS will not accept the complaint since they will not want two investigations going on at the same time.
If you wish to bring a civil action for the loss of your pet, you may proceed in court. You should consult with an attorney who has experience. In general, relief will be limited to financial damages.
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