Vet gave my dog kennel cough...

[Friendly Frog]

I am so sorry you are going through this. The first thing that you need to TRY to do, as hard as it is, is to stop 2nd guessing yourself or blaming yourself. It sounds like you tried very hard to do what was best for all of your family, 2 and 4 legs. Unfortunately life is not always fair and even the best choice (like yours) doesn't work out.

I think you were given bad advice from your vet and he should assist you with the medical part of your vet bill. Good luck to you and your fur baby. Please keep us posted, I will be worrying with you.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Not sure.

We adopted a puppy once and she did develop kennel cough. the rescue group fedexed medicine for him and he recovered fine.

I would guess the burden is on the facility where she picked it up. But I would be curious as to what the paperwork says that you signed when you dropped her off as to what their liability should your dog get sick or injured in their care.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Sorry you are going through this.

We have a similar story. We adopted a dog from animal services, and when we picked him up he had KC. We were told almost nothing about this when we picked him up. After two days of our dog not eating we took him to our vet. The vet said he had a very bad case of KC and gave him an injection of antibiotics and B12. He seemed to get better until that Sat morning. We watched him close during the day and Sat. night took him to the doggy emergency room. I at that point was very afraid he wouldn't make it. They told us that he had pneumonia. He was there for two nights, and returned to us on Mon. We spent three days of syringe feeding him every two hours. I now can say that he is doing great.

Now for us our vet has been great because all his office visits have been on him, we only payed for the medication. But we were so mad at animal services. They had to know he was sicker then they let on. And they had not given him anything for the KC before we picked him up.

I don't know that you can get out of paying, but I agree that the vet should be held responsible for part if not all of the expenses. I know that we spent almost $1500 to adopt our dog and keep him alive.

We adopted a dog last year. Brought her home and she had blood in her urine--very thick blood. Took her to the vet the next morning and she also had a congenital heart defect (sinus arrest). She was also several years younger than animal services claimed.

4 months later we had to return her due to a freak moment where she attacked and pinned down one of our pets viciously. She had otherwise been docile. I reported all that had happened medically to them and they looked at me like I had three heads and were firm on her age.

Note that we didn't take her in originally for anything other than blood in her urine and the vet wasn't looking for anything other than a typical vital signs assessment that one would do on any human or animal when you come in sick.

Either animal services is overburdened, or their vets aren't the shining stars of vet school.

I'm not knocking what they do, but I can't adopt from them again not knowing that I cannot take their word that a pet is healthy.

This same animal services had a bunch of dogs die earlier this year of a distemper outbreak.

Something is amiss at that facility.

 

[plummer925]

I don't know about the credit card company, but I used to work at a bank, and they would never have stopped payment for something like that. Once you've signed the receipt, you've agreed to the payment. You can't just change your mind, even if you feel you have a good reason.

Sorry - you are absolutely wrong on this one. I too used to work for a bank AND a cc company - this COULD be disputed if she paid with a CC. Apparently you do not know about credit laws because it's not a matter of "changing your mind" it's a matter of consumer protection.

OP - I'm SO sorry you are going through this - please do keep us updated! The vet is 100% wrong and you are justified in getting all of your money back not only for boarding but for subsequent vet visits (I'm assuming it is a DIFFERENT vet now? I hope!!) to fix the problem. If you are with the same vet...why? Definitely get your dog to a different vet.

This is one of the few times that if this doesn't turn out in your favor that I would support small claims court.

 

[dis2cruise]

yes, this happened to my dog 2 years ago...even though she gets the shot to make sure she doesn't get it she got a lighter form of kennel cough from the vet while staying there during our disney trip. YES!! the vet paid for all expenses its only fair they do this for your poor baby.

 

[lilybrooke14]

Sorry - you are absolutely wrong on this one. I too used to work for a bank AND a cc company - this COULD be disputed if she paid with a CC. Apparently you do not know about credit laws because it's not a matter of "changing your mind" it's a matter of consumer protection.

OP - I'm SO sorry you are going through this - please do keep us updated! The vet is 100% wrong and you are justified in getting all of your money back not only for boarding but for subsequent vet visits (I'm assuming it is a DIFFERENT vet now? I hope!!) to fix the problem. If you are with the same vet...why? Definitely get your dog to a different vet.

This is one of the few times that if this doesn't turn out in your favor that I would support small claims court.

My mistake. I was under the impression that the only way you could dispute a charge was if the charge was unauthorized or was incorrectly billed.

 

[happygirl]

I kinda of see it like this. would you sue your Dr. office if you got sick there.

 

[Gr8dan2]

Either animal services is overburdened, or their vets aren't the shining stars of vet school.

I'm not knocking what they do, but I can't adopt from them again not knowing that I cannot take their word that a pet is healthy.

This same animal services had a bunch of dogs die earlier this year of a distemper outbreak.

Something is amiss at that facility.

With all due respect, i think people need to remember that animal services can only deal with the hand they are dealt. If the public would take personal responsibility for the pets they have by vaccinating and providing proper care, then illness wouldn't run about the facilities like it does-- it comes in with the animals that come from the public/community. And of course the government entities devote in most communities VERY limited budgeting to these facilities. Your beef should be with your city council/county commission and with the public for allowing the animal population to be generally unhealthy. No matter what any facility does to prevent illness, it only goes so far--- they could be having good run of no illness and then A PERSON IN YOUR COMMUNITY dumps a litter off that's harboring parvovirus (up to 21 days before anyone knows they have it since it can take that long for symptoms) and everyone else gets exposed and again--up to 21 days-which sometimes means after adoption-- before anyone sees any symptoms. Shelters fault? if you answer yes, how? by not quarantining every animal for 21 days? who pays for that, i doubt your city will agree. of course the alternative is euthanizing everything instead of adopting it out-- no one likes that answer either-- its lose/lose PR for animal shelters when the communities they function within don't control community disease/illness. Most animal services don't even have a vet on staff because their cities don't budget enough for it.

The *GOOD NEWS* is that many, many shelters now give 30 days free pet insurance that covers a lot of common illnesses in dogs/cats that you get when you adopt. Ours went into effect at midnight the day after adoption. Our pup did get kennel cough (the shelter warned us she might), but with the insurance, it only ended up costing us the $75 deductible to deal with it. That was about $800 less than my neighbors pup they got from a local 'reputable breeder' (they refused to adopt from a shelter, citing potential illness like the poster i quote) that pup broke with parvovirus about a week after it came from the breeder. they almost lost her. and the only recourse was 'return the pup' for another. that was the 'health guarantee', who wants to give it back?
and that $$ they spent didnt include the several vet visits for additional shots (more than $60 for each of 2 visits), or the spay that they spent $300+ dollars on (our shelter pup was already fixed--included in our $150 adoption fee), and the shelter included our microchip and registration-- they didnt do that because their vet wants $50 to do it and then is another $20 to register it.

Point is, anytime you adopt or purchase an animal, illness is possible. Just like your kid gets sick, animals do too. (my kids get sick way, way more than my pets do!!! Good thing Daycares don't get asked to pay for kids snotty noses--that would be about every week!!!)

I got sidetracked from the original post here responding to this response, but I hate to see anyone NOT adopt from a shelter when there are so many that need homes and will be killed if homes aren't found, especially due to a reason that those BUYING pets are also subject too. Your best bet is to adopt an ADULT pet, less risk on the illness front, and to go with a shelter that offers the free insurance.

 

[Dancemom03]

I just talked to the office and she drank all her water this morning. Yesterday morning she didn't want to get up at all and only drank a small amount when we brought the bowl to her. That's when it was obvious something was seriously wrong. Thank heavens we're not the type to ignore her b/c she's sitting quietly watching us. Then again, with a collie, sitting quietly on their bed for very long is unusual in itself...
Anyway, they did a chest xray and confirmed pnuemonia, plus another blood test which still didn't show anything abnormal or signs of infection. She's had her IV changed, gotten another dose of meds, seems to be more comfortable and her temp is down a little. She still hasn't eaten. That'll make three days now. She's not a puppy, we just think of her that way - she's almost 5 years old.

She's at the same vet hospital that made her sick. We've been with them for over fifteen years and haven't located a new vet yet. They're the ones many of the breeders and rescue organizations use and very well thought of, but our dog has been seen by one of newer doctors in the office instead of the owner.

I was worried but not angry or anything when she was diagnosed on Sunday b/c they sent us back home and said she should be better in five days without meds. After thinking about now though, I just don't understand why she wasn't given antibiotics on Sunday. It sounds as though others whose dogs have had KC received meds for it right from the start.

 

[writerriann]

For those who are saying you run the risk of getting sick at your doctor's office: that's why there are sick and well waiting rooms at the pediatrician. What if your kid went to the doctor for the checkup and the doctor said, "well, we're running behind so sit in here with this kid with chickenpox for a few days until we can get to you." That's essentially what this vet's office did. While illness does randomly occur, placing sick and highly contagious animals with healthy animals is irresponsible and unprofessional.

She asked about the vaccine. The kennel manager told her that it wouldn't be a problem. It's not like she intentionally didn't vaccinate the dog. She was told the dog would get it's shot and would be fine.

I wouldn't pay them a dime. Plus I would raise $%# about them knowing they were exposing my dog to kennel cough and didn't notify me or make efforts to segregate the sick dogs. They engaged in the risky behavior and as a result made your dog sick. I would expect free treatment since the illness was a direct result of their actions.

You had to pursue questioning them to get them to even admit the kennel cough problem. I would have expected to be notified first when the accepted the other dogs but certainly when I went to pick my dog up that she had been exposed. If I got a call from the kennel saying they were having a kennel cough problem, I would arrange someone to pick up my dogs mid-vacation or I would come home early to get them myself. They also could have treated her more aggressively since they knew the likely culprit. I also think it's suspicious the tech talked to you in the parking lot. Guilty conscience at play?

If they have such a good reputation, they will want to keep it. How would the area breeders and rescue groups like to know that their animals could potentially be exposed to illness at this clinic? A reputable place will recognize they are in the wrong and fix the situation.

And yep, I have 2 fur babies of my own and work with dogs in a rescue group. This is not acceptable or normal action on behalf of a vet office.

 

[undertheradar]

What exactly does the boarding contract state in terms of cost recovery for illness? When we boarded in the past, the contract had specific language pertaining to current state laws on cost recovery. As for the newer vet, make a call to the primary owner and see what he/she proposes as fair for your situation. Don't be emotional and have an amount that you feel is fair and just. If you paid say $25.00 per day, what do you think is a fair credit for treatment?

 

[Dancemom03]

While I was reading this, my DH, who's a vet, came in and read over my shoulder. He said that given the circumstances explained in the later posts, it sounds like the vet gambled that they would not have KC problems while your dog was there, and that's why they told you to just get the vax that same day. He said his clinic also does administer the KC vax same day for people needing it immediately (they don't do boarding, but the kennels around here DO accept same day KC vax).

From what a tech told us in the parking lot as we were leaving in tears yesterday, it sounds as though they brought the KC in when they made room to take in dogs from an infected boarding kennel that called them. That put not only my dog, but all the dogs there, at increased risk I'd think.

What I can't get past is why they sent a sick dog home without telling us, especially given the fact that DD8's new papillion puppy has likely been exposed now too. I can't help but worry about her too. I keep watching her and have been letting her sleep in our bed on my pillow this week so I can check her like you would a new baby at night. Around 4 am when I still hadn't fallen asleep, I couldn't help but imagine how awful it would be to lose both dogs b/c of this...

 

[Dancemom03]

What exactly does the boarding contract state in terms of cost recovery for illness? When we boarded in the past, the contract had specific language pertaining to current state laws on cost recovery. As for the newer vet, make a call to the primary owner and see what he/she proposes as fair for your situation. Don't be emotional and have an amount that you feel is fair and just. If you paid say $25.00 per day, what do you think is a fair credit for treatment?

I wondered that too. DD19 signed her in that evening, she's her dog and her paychecks were going to cover the boarding expenses. I was proud that she was taking responsibility for her animals and let her do it alone. I asked her yesterday to see the papers and she said that she didn't get one when she dropped off. It's ironic, we get claim tickets for our bags, even our car if we valet, but we've left cats in the hospital before and only received paperwork when we picked them up. We have the boarding receipt from when we picked her up, but there's nothing on it in regards to any boarding terms.

I don't know what would be fair. I don't have a problem with the boarding and immunization fees. I don't even really have a problem with the cost of the $80 blood test she had Sunday, but I did think they might waive the charge for office visit itself when they admitted that it was KC and had been "going around".
When I called yesterday to take her back, I explained that DD was in between paychecks and we were still in the hole after paying for the boarding and sunday's visit. They agreed to see her without an immediate payment that day but there hasn't been a discussion yet about what the fees would be or when they'd have to be paid by. Maybe that's naive on my part, but the dog's recovery is priceless to us. Somehow we'll handle the bills after she's better. There's always ebay for quick extra $$ if need be. Hopefully, they'll work with us a little though...

 

[horseshowmom]

I don't have a problem with the boarding and immunization fees. I don't even really have a problem with the cost of the $80 blood test she had Sunday, but I did think they might waive the charge for office visit itself when they admitted that it was KC and had been "going around".

When I called yesterday to take her back, I explained that DD was in between paychecks and we were still in the hole after paying for the boarding and sunday's visit. They agreed to see her without an immediate payment that day but there hasn't been a discussion yet about what the fees would be or when they'd have to be paid by. Maybe that's naive on my part, but the dog's recovery is priceless to us. Somehow we'll handle the bills after she's better. There's always ebay for quick extra $$ if need be. Hopefully, they'll work with us a little though...

I agree that you are liable for boarding and immunizations. I would meet with the owner and tell him that. Then, in a nonconfrontational manner, I would ask him what he thought was fair based on the fact that the remaining charges were based on something your dog contracted while in his care that resulted in her becoming extremely sick.

ETA: BTW, if the discussion progresses to the point where you comment on the fact that you are aware of the dogs being brought in from the other kennel due to KC, be careful not to let it slip that you got that information from their employee (wouldn't want her fired for being honest with you).

 

[heartsy77]

Op- no flipping way would I pay for the vet bill! IMHO you very diligent about asking the kennel cough vaccine effectiveness. I would have never paid the bill at all, except the boarding fee, but since you have paid some I would contest the charge on your cc immediately! On side note I hope your dog is okay; what a horrible mess!

 

[C.Ann]

It is your dog. It is a requirement of most kennels to have kennel cough vaccine prior to boarding the dog (your dog, remember?). Generally, vaccines need to be given prior to exposure to give the immune system an opportunity to work. It is like a parent upset because their child gets chicken pox or (Heaven Forbid) meningitis or cervical cancer because the parent didn't want to bring their child in for the recommended shot. The immunization for kennel cough has been available for years. You didn't get it for your dog. You took your chance, and unfortunately, you lost this time.

As a responsible dog owner, there is truth in what has been said above.. It's really your obligation to know what shots your dog should have at any given time and keep them up to date.. However, I have more to say that hopefully won't sound harsh..

The OP never said she refused an offered vaccine. From what I read in her OP, she said she was concerned that there wasn't enough time between the vaccine being given and immunity being built up. The vet reassured her that it would be fine. She was mislead and given wrong information.

This is where things take a bit of a turn..

Our collie is 5 yrs old, she has always lived in the country on a large lot, rarely coming into contact with other dogs because she has that annoying high pitched collie bark and way too much enthusiasm that can be heard for miles. She spends all her time in the house or outside by our side. She's always had very good care, comes from one of the leading show breeders in the country. The breeder's plan originally was to show her but the dog is just too hyper and distractible for travel. As such, she has never been to a dog park, and has never been boarded. We never intended to board her at all so my vet never recommended the vaccine for KC prior to this, even when she was a puppy.

Unfortunately - as you have learned - this is not a valid reason for not having the necessary shots on a given time table.. Although you never intended to "board" the dog, a circumstance arose where you had to.. (Similar to a home school parent thinking their child will never be exposed to chicken pox, so they choose not to vaccinate..)

But - I do feel that the vet wasn't (and hasn't been) truthful with you about the circumstances and therefore I would request (okay - maybe "demand" - LOL) a 50% discount.. That would be fair in terms of how and where the responsibility lies - 50% in their lap, 50% in your lap..

I hope your doggie gets well soon..

 

[daisax]

They dropped the ball on several fronts:

1) giving your dog the vaccine the day you dropped her off -- no protection for your dog

2) giving your dog the vaccine the day you dropped her off -- she then began to shed virus, thus exposing on all the other dogs in the kennel... and how many of THEM similarly were given the vaccine on drop off and were shedding like crazy?

3) they accepted the kc dogs from the boarding kennel (understandable if they needed treatment and they were clients and trying to not expose the rest of their clients to the problem, which was probably caused by the same points 1+2 on THEIR part) and then didn't segregate (or have the means to segregate) the sick patients from the well boarders.

4) obviously the dog was not being monitored that quickly. Kennel cough is like a cold, with varying degrees of intensity. Usually some robitussin or some lemon juice/honey is sufficient for a few days until the cough subsides and the dog is good as new. It's not THAT hard to spot when a dog is moving from "cold" to pneumonia... certainly I would expect veterinary professionals to be able to do so and treat accordingly, especially if they were already aware that they had an ongoing outbreak.

I'd say you have more than one problem with their management of the situation.

 

[stitchlovestink]

First let me state how sorry I am to hear about your poor furbaby. Sending hugs her way (and yours too ) for a speedy recovery!

Whatever happened to the concept of personal responsibility? It is your dog. It is a requirement of most kennels to have kennel cough vaccine prior to boarding the dog (your dog, remember?). Generally, vaccines need to be given prior to exposure to give the immune system an opportunity to work. It is like a parent upset because their child gets chicken pox or (Heaven Forbid) meningitis or cervical cancer because the parent didn't want to bring their child in for the recommended shot. The immunization for kennel cough has been available for years. You didn't get it for your dog. You took your chance, and unfortunately, you lost this time. Learn your lesson and move on. Personally, I would be greatly offended if I offered a patient a vaccine, they opted not to get it, and they later came down with the illness and blamed me for the exposure. It's like playing with matches in a fireworks warehouse. Common sense would tell you that isn't a good idea, but, common sense, unfortunately, is uncommon.

WOW!!! How incredibly rude and insensitive! She did EXACTLY WHAT THE VET'S STAFF told her to do and paid for it. She asked appropriate questions about the effectiveness of the shot since it was given the same day as boarding. THE OFFICE STAFF ASSURED her that it would be fine. Well guess what, now it's not fine. And this is her personal responsbility because.... she did what they told her to do?!?!?!

The OP never said she refused an offered vaccine. From what I read in her OP, she said she was concerned that there wasn't enough time between the vaccine being given and immunity being built up. The vet reassured her that it would be fine. She was mislead and given wrong information.

Exactly!!

To be clear... I never refused any vaccines at any time. Our collie is 5 yrs old, she has always lived in the country on a large lot, rarely coming into contact with other dogs because she has that annoying high pitched collie bark and way too much enthusiasm that can be heard for miles. She spends all her time in the house or outside by our side. She's always had very good care, comes from one of the leading show breeders in the country. The breeder's plan originally was to show her but the dog is just too hyper and distractible for travel. As such, she has never been to a dog park, and has never been boarded. We never intended to board her at all so my vet never recommended the vaccine for KC prior to this, even when she was a puppy.

I am not saying that I am not responsible. To the contrary, I feel horribly responsible. However, the reason I called the vet that morning was to ask for suggestions and educate myself about the possible risk from the professional responsible for my dog's medical care. The suggestion that I board my dog came from the vet, who said that'd be the best place for her, along with the assurance that KC was rare and not a problem even if contracted - more like a cold and not life-threatening.

At the time I called, I didn't even know they'd opened a boarding kennel attatched to the office. I was really looking for a college student, vet tech, or pet sitter to visit my house after being told by the first kennel that she needed the shot in advance. We also have two cats so a pet-sitter who'd come by to feed/water/walk was the option of choice.

I know this is not going to change how you feel, but you shouldn't feel guilty. You did what you could which was to question that which made you feel uneasy. You DID NOT intentionally put your dog at risk. You have paid attention to all the signs she has given you that she is sick and sought treatment for her. It sounds like your family NEEDED this trip and you put the people's needs first and never intentionally compromised your dog's needs. Sending you some pixie dust that everything is going to turn out just fine and your 'baby' will be home with you happy and healthy very soon.

Until that morning, I'd expected DSIL to feed/walk/watch the collie & cats at my house, while DB was looking forward to keeping the new puppy while we were away, so I didn't book them in advance. I didn't even know they had a boarding kennel now and was really surprised when the tech said "we have room for her". DSIL & DNephew19 usually take turns coming by to care for the animals when we're away and that had been arranged for months. DSIL called the morning we were set to leave and cancelled after talking to DH and realizing she'd messed up her calendar and was a week off so her own vacation was starting in two days.

We were driving while DH was flying to meet us later so we postponed leaving. Our initial thought was to cancel (DH is having some serious medical issues and we'd almost cancelled earlier in the week while waiting for news from the neurologist anyway) but after lots of calls and lots of discussion, boarding at the vet's seemed like a blessing in disguise - an even better solution b/c they had techs on staff 24 hrs and had large new indoor runs.

I certainly never felt as if I were playing Russian Roulette - my luck's not that great and I'm definitely not a gambler. Heck, I don't even play bingo...

bolding is mine...
you luck is that bad is it?!

While I was reading this, my DH, who's a vet, came in and read over my shoulder. He said that given the circumstances explained in the later posts, it sounds like the vet gambled that they would not have KC problems while your dog was there, and that's why they told you to just get the vax that same day. He said his clinic also does administer the KC vax same day for people needing it immediately (they don't do boarding, but the kennels around here DO accept same day KC vax). He suggested calling and speaking directly to the vet, and politely asking that they cover the cost of the treatment (bills since you've been home and the dog has had problems, not the original bill for boarding and shots) since you feel you were given multiple reassurances about getting the KC vax same day, as well as a possible worst case scenario much less severe than what you are actually seeing. I know at his clinic, they are very willing to work with unhappy clients. Good luck and I hope your pet feels better soon!

This is probably the best post by anyone other than OP (no harm to anyone else who has posted, btw) with the best advice.

Is your collie a puppy? That was implied on one of your posts or else I read it wrong. We didn't take our dogs anywhere when they were puppies until they had all 3 series of shots. Even when we took them in for those shots we never let their feet touch the floor. Your vet would have known the risks of this would have been even more severe (ie- distemper) if this were the case.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding though when the OP referred to the "puppy."

No OP stated that the Collie (who is sick) is five yo but that they have a Papillion puppy that may now have been exposed.

 

[ma2jr]

Kennel cough is hard to prove... like catching the flu at a hospital/clinic emergency room, are they liable?

 

[MM27]

The vet we use recommends the kennell cough vaccine even if your dog will come into contact with other dogs at parks or other similar places. If you board there, they have to have it. They won't take them without it.