WWYD re: Vet office, all opinions welcome

[dizluvah]

Our pet had been in and out of the vets several times in the last month or so. This am I had 9am appt - our pet was on medication over the long weekend and this follow-up was to determine if the meds were managing his condition or if we need to take further steps. It was decided after an xray that a procedure was needed. I was quoted, agreed to pay and left at 9:15am - with the understanding that I could pick up my pet between 4:30pm and 7pm.

DH calls them at 4pm to see if I can pick up the pet. They tell him they are just starting the procedure (which requires anesthesia). Apparently they told hubby that our pet was doing so well they delayed his procedure to help sicker animals.

I understand emergencies need to be treated first. But I am disappointed that I wasn't phoned and given the option to pick up our pet so he wasn't sitting around for 7 hours crying and scared at the vet. He is an indoor only cat, he gets very nervous being out of our house, he was shaking and crying during the exam - just a nervous nelly cat. I could have brought him later this afternoon or even tomorrow.

I plan on mentioning my concerns when I go to pick up our pet (hopefully this evening). Of course, I will refuse to pay any extra boarding fees if it turns out he needs to stay overnight - as I understood the procedure would take place today and no overnight would be required. DH basically thinks I should just let it go - but I am upset because I know my "baby" was scared all day and wishing he was home and there was no reason for him to endure that - we live less than 2 miles from the vet. They had my cel phone and home phone - I don't appreciate my pet being put on the back burner. Mostly I feel badly that he was no doubt scared of strange surroundings all day.

As I was typing this, my vet just called. She offered to keep the cat overnight at no charge and give him another treatment in the morning. I declined, they are not staffed overnight and I would rather have him home with us tonight and just bring him back in the a.m. She said it was simply a matter of convenience (for us) that she offered, no medical reason he needs to not be home. So I need to wait until just before 7pm (vet's closing time) to pick him up.

I did not express any concerns to her, I know I should have because it is going to eat away at me....

Note: I did not provide specifics as to our cats ailment intentionally (it is pretty gross) and not particularly relevant to my issue.

Do I complain to the vet or not?

 

[John VN]

Our rescued Persian, lost his home due to Hurricane Charlie, is sitting next to me as I type this. I read your post to him and asked him if he would be bothered if this happened to him. He looked at me with his big golden eyes and said "meow". I interpreted that as being a no so I suggest you let it go because I bet your pet will.

 

[denisem]

Wow, I feel sad you and your pet went through this. I understand, the little guy in my avatar is also high-strung and spent many nights at the vet when he was a kitten.

But, if you generally trust/like your vet and as your pet was not in grave danger, I'd actually respect your vets for making more critical cases a priority. Just as I would a human doctor in an ER. Not always convenient, but if you're at the receiving end - you'd appreciate it.

Pets are more resilient that we think. Best wishes!