MY DOG DIED
On Wednesday, July 16, 2026, at approximately…read more11:00 a.m., I took my 2-year-and-9-month-old French Bulldog to CareVet at Skylark because he appeared to have pain in one of his back legs. We explained everything that had happened and provided the veterinary team with all the details about his condition. When we arrived, my dog was able to walk normally, including from the parking lot into the clinic.
After examining him, the veterinary team gave him an injection for pain relief. They then told us they wanted to sedate him because he was difficult to keep still during a spinal examination and X-rays. We also informed them that our dog had consumed a large amount of water before the examination. We were instructed to return around 4:00 p.m. to pick him up.
When we returned, our dog's condition had changed dramatically. He was completely paralyzed, and his eyes were severely swollen and bright red. I immediately asked the veterinary assistant why he looked like that. I was told that he had become stressed during the sedation and X-ray process.
The following morning, at approximately 9:00 a.m., we returned to the clinic and asked to speak with Dr. Southwell. He also questioned why our dog's eyes were so red, even though I had already raised that concern. He administered fluids and a Diazepam injection before sending us home.
Around 11:00 p.m. that same night, our dog's condition continued to worsen, so we rushed him to the University of Florida Emergency Veterinary Hospital. The emergency veterinarian examined him and expressed serious concern about his neurological condition.
What I cannot understand is why CareVet at Skylark never informed us that something serious may have occurred during the sedation or recovery process, or that his condition required immediate emergency neurological evaluation. Instead, we only learned how critical his condition was after taking him to another veterinary hospital. Those first hours were incredibly important, and I will always wonder whether earlier recognition, communication, and referral could have made a difference.
My dog walked into the clinic that morning. He left the same day completely paralyzed and fighting for his life. Despite every effort by the emergency team to save him, he passed away in the early morning of July 18, 2026.
My French Bulldog was only 2 years and 9 months old. He had never been seriously ill and was always a happy, loving, and playful dog. He brought so much joy to our lives, and we are heartbroken by his loss.
This was one of the most painful experiences my family has ever endured. Based on what we experienced, I cannot recommend this clinic. I hope no other family has to go through what we did.
Rest in peace, my little angel. You will always be loved, forever missed, and never forgotten.
