I would like to report a negative transaction with a DVM Michael Mogavero
This occurred on Sunday July 16 At Mohawk Animal Clinic (962 Upper James Hamilton, ON, L9C 3A5, 905 389 2286) around 1400.
My ill dog required medical attention during off hours. At baseline the dog has mammary tumours and is over 14 years old. She is at the end of her life and we believed she would pass the night of Friday July 14 when she became febrile with rigors and purulent vaginal discharge. She declined food and water and thereby had little output. We attempted to administer analgesics but the dog refused oral intake. She was calm with a normal heart and respiratory rate indicating comfort. We anticipated she would pass through the night.
However, my dog showed improvement the following day by eating, drinking, ambulating and moving her bowels appropriately. The vaginal discharge had stopped, as had the fever and rigors.
Today the dog continued to show improvement which led us bring her into an emergency vet for assessment of a possible infection that could be treated with a simple course of antibiotic as well as transmucosal analgesia should the dog deteriorate. The next day, being a business day, we planned on taking her into our regular, trusted vet for further follow up. We were very clear with this emergency vet that we just wanted to her to pass away at home where she was born and raised and happiest. But given her recent improvement, we wanted to temporize the situation until we could see Dr. Marsales of Stonegates Vet Clinic.
Upon entry to Mohawk Animal Clinic pleasantries were exchanged. The vet's response to "how are you?" resulted in a response of "living the life" with a poor bedside manner. My first impression of the vet was not good and the following confirmed my initial impression:
-failure to obtain an adequate medical history of the dog (he asked minimal questions about the animal - I had to volunteer a lot of information without guidance)
-failure to thoroughly assess the dog (only a focused assessment of the vagina and I had to insist he examine her tumours)
-failure to educate us about pyometra (no other treatment options aside from surgical intervention discussed; euthanasia immediately suggested)
-failure to provide compassionate and high quality care
-unethical and disgraceful behaviour
During the remainder of the short appointment the vet repeatedly announced that our actions towards this dog are cruel despite us reporting improvements with the animal. At one point, the vet left the room and returned to say "I know you don't like me but you paid me for an opinion....". At this point I was feeling shamed and offended. Furthermore, disgraceful behaviour was exhibited after the visit was completed; the vet approached our vehicle as we were leaving the driveway in order to further shame us for cruelty. He demanded the name of our regular vet (which we had already provided in the forms) and yelled that he is going to report us (my husband was with me).
My husband and I are distraught right now as this vet made a bad situation worse. But at least my dog is out back happily barking at the other neighbourhood dogs. Though this may be one last spurt of energy before she passes, at least she is happy and comfortable at home, where we initially wanted her to be at the end of her life.
Shame on that vet for his poor care and lack of compassion.
This has created much distrust in this profession for myself. read more
