I lost my 13-year-old Pomeranian, Minka, on October 5, 2025, and I believe Warwick Animal…read moreHospital's care directly contributed to her death.
Minka had a seizure disorder managed with Phenobarbital since May 2023. She also had a documented history of elevated liver enzymes and suspected microvascular liver dysplasia dating back to 2015. Despite this known liver vulnerability, her Phenobarbital dose was repeatedly increased throughout 2024-2025 without adequate liver monitoring.
In late August 2025, I asked Dr. Ashley if we could switch Minka from liquid Phenobarbital (3 mL of 20mg/5mL solution = 12mg per dose) to tablets because the liquid was becoming impossible to administer. I was prescribed 16.2mg tablets twice daily--a 35% increase in dose--with zero communication about the change. No phone call. No discussion. Just a prescription waiting at the desk.
For a month, my dog received a significantly higher dose of a medication known to cause liver toxicity, despite her compromised liver.
On September 30th, Minka's liver values came back in acute toxicity range: ALT 1997, ALP 2060. She'd been a happy, playful dog just days before. When Dr. Ashley called with results, she said she'd call back the same day with Phenobarbital levels. She didn't. When I called the next day, I was told she wasn't in. The medication Minka urgently needed sat unapproved for over 24 hours.
When I transferred Minka's care to another hospital, crucial records were missing--including the most recent three months of visits, Phenobarbital dosing information, and the liver function test results. This happened while Minka was in a life-threatening situation.
Minka passed away five days after her diagnosis. An ultrasound ruled out tumors. The emergency veterinarian's assessment: liver toxicity from Phenobarbital overdose, possibly complicated by underlying Cushing's disease.
What also breaks my heart: For over two years, I repeatedly expressed concerns about Minka's breathing issues. They were dismissed as reverse sneezing or allergies. It wasn't until she had a respiratory crisis in July 2025 that emergency vets diagnosed a collapsed trachea--something that had likely been developing for months or years.
Additionally, despite seeing Minka multiple times between June 2024 and June 2025, Dr. Ashley didn't mention possible hypothyroidism until I specifically brought Minka in for an unrelated skin issue--even though she later stated the visual signs were "characteristic" and obvious.
I'm not a high-maintenance pet owner with unrealistic expectations. I'm a devastated mother who trusted professionals with my baby's life. Minka had health challenges, yes--but she deserved attentive, thorough care that considered her complete medical history. She deserved a doctor who returned urgent calls, who didn't make dosing errors on controlled substances, and who provided complete medical records when her life was on the line.
I've filed complaints with the Oklahoma State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and the Oklahoma Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit. Warwick has not accepted responsibility or offered reimbursement for the emergency care costs ($2,405) that resulted from their error.
If your pet has complex medical needs, please advocate fiercely. Ask questions. Request copies of all records. Don't accept dismissive answers. And if something feels wrong, trust your instincts--I wish I had trusted mine sooner.
