Heart broken

I posted a question a few days ago about my dog dutchess who died three days after surgery,thank you so much for your answer.I have spoken to the vet who did her sugery she informed me that Dutchess died from the parvo virus.I can't understand if she had a virus why would she be cleard for surgery.she showed no signs of sickness before surgey and would'nt the vet know if she had it prior to surgery.She was given a exam and shots befor surgery,the only thing I was told that she needed to have two teeth pulled while she was under.All my friends are telling me the vet was at fault a should get me another dog.I am so boken up by this !!

[Arnold L Goldman, D.V.M.]

Dear Mzbethea,

It is difficult to speculate, and I can't, about the exact reason for your dog's unfortunate death. I will say this: you are right, the diarrheal disease caused by the Parvovirus is usually quite evident. Dogs with "parvo" usually have severe diarrhea, often vomit, do not eat, become and remain dehydrated and many die. It is a serious, serious disease and a dog with that disease overtly present would not and should not be cleared for surgery, especially an elective surgery like being spayed and having baby teeth removed.  I cannot comprehend the situation you describe with parvovirus related disease existing.

It seems to me, you have the right to a more complete explanation. If one is not forthcoming, I suggest contacting the Georgia Board of Veterinary Medicine which can investigate and take action as necessary. While we all make mistakes, if one was in fact made, you should know the truth and what was done to avoid, react to and prevent future such incidents.

They can be reached at:

237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, GA 31217-3858
[phone]

"The Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine is a six-member board appointed by the Governor to protect, promote and preserve the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Georgia. The Board is composed of five licensed, practicing veterinarians and one consumer member. They are responsible for the regulation of approximately licensed veterinarians, veterinarian technicians and faculty veterinarians in Georgia. The Board reviews applications, administers examinations, licenses qualified applicants and regulates the practice of licensees throughout the state. Complaints are investigated and, if warranted, disciplinary action may be taken by the Board. Board meetings are held approximately six times each year at the Secretary of State’s office in Macon and are open to the public. Persons wishing to bring matters for the board’s consideration should submit a written request to the office."

I wish you comfort in your grief and on behalf of my profession, I apologize for what has occurred. I too know the love of dogs and your story saddens me. Please do let me know how things turn out.

Sincerely,

Arnold L. Goldman DVM, MS

[Arnold L Goldman, D.V.M.]

One added point: the parvovirus can exist in a dog before symptoms occur.
After rereading your first post, it occurs to me that Dutchess could well have developed parvovirus related disease after surgery. Stress, including the anesthesia/surgery can coincide with and lead to the viral infection causing symptoms. This could occur sooner than they otherwise might have appearred, though if parvo was involved the dog was most likeley going to get sick anyway.

There is a test for parvo and that may be how the doctor discovered, albeit too late to put off surgery or help Dutchess, that parvo was involved. I am not pointing fingers at the doctor nor trying to lessen your feelings about this sad incident, but I do feel you deserve a fuller explanation of what occurred.

Dr G

[mikeinthailand]

Dear MzBethea,

After reading your heartfelt story I wanted to say hello to you as well as send you my condolences on your sadness and loss of your loved one. I hope that your Dutchess is up there in the heavens with my Jeffie. I lost my dog Jeffie almost a year ago after a routine cataract eye surgery. My Dog Jeffy was like my son I miss him and I have another dog that is still alive my little girl Buddy. My dog Jeffy died about an hour after surgery while he was recovering in I.C.U. It is a horrible tragic loss. I know the pain is tough and it really can be a nightmare. I want you to know that you are not alone and there are animal lovers out there like myself wanting to be your support group. If there is anything I can do for you or you just want someones shoulder to cry on you can cry on mine.  Wishing you all the best in your life. I hope our dogs are in heaven knowing how much we love them and miss them and that they were the best things in our lives.

Best Wishes,
mikeinthailand