CSCG Tue Aug 10, 2010 6:16 am
I took my cat to be neutered at the Spay Clinic. Signed a waver permitting necessary procedures should any complications arise on July 26, 2010. We followed all directions and carefully watched the site of incision for infection.
July 31, 2010 I noticed scabs forming and inflammation. He wouldn't eat or drink, and couldn't go potty. We immediately took him to the Emergency Clinic, as the Spay Clinic was closed. We were given antibiotics and antibacterial cream and advised to follow up with our regular vet.
We have insurance to cover the cost of prescriptions and grateful we chose to get coverage as the resulting infection has cost us several hundred dollars. The insurance company told us we needed to have records from every veterinary service provider that has examined our cat, and we were horrified by the response from the Spay Clinic.
We were advised that they do NOT keep any sort of records including the waiver we signed. The only records they keep is a copy of the receipt given to us that is signed by the veterinarian. I was told that since we chose not to wait until Monday to give the Spay Clinic an opportunity to examine him free of charge, we nullified any liability on their part and that if the insurance company denies our claim not to bother going after them for compensation. I had not even suggested that would be a consideration or course of action.
Today, August 9, 2010, our cat is still undergoing treatment for what our veterinarian has described as the absolute worst neuter-related infection she has ever seen. She advised the resulting infection was caused by lack of proper sanitary conditions when the neutering was performed.
This is just my own experience. The cost of taking our pet to the Spay and Neuter Clinic in Edmonton has far exceeded the cost of blood testing, procedure, and optional treatment charges through our regular vet (Total cost would have only been $404.45).
I know that many people have benefited from having affordable spay/neuter services without any sort of complications, but this is how I was treated and what happened when I took my pet to their facility. I believe that having affordable services is important and necessary. I would not recommend the Spay and Neuter Clinic in Edmonton to my worst enemy. As I mentioned before, this is only my experience and further research has revealed not a very uncommon one.