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I work at several vet clinics. This happened at the smallest clinic a few months back.
Earlier in the day, a new client(NC) called saying her cat(NCC) was not eating or drinking, was vomiting frequently, and was lethargic. We had one last opening available at 7:30pm but this sounded like an emergency situation so the receptionist(R) asked one of the doctors(DL) if we could fit them in. DL told R to have them come in now.
NC came in and DL examined NCC and discovered NCC was moderately dehydrated and painful around the abdomen and recommended blood work to check for infection or health complications(cats can get something called fatty liver disease if they don't eat for longer than 24 hours which can lead to pancreatitis) and x-rays to check for an intestinal blockage. NC was shown the price list, agreed, and signed the document stating that she understands and accepts the charges.
The blood work showed that NCC had fatty liver disease from not eating and several other values were all over the place. The x-rays showed a partial blockage in NCC's small intestine. DL made up an estimate for the surgery to remove the blockage, medications, aftercare, etc. NC said she was not sure she would be able to afford it and asked about euthanasia. DL gave NCC the price for a euthanasia as well as an amended quote for the blockage where DL removed some recommended but not necessary things and discounted a few surgical items (I.V. fluids, anesthesia) to help NC out because DL didn't want to see NC lose her cat due to money issues. NC looked over the quotes and asked if she could leave to try to get some money together and come back later with a decision. DL told NC to take all the time she needs and assured her that NCC will be well cared for in the meantime. Myself and a technician(TK) took NCC in back and put NCC on I.V. fluids and medication to help with the vomiting.
A half hour before closing time, NC calls. She said she can't get the money together and wants to come pick up NCC and take NCC home. R passed the phone off to DL. DL asked NC if she was planning on taking NCC to a different clinic. NC said no, she was planning on waiting to see if NCC recovers on his own. DL tried to urge NC to either get NCC treatment or go through with the euthanasia because NCC will be in a lot of pain. NCC was adamant; no treatment, no euthanasia. DL asses the phone to the manager(M) who was going to go over the documents NC would have to sign and the charges for the fluids and medications we gave while NCC was here. During the whole call, there was a man in the background mumbling things we couldn't understand. Then, he got clearer.
He was telling NC to "make sure those assholes don't scam you" and telling her "they're so full of shit, NCC will be fine." As M talked, the man got louder. He started saying, "I'll go get NCC and I'll bring my baseball bat with me; If they don't give me your money back, I'll break their knees." M was shocked.
M: NC, you can come get NCC that the man in the background can't come.
NC: He is her boyfriend and my ride so he had to come.
M: If he comes, the cops will be waiting and he will not be allowed in the building. He is making threats toward my doctors and my technicians and I refuse to put my staff at risk.
NC's boyfriend: I will go where I want and she can't stop me!
M: NC, tell your boyfriend if he tries to enter the building, I will have him arrested.
NC's boyfriend shut up and NC agreed to come get her cat and leave her boyfriend in the car.
When NC arrived, the cops were there and they passed NCC over to her. DL tried once more to convince NC to get NCC treatment and added that if her boyfriend was not letting her get NCC help, we could set something up to help her get the treatment.
NC left with NCC, the cops followed them home to make sure NC's boyfriend didn't try to attack the staff as we left for the day, and even stayed until we closed up and left and followed us partway home. I sincerely hope NC did get NCC help but we haven't heard anything since.
Earlier in the day, a new client(NC) called saying her cat(NCC) was not eating or drinking, was vomiting frequently, and was lethargic. We had one last opening available at 7:30pm but this sounded like an emergency situation so the receptionist(R) asked one of the doctors(DL) if we could fit them in. DL told R to have them come in now.
NC came in and DL examined NCC and discovered NCC was moderately dehydrated and painful around the abdomen and recommended blood work to check for infection or health complications(cats can get something called fatty liver disease if they don't eat for longer than 24 hours which can lead to pancreatitis) and x-rays to check for an intestinal blockage. NC was shown the price list, agreed, and signed the document stating that she understands and accepts the charges.
The blood work showed that NCC had fatty liver disease from not eating and several other values were all over the place. The x-rays showed a partial blockage in NCC's small intestine. DL made up an estimate for the surgery to remove the blockage, medications, aftercare, etc. NC said she was not sure she would be able to afford it and asked about euthanasia. DL gave NCC the price for a euthanasia as well as an amended quote for the blockage where DL removed some recommended but not necessary things and discounted a few surgical items (I.V. fluids, anesthesia) to help NC out because DL didn't want to see NC lose her cat due to money issues. NC looked over the quotes and asked if she could leave to try to get some money together and come back later with a decision. DL told NC to take all the time she needs and assured her that NCC will be well cared for in the meantime. Myself and a technician(TK) took NCC in back and put NCC on I.V. fluids and medication to help with the vomiting.
A half hour before closing time, NC calls. She said she can't get the money together and wants to come pick up NCC and take NCC home. R passed the phone off to DL. DL asked NC if she was planning on taking NCC to a different clinic. NC said no, she was planning on waiting to see if NCC recovers on his own. DL tried to urge NC to either get NCC treatment or go through with the euthanasia because NCC will be in a lot of pain. NCC was adamant; no treatment, no euthanasia. DL asses the phone to the manager(M) who was going to go over the documents NC would have to sign and the charges for the fluids and medications we gave while NCC was here. During the whole call, there was a man in the background mumbling things we couldn't understand. Then, he got clearer.
He was telling NC to "make sure those assholes don't scam you" and telling her "they're so full of shit, NCC will be fine." As M talked, the man got louder. He started saying, "I'll go get NCC and I'll bring my baseball bat with me; If they don't give me your money back, I'll break their knees." M was shocked.
M: NC, you can come get NCC that the man in the background can't come.
NC: He is her boyfriend and my ride so he had to come.
M: If he comes, the cops will be waiting and he will not be allowed in the building. He is making threats toward my doctors and my technicians and I refuse to put my staff at risk.
NC's boyfriend: I will go where I want and she can't stop me!
M: NC, tell your boyfriend if he tries to enter the building, I will have him arrested.
NC's boyfriend shut up and NC agreed to come get her cat and leave her boyfriend in the car.
When NC arrived, the cops were there and they passed NCC over to her. DL tried once more to convince NC to get NCC treatment and added that if her boyfriend was not letting her get NCC help, we could set something up to help her get the treatment.
NC left with NCC, the cops followed them home to make sure NC's boyfriend didn't try to attack the staff as we left for the day, and even stayed until we closed up and left and followed us partway home. I sincerely hope NC did get NCC help but we haven't heard anything since.
He is my Black Dragon (and yes, a good one) strong, protective, the guardian. I am his Silver Dragon, always by his side, shining for him, cherishing him.
I wish I could do something.
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