Veteris
★ 3.6
veteris.co.uk
A deeply upsetting and disappointing experience
A deeply upsetting and disappointing experience when I took my dog, Mocha, to Veteris for an emergency appointment on 11 October.
Mocha was treated for a suspected allergic reaction and prescribed Metacam. I was not told about the possible side effects or advised to stop the medication if she developed vomiting or diarrhoea.
After taking Metacam, she vomited repeatedly throughout the day, wherever she went. Eventually, she would not even drink water. She appeared dehydrated and was breathing rapidly, while her allergic symptoms had still not improved. Her skin was red all over, and she kept rubbing her face and body against the floor. She has had allergic reactions before, but I had never seen her suffer like this. It was heartbreaking to watch.
On the third day, I took her to Snoots, where the vet told me she was experiencing side effects from Metacam, but no alternative treatment was offered. On the fourth day, I took her to another clinic, where she received an injection and her symptoms improved. Vets at both clinics told me she was experiencing side effects from Metacam, yet I had not been warned about these when the medication was dispensed. I am attaching photos showing her skin redness and vomit at the time.
As a pet owner without veterinary knowledge, I rely on vets to explain medication risks, warning signs and what to do if my pet gets worse. I do not feel Veteris provided the clear guidance and reassurance I needed.
When I complained, their written response stated that the vet “routinely” explains the Metacam label, including vomiting and diarrhoea and the need to stop the medication if these occur, and “would ordinarily” discuss medication costs. They also pointed to the manufacturer’s information supplied with the medication. However, neither the side effects nor the price was explained to me when the medication was dispensed. Describing what a vet usually does does not address what actually happened during Mocha’s appointment.
They charged £72 for medication that I subsequently found advertised online for around £18—four times the price. Despite my concerns about the lack of advice and Mocha’s repeated vomiting and worsening condition after taking the medication, they maintained that the treatment and charges were appropriate and refused a refund.
Their charges were much higher than at other clinics I have used, but the most distressing part was not the money. It was watching Mocha suffer after treatment and feeling that my concerns about the lack of communication were not properly addressed.
It has now been a month, and thankfully Mocha has fully recovered. However, every time I think back to what happened, I still feel overwhelmed by the distress and helplessness of watching her suffer.
Pets cannot speak for themselves. We depend on veterinary professionals to help us make informed decisions on their behalf. Based on this experience, I do not consider Veteris reliable and would not feel comfortable trusting them with Mocha’s care again. I am sharing this honest account so that other pet owners can make an informed decision about where to seek care.
Mocha was treated for a suspected allergic reaction and prescribed Metacam. I was not told about the possible side effects or advised to stop the medication if she developed vomiting or diarrhoea.
After taking Metacam, she vomited repeatedly throughout the day, wherever she went. Eventually, she would not even drink water. She appeared dehydrated and was breathing rapidly, while her allergic symptoms had still not improved. Her skin was red all over, and she kept rubbing her face and body against the floor. She has had allergic reactions before, but I had never seen her suffer like this. It was heartbreaking to watch.
On the third day, I took her to Snoots, where the vet told me she was experiencing side effects from Metacam, but no alternative treatment was offered. On the fourth day, I took her to another clinic, where she received an injection and her symptoms improved. Vets at both clinics told me she was experiencing side effects from Metacam, yet I had not been warned about these when the medication was dispensed. I am attaching photos showing her skin redness and vomit at the time.
As a pet owner without veterinary knowledge, I rely on vets to explain medication risks, warning signs and what to do if my pet gets worse. I do not feel Veteris provided the clear guidance and reassurance I needed.
When I complained, their written response stated that the vet “routinely” explains the Metacam label, including vomiting and diarrhoea and the need to stop the medication if these occur, and “would ordinarily” discuss medication costs. They also pointed to the manufacturer’s information supplied with the medication. However, neither the side effects nor the price was explained to me when the medication was dispensed. Describing what a vet usually does does not address what actually happened during Mocha’s appointment.
They charged £72 for medication that I subsequently found advertised online for around £18—four times the price. Despite my concerns about the lack of advice and Mocha’s repeated vomiting and worsening condition after taking the medication, they maintained that the treatment and charges were appropriate and refused a refund.
Their charges were much higher than at other clinics I have used, but the most distressing part was not the money. It was watching Mocha suffer after treatment and feeling that my concerns about the lack of communication were not properly addressed.
It has now been a month, and thankfully Mocha has fully recovered. However, every time I think back to what happened, I still feel overwhelmed by the distress and helplessness of watching her suffer.
Pets cannot speak for themselves. We depend on veterinary professionals to help us make informed decisions on their behalf. Based on this experience, I do not consider Veteris reliable and would not feel comfortable trusting them with Mocha’s care again. I am sharing this honest account so that other pet owners can make an informed decision about where to seek care.
Critical Review
poor communication
medication side effects
inadequate treatment
pet suffering
emergency care failure