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Without having all the details, this may sound much worse than it probably is.
A cyst is basically an abcess. A pimple is a cyst.
Dogs sometimes get them on their bodies. Many times it's on their ear. They are usually filled with nasty fluid.
Veterinarians incise them to drain the fluid and usually that's all that's involved. That process is probably called surgery.
Anytime you have an open wound, there's a chance that it can get infected.
It's been many years since I worked for a veterinarian. I can't remember what we did for medication to prevent infection.
Don't know about this one unless the owner did more than just drain it...
That article contains precious little information. It does indicate that he performed surgery to remove the cyst, not just drain it though. In general, cysts are pretty harmless and not painful. Am I missing something? I'm not sure why this owner decided to put his dog through the pain and trauma of surgery apparently without the benefit of anesthesia, pain medicine or antibiotics. And I really, really don't understand how this situation is the vet's fault. That owner made a choice to practice veterinary medicine without the education and skills needed to do so safely and ethically. And his dog suffered for it.
Last edited by kansas sky; 02-08-2010 at 12:40 PM..
Reason: edited for accuracy
LOL.. thanks. Wasn't really sure on that one. It's not often I have to use such a pompous vocabulary to exact my feelings of disgust and disdain for certain peoples in their chosen professions.
My older brother developed a cyst behind his ear years back. He sterlized his "lance' in alcohol, and cleaned the area responsibly before attempting to cut open an area of his head he couldn't see. ...I remember the doctors in the emergency room chiding him for that, as well (when he finally gave up and consented we drive him there). hehe.
I think anyone would jump to say "leave it to the professionals!" - but this wasn't a case of criminial or negligent behavior on behalf of his animal, it was a case of lack of funds. That's like cutting off a child's hand for stealing an apple.. when the child was starving to begin with. ..but if I'm not mistaken, that sort of logic has been addressed and disected over the decades as well.
I think anyone would jump to say "leave it to the professionals!" - but this wasn't a case of criminial or negligent behavior on behalf of his animal, it was a case of lack of funds. That's like cutting off a child's hand for stealing an apple.. when the child was starving to begin with. ..but if I'm not mistaken, that sort of logic has been addressed and disected over the decades as well.
I see where you're coming from here, I do. However on a purely practical level, the dog had to have another surgery to treat the infection he acquired from the non-professional surgery. That didn't save much money did it?
LOL.. thanks. Wasn't really sure on that one. It's not often I have to use such a pompous vocabulary to exact my feelings of disgust and disdain for certain peoples in their chosen professions.
My older brother developed a cyst behind his ear years back. He sterlized his "lance' in alcohol, and cleaned the area responsibly before attempting to cut open an area of his head he couldn't see. ...I remember the doctors in the emergency room chiding him for that, as well (when he finally gave up and consented we drive him there). hehe.
I think anyone would jump to say "leave it to the professionals!" - but this wasn't a case of criminial or negligent behavior on behalf of his animal, it was a case of lack of funds. That's like cutting off a child's hand for stealing an apple.. when the child was starving to begin with. ..but if I'm not mistaken, that sort of logic has been addressed and disected over the decades as well.
I agree.
The article doesn't really say exactly what was done either time.... I really wonder what surgery was involved.
I worked for a veterinarian and I've assisted with treating cysts many times. In most cases, "surgery" to drain a cyst / abcess is done without any kind of anesthetic.
It is really not painful for the animal. About the same, I would imagine, as getting a shot.
These things can fill back up and require draining again. I wonder if that's the case here or if it truly was infected.
Farmers treat their horses and animals all of the time without formal education.
It sounds as though this has been blown out of proportion.
Surgery... ??? The article doesn't really say exactly what was done.
But, I really wonder what surgery was involved.
I worked for a veterinarian and I've assisted with treating cysts many times.
In most cases, "surgery" to drain a cyst / abcess is done without any kind of anesthetic.
It is really not painful for the animal. About the same, I would imagine, as getting a shot.
These things can fill back up and require draining again. I wonder if that's the case here or if it truly was infected.
Farmers treat their horses and animals all of the time without formal education.
It sounds as though this has been blown out of proportion.
I'd certainly find another vet.
I'm not about to vouch for the accuracy of the article. Who knows how careful this reporter was. However it does say 'removed' and not 'drained.' FWIW, I am a registered vet tech and familiar with cyst drainage and surgery as well.
I'm not about to vouch for the accuracy of the article. Who knows how careful this reporter was. However it does say 'removed' and not 'drained.' FWIW, I am a registered vet tech and familiar with cyst drainage and surgery as well.
I thought you might be somehow involved in the area of veterinary care based on your responses.
The article doesn't provide as much information as I'd like, before casting my eternal damnation upon them
But with that said .... we're all right, and fighting for the same side at least. Vets are horribly expensive, and I make peanuts for a living - but there's not one thing I wouldn't hesitate to cut out of my life if it was a matter of life or death for one of my furbabies. Because we all love our animals dearly....as it should be.
How terrible! Poor desperate man but he took a bad decision playing with his dog's health.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sillypups
I don't care what it costs for our dogs, if they needed surgery. We wouldn't eat for a week if that's what it took to help our babies.
Sometimes that doesn't cover even 10% of the bill...
Quote:
Originally Posted by sugarsugar
If you didn't have the resources that some of these clients had, what can you do except watch your beloved dog die?
Exactly. These situations break my heart.
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...I remember the doctors in the emergency room chiding him for that, as well (when he finally gave up and consented we drive him there). hehe.
