Couple Claims Neglect Led to Dog’s Death at Nassau County Animal Hospital
A Long Island couple is heartbroken over the death of their dog, Bo, after they allege that a local animal hospital neglected him and pushed them into a costly unnecessary surgery. Karen and Dave Freed say the hospital encouraged them to spend $15,000 on elective hip surgery for their 10-year-old Newfoundland in an effort to extend his life.
The nightmare began when the couple brought Bo to Long Island Veterinary Specialists in Plainview for the surgery. They were initially told that all pre-surgical tests were clear. However, Karen said they later learned that Bo had developed pneumonia after the surgery. Records showed he had signs of pneumonia and even a potential lung collapse before the procedure, findings that the couple claims were concealed from them.
Feeling pressured to proceed, the Freeds went ahead with the surgery. In addition to the initial surgery cost, they were left to pay an astonishing $2,500 per night for Bo’s stay over five nights, racking up a total bill of at least $27,500. Karen said the hospital staff continually assured them that Bo was stable and improving, which starkly contrasted with the reality of his condition.
The couple alleged that throughout Bo’s six-day hospital stay, they were only allowed to see him for a mere 10 minutes. They were misled about the care he was receiving, believing he was being closely monitored with daily X-rays and ultrasounds. However, they discovered that the hospital did not even have an ultrasound machine and that no X-rays were performed after his surgery.
When they finally did see Bo, the conditions he was in were disturbing. They found him lying on a cold concrete floor with blood around his mouth and suffering from dehydration, even though they had been told he was on IV fluids and would receive a feeding tube.
The American Animal Hospital Association warns that proceeding with surgery when a dog is suffering from respiratory issues can lead to severe complications or even death. The Freeds argue that withholding such critical health information constitutes malpractice. An independent review by an outside veterinarian confirmed that Bo’s care was far below acceptable professional standards.
Now devastated by their loss, the Freeds are considering legal action against the veterinary clinic but have stated that any compensation they might receive would go to charity, not into their pockets. They want to hold the clinic accountable for what they believe was an unjust and tragic outcome.
This incident highlights a growing concern among pet owners regarding the motivations of certain veterinary practices. Reports have surfaced regarding negligence in the industry, with some alleging that profit is prioritized over the welfare of the animals. Former employees have claimed the hospital has a culture that encourages the manipulation of medical records and falsification of patient data, raising significant ethical concerns.
Lawyer Luis Trujillo, who represents other families in similar situations involving Long Island Veterinary Specialists, referred to the hospital’s practices as “blood money.” Many families are now fundraising through platforms like GoFundMe to sue the clinic, signaling a wave of discontent and calls for accountability in veterinary care.
In a community where pets are cherished like family members, cases like the Freeds’ amplify the need for transparency and integrity in veterinary practices. Pet owners deserve to trust that their animals will receive the best care possible, free from undue financial pressures or negligence.
As more families come forward with similar stories, the conversation about veterinary malpractice and ethics is likely to grow. It raises crucial questions about how to better protect the well-being of our furry companions while holding institutions accountable for their actions.
