I agree completely and Sam it sounds like the arrangements your vet had with them involved the night care of their own patients as well as I stated earlier. I wasn't certain of this the first time. The duty of care as mentioned earlier is a very important element in all of this.

I would still write my letter to the Practice Head and letting them know in no uncertain term how unhappy you are with the events leading up to the tragic demise of your cat. Let them deal with the situation!

For what it's worth I doubt very much if this is the first problem they've had with this company, no matter how much they might try to fob you off. This is very often the case in situations like his. The more people who complain the better though like in my situation!

And Sam I'm really truly sorry about what happened to your cat! If I can be of any help just let me know.

Thank you all so much for your replies.

I have received two separate itemised breakdowns, one from my vet and one from VetsNow.

I can't make head nor tail of them and really need a vet to look at them for me.

I have been advised that this may be difficult to achieve as one vet may not wish to comment on another.

Someone else said that the RCVS might have someone who can do this?


Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!


Sam.

You could have a word with your insurance company - they have people who specialise in vetting vets bills! Personally I would be asking to see the treatment schedule which show the times that your pet was examined and when and what treatment was administered that along with the bills will give a clearer picture. You are entitled to see your pets health record.

I'm really sorry to hear about your cat and that your vets are causing such problems. That must be so upsetting.

I honestly don't have any additional advice for you, the people on here have given you some great advice. But you're doing all the right things to get this resolved, and I hope you get a more positive end result.

Really sorry that you lost your cat-especially in such awful circumstances and feel that its so wrong that you are having to go through all this,
Cant really add any more to the excellent advice you have been given ,just hope that you can find a way through this mess-you have been treated SO badly
Agree entirely with everyone else-what happened has EVERYTHING to do with your vet ,though of course he is bound to say it wasnt
We are all here for you
Maureen

I'm so sorry to hear your story. As far as I know, Vets Now are notorious for this and I would never use them. They also have a habit of refering people to their hospital after a nighttime emergency so that they can continue to charge shocking prices in business hours. My vets will no longer use them after so many complaints about bills and unnecessary treatments. To give you an idea, my kitten was rushed into my vets for urgent hydration and an ab shot to be on safe side and it cost £22 including the consulation. Please don't pay the bill but put a complaint in. I am so sorry you are going through this after losing your cat xxx

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www.riobellesiamese.co.uk

I'm sorry about your cat but I'm pleased to see the sensible advice about getting a cost breakdown and complaining to the RCVS.

I don't know if you are insured but if you are you should pass copies of the cost breakdown on to them. They may pay it all, which would at least remove the financial worry. However, some companies will refuse to pay excessive out of hours call bills. If they do you have grounds for complaint against the provider and you should consider claiming back those items either from your vet or from Vets Now. If your vet had not told you that they used Vets Now as an out of hours service but you were under the impression your vet was providing it then I would suspect you would have a solid case for suing them in the County Court for any overcharging.

I changed my vet because they started to use an out of hours service - even though they are a 'veterinary hospital'. I honestly can't understand how they can still claim to be a vet hospital (which has to provide 24 hour service) and use some other provider. It doesn't make sense to me at all. (It probably didn't make much sense to the vet either because the vet I'm now with picked up over 500 clients from them!!)

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Things you should know before insuring your pet can be found at Important Facts about Pet Insurance. I can also try and answer questions about Pet Insurance via PM. I am not an insurance broker.

If you have a problem with Vets Now you have to complain in writing to their head office Vets Now Emergency Limited, Client Care Department, Penguin House, Castle Riggs, Dunfermline, Fife, KY11 8SG, and they will investigate every complaint apparently, but do complain to the Practise Manager too.

Hi Guys,

Thanks so much for all your posts.

Unfortunately, I didn't have insurance but I do wonder if an insurance company would have paid out all or most of the amount charged?

On a brighter note, on Saturday I went to our local cat rescue centre to drop off some vials of insulin which belonged to my cat as the rescue centre could make use of them.

And yes, you've guessed it, I came home with a delightful little cat called Daisy who was found with her kittens by a trapper .
She's such a cute affectionate little cat whose sitting beside me as I type this.

I will never be able to replace my beloved cat Trouble who was a great and loving little companion for fifteen years and to some extent I feel a guilty about getting Daisy so soon.

I must say though that having her around has lifted my heart and brought happiness into the home.

Amazing what a little cat can do!


Sam.

So pleased that you have given Daisy a loving home-I agree -its amazing what a little cat can do
I wish you every joy with her in the future
Maureen