PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN- Correction) - Hometown Animal Care owner Dr. Tom Sutton says a relief doctor at his clinic removed more than 100 hair ties from a cat’s stomach, saving its life. Derek Hawke, the original owner says he is not upset over costs or losing his pet, it is the belief that surrendering ownership was intentionally planned by the staff without the clinic owner's knowledge.
Hunter, the cat was seen by Hometown Animal Care in Pflugerville in February. Records show the cat weighed 3.3 pounds. The hospital claims it should have weighed close to eight. However, records from recent visit in September from a different Veterinary clinic showed his weight at 4 pounds. Supported by lab work, the cat was determined to be healthy. The cat was reported to have had a 90 degree temperature when it should have been closer to 101.2. Hawke disputes the clinic’s assessment of the cat as untruths to justify taking ownership of a pure breed Siamese kitten. Leaked Facebook pictures from an employee's page do challenges the accuracy of the Clinics statements.
Hawke says the up front cost quoted was increased intentionally once the owner's spending limit was determined. The relief veterinarian proceeded to add undisclosed after-care until it was not affordable. With options limited, Hawke had the choice but euthanizing the young cat or surrendering ownership of the cat to the clinic in exchange to receive the care needed to save his life. "I can confirm that I had an active Care Credit account with a $1500 spending limit. I paid the bill they charged me that day for $185. So I can prove I had at minimum $1685. My bank statement showing the charge to Hometown also shows I had an addition $878 balance in my bank account.
No documentation of ownership transfer was performed. Dr. Tom Sutton told KXAN a relief doctor found 111 hair ties inside the cat’s stomach. The leaked pictures from the actual surgery do not support that quantity and employee comments imply that the low body temperature manifested while under anesthesia. Medical records contained no documentation of the surgery, no mention of medication or drug or administration of anesthesia. No doctor signature.
A clinic employee immediately adopted the cat and took him home instead of having him receive the expensive after care which forced Hawke to surrender the cat. Other Facebook pictures show this employee handling the post-op cat in a painful and negligent manner. Comments from another employee to the picture voice objection to the handling. The employee/adopter replies "Pssh. Whatever! he is fine"
Hawke has filed a complaint in early June against Hometown Animal Care.
The Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners is expected to have a decision in January 2015
Hunter, the cat was seen by Hometown Animal Care in Pflugerville in February. Records show the cat weighed 3.3 pounds. The hospital claims it should have weighed close to eight. However, records from recent visit in September from a different Veterinary clinic showed his weight at 4 pounds. Supported by lab work, the cat was determined to be healthy. The cat was reported to have had a 90 degree temperature when it should have been closer to 101.2. Hawke disputes the clinic’s assessment of the cat as untruths to justify taking ownership of a pure breed Siamese kitten. Leaked Facebook pictures from an employee's page do challenges the accuracy of the Clinics statements.
Hawke says the up front cost quoted was increased intentionally once the owner's spending limit was determined. The relief veterinarian proceeded to add undisclosed after-care until it was not affordable. With options limited, Hawke had the choice but euthanizing the young cat or surrendering ownership of the cat to the clinic in exchange to receive the care needed to save his life. "I can confirm that I had an active Care Credit account with a $1500 spending limit. I paid the bill they charged me that day for $185. So I can prove I had at minimum $1685. My bank statement showing the charge to Hometown also shows I had an addition $878 balance in my bank account.
No documentation of ownership transfer was performed. Dr. Tom Sutton told KXAN a relief doctor found 111 hair ties inside the cat’s stomach. The leaked pictures from the actual surgery do not support that quantity and employee comments imply that the low body temperature manifested while under anesthesia. Medical records contained no documentation of the surgery, no mention of medication or drug or administration of anesthesia. No doctor signature.
A clinic employee immediately adopted the cat and took him home instead of having him receive the expensive after care which forced Hawke to surrender the cat. Other Facebook pictures show this employee handling the post-op cat in a painful and negligent manner. Comments from another employee to the picture voice objection to the handling. The employee/adopter replies "Pssh. Whatever! he is fine"
Hawke has filed a complaint in early June against Hometown Animal Care.
The Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners is expected to have a decision in January 2015