Help Stop This Unscrupulous Veterinarian

Dear Care2 Members,

I am writing today to ask your assistance in spreading the word about a veterinarian in Northeastern Ohio who refused emergency treatment to a critically ill cat simply because I could not afford to pay the entire bill all at once. I had been injured at work, and as a result of this injury, had been off work for nearly a year collecting Workers Compensation, which paid approx. 2 thirds of my normal paycheck. So, to say that money was tight would be an understatement. I explained to the vet and his staff that I would be able to pay a portion of the bill on the day the cat was treated, and the remainder of the bill  the following week on Friday (nine days away). He still refused treatment for the cat. The cat suffererd for two more days until I was able to find another vet (Dr. R. McMillan of Greenwich, OH) to extend credit and treat him. Thank you very much Dr. McMillan. You are appreciated more than you could possibly know!

While it may be true that this vet did nothing illegal, there are the ethical and moral sides to this story that have to be considered. Every veterinarian is required to take an oath before he/she is granted a license to practice. The oath states, in part, that the vet seeking a license swears to do his or her part to end animal suffering. This vet did nothing to ease the suffering of this poor animal that had contracted a very serious sinus infection and was having considerable difficulty breathing. If the vet is in business simply to make money, then it is my considered opinion that he is in the wrong profession. To turn away a sick or injured animal because the owner cannot pay at the time of treatment is reprehensible. He should surrender his license and go find another line of work. I suggest working in a slaughterhouse, or maybe consider being a professional hunter/trapper or a similar line of work. He obviously lacks the compassion to continue in his present line of work.

Below is the information for this vet. I would appreciate any assistance in spreading the word about what he has done. Please feel free to forward my letter to any animal advocacy group.

I would also like to add that I had been a client of Hendriksons for close to 20 years, literally since he first started in business. So, its not like I was asking for credit for someone he did not know. I did not owe him money, nor had I ever been in debt to him in the past. I had always paid my bill in full previous to this visit. He did not have a valid reason for turning my sick animal away. To refuse to treat an animal in distress for any reason is unacceptable. To do it simply because of money is reprehensible and unforgivable. The antibiotics that Dr. McMillan prescribed to treat his symptoms cost a grand total of 6 dollars.

To add a sad footnote to this story, my cat died on December 3rd. of this year. He did not ultimately die of the sinus infection I sought treatment for (no thanks to Hendrikson), but from cancer that had spread throughout his body. Bubba, as he was affectionately named, was 18 years old. He is missed.

Thanks in advance,

Eric Nutter

Norwalk, Ohio

Dr. Ronald Hendrikson

Norwalk Veterinary Medical Center

705 U.S. Route 20 East

Norwalk, Ohio 44857

(419) 668 6524 drhendrikson@norwalkvet.com