animaltrust.org.uk

COMPASSION FATIGUE AT THE BOLTON BRANCH

Empathy – a hugely important word when dealing with distraught parents of animals, and one that was sadly lacking in the vet who broke the devastating news about our cat, Yellow Collar.The female vet who telephoned us cheerfully told us that the results of Yellow Collar’s blood test showed a slight rise in bilirubin, but were otherwise quite good. She then asked jovially how our cat got such a strange name. Naturally, her lightness of mood filled us with hope, making us think that our precious cat could be cured. When I explained how he got his name, she laughed and said it was a funny story.Then, still sounding very upbeat, she delivered devastating news, saying that the scan showed enlarged, deformed intestine with multiple tumours of cancers unknown, ie Yellow Collar was dying.Naturally, we were confused and devastated by this, and, in a zombified state, made our way back to Bolton to say our final goodbyes.On arrival, we were met by a male vet who said that he had not treated Yellow Collar, but had been authorized to conduct the euthanization. This man was considerate and kind – nothing like the woman who had delivered the terrible news.But when he left us alone to open Yellow Collar’s carrier, we were further horrified to see how terrified and traumatized our sweet cat was. He cowered in the back of his carrier, his eyes locked on the door, so much so that my brother had to lift him out. I had particularly asked the vet of the previous night (who was also considerate) to ensure that Yellow Collar was treated sympathetically, because love and tenderness was all he had ever known.We will always be haunted by Yellow Collar’s terror, and thoughts of what was done to him to cause it. And despite the huge amount of money we spent trying to save him, we will always feel that we let him down in his final days.As for the female vet who delivered the news, her attitude can only be described as vindictive and downright cruel. In our opinion, this female vet desperately needs a remedial course in compassion when dealing with BOTH animals and owners.

Date of experience: Jul 19, 2023