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Great Pyrenees => Great Pyrenees Discussions => : bigdogs@5501 April 20, 2008, 08:53:20 PM

: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: bigdogs@5501 April 20, 2008, 08:53:20 PM
Most of you guys know about my famous 6, the babies, my wonderful Pyr puppies that I pulled out of the shelter in Louisiana at  days old.
Corbyn and Petye went to Maryland to live with Dawn and her family after they lost Woofie to cancer. Corbyn is pretty much the spitting image of Woofie and is his mom's baby.

OK now to get to the point. Dawn took the boys in for blood work and a urine test yesterday and according to the vet there was a freak accident. While trying to give Corbyn a pill they supposedly had to restrain him and something went wrong - so wrong in fact that Corbyn is now in a different vet hospital with a broken femur.

There has not been any believable explanation yet as to how the leg was broken, in fact they are trying to make this sound like it is the puppys fault because he became "mean and aggressive" when they were trying to give him a pill.

Corbyn will have a specialist consult today and surgery in the morning. This is a 5 month old 65 pound pyrenees puppy.

Needless to say we are all shocked and really not very happy at the vets office that hurt this puppy.

So prayers are needed, and if anyone has any advice or knows of any attorneys in the Baltimore area, please let us know, Dawns family has made an abuse report at the local Humane Society with a investigator and will have to make a report in person at the PD Dept today.

At 5 months old, this is going to be tough on this puppy. There are a few options that the surgeon can take for an approach to correcting the fracture including an external halo on the leg.

I am hoping to be able to fly up to Baltimore in the very near future and see the boys.

Oh and as a side note- the vet clinic was making Corbyn "walk" to the reception area with a towel under his tummy when Dawn and Andy went to get him, Andy went over and picked him up and took him to the SUV, then the front desk girl chased them out to the car wanted to know when they were going to pay the bill. That didnt go over so well with Dawn and Andy. Especially since it looks like they were being charged for the xrays to show that they had indeed broke this little guys leg.

Corbyn is on pain medication now and hopefully had a good nites rest. Any big paw wanting to send Corbyn a get well card, PM me. Again he is young and this is a major surgery and there are a lot of tendons, muscles and blood vessels that are involved, so say a prayer guys.
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: AltDeutsche April 20, 2008, 08:59:33 PM
I am so sorry about Corbyn!

What a horrible situation. I wouldn't be paying either.

Heal fast Corbyn.
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: aggghgmom April 20, 2008, 09:00:53 PM
OMG that is awful news for Corbyn, Dawn's family (who has been thru enough), and of course you.

I will keep Corbyn in my thoughts and prayers for the best outcome.

As far as the vet goes - what a bunch of A#$es; yes accidents do happen but to make the dog walk, and chase after them for a bill.  WTH??

That poor puppy  :'(

Randy
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: London_Pyr_Lover April 20, 2008, 11:00:01 PM
That's terrible!  Shame on the vet's office! 
I couldn't imagine, I would definately not be paying them as well.  I would also be speaking with an attorney, the BBB, and any kind of veterinary board that regulates the practices.  Maybe she should also try contacting the press. 
See if they'd be willing to run a story about this vet. 

Again, I'm so sorry that this happened to poor baby Corbyn.  My thoughts are with him and his family for a speedy recovery with no lasting ill affects. 
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: Apreston April 20, 2008, 11:04:33 PM
Oh NO!!! Not good news at all...poor thing. I hope that all things work out for him and he is back a playing in no time! Just a thought of encouragment.. . my husbands mothers shit-zu was attacked by a dog and she broke he leg too at 3 months old...after surgery..with a lot of love and some MAJOR TLC she was back up and barking in no time!
Best of Luck!!  :)
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: patrick April 20, 2008, 11:32:37 PM
I'm sorry but 5 month old puppies are NOT mean and aggressive when they have to take a pill!!!!!!!!!!  If they don't know how to give pills they shouldn't be in the business. I would get an attorney and sue this vet clinic to pay for this puppy's future medical care.  I can't even imagine the force it took to break his leg- that gives me nightmares just thinking of it  OMG poor puppy!
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: Scootergirl April 20, 2008, 11:51:32 PM
Weren't the puppy's parents allowed in the exam room at the time?
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: Pyr Heaven April 21, 2008, 12:59:18 AM
Wow. It makes me sick just thinking about what poor Corbyn went through. And then, the fact that they were freaking out because they weren't paying? They injure the poor pup and they expect payment for their services? I think NOT!

It really breaks my heart that something like this would happen at a vets office. I suppose there could be freak accidents, but this just sounds fishy to me. It's not like the dog was 5 pounds and fell off the exam table or something. >:(

I'm very glad they are reporting them. I would definitely be taking legal action as well.

Keep us updated, Paige!

P.S. I hope poor Corbyn feels better soon. Poor Guy :'(
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: Ali April 21, 2008, 01:10:46 AM
I can't believe that! I have pilled nearly feral cats - twisting, hissing, biting, clawing - I got hurt but NEVER the cat. I don't believe for one second that it happened when they were giving him a pill. I wouldn't pay them a cent, and in fact, they should expect to get every medical bill that is incurred by repairing poor Corbyn's leg. HORRIBLE!!
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: Nina April 21, 2008, 05:59:31 AM
Hope the little guy is on the mend ASAP and I would sue the pants off that vet and call the local media too. Get the word out. This vet shouldn't be allowed withing 10 feet of an animal!

Nina
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: ozzysma April 21, 2008, 07:54:14 AM
oh my goodness!!!  that horrible and so negligent!!  how do you break a puppy's leg giving a pill!!!  poor baby! please keep us updated on the poor baby!!!
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: GoldenPyrs April 21, 2008, 09:23:42 AM
This is horrible!  >:(  I can't begin to say on BPO what I'm thinking.  This so-called "vet" needs to have his/her license revoked and then they need to be brought up on criminal abuse charges to boot.  I'm so glad that Andy & Dawn are going after this quack.  Please let us know if we can do anything to help.  I'm up for a mail-in campaign or anything else that will help make sure this never happens to another pet.   >:(  >:(  >:(

Poor little Corbyn.  For someone to do this to a sweet, trusting puppy is beyond sad.  I hope that he is comfortable right now, that the surgery is totally successful & that he can learn to trust a kind vet in the future. 

Hugs to Dawn and her family.  I can't imagine how they must feel right now.  They went through so much losing Woofie and now this?  :o  :'(  I was a wreck for so long after losing Halley.  My heart really goes out to them and also to you, Paige.  I know how much you love those puppies!
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: navarre1316 April 21, 2008, 09:35:47 AM
Holy cr%#!!!  Do you know where it broke on the femur; anywhere near a growth plate??  I wonder if they can do in dogs what they do in people, they secure the bone with two rods and allow the bone to grow back together, they purposely leave a space in between the two halves of bone and let the bone fill itself in (for growth purposes)!  I know that this is done with specific type breaks but it's possible!  I think that's what they use halos for sometimes too.  I hope surgery goes well.  Sending well wishes to Corbyn and his family!!
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: People Whisperer April 21, 2008, 10:46:39 AM
What happened is beyond my understanding >:( How hard did they have to push a puppy to break his strongest bone ???
Poor Dawn and her family...my thoughts and prayers are with them  :-* I really hope the surgery will be successful and Corbynn will recover in no time :)

BTW, Paige if you decide to come and visit them in MD let me know and I will stop by ;) 
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news- UPDATE
: bigdogs@5501 April 21, 2008, 12:50:37 PM
Surgery will be at 8:30 in the morning. They are going to place 4 rods in his leg and then he will have to go back in 6 months to have the rods removed.
The specialist said that it is a long spiral fracture which means that he was probably trying to get off of the table and in the process when they were trying to stop him they grabbed him by that back leg and instead of letting him hit the floor, swung him back up on the table.
I am just devastated by this. How could they do that and hurt our baby?
I spoke to Dawn earlier today, she had a lot to accomplish today between getting all of of the records from that vets office for the new office and then taking Petye up to see his brother before tomorrow. The boys have never ever spent a nite away from each other and actually do not like being seperated.
I am trying to do what I can from Texas to help but feel like there isnt a lot that I can do other than send good thoughts. I have obtained a name for an attorney in the Baltimore area that handle animal rights cases and will be sharing that information with Dawn.

Hopefully we will get a good report tomorrow morning and Corbyn can go home on friday. I am working on getting out there to see everyone but I want to wait until after tomorrow before I start looking for a ticket.
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: Dangit April 21, 2008, 11:10:53 PM
This isn't too off topic .. check out the fares on

http://www.airfarewatchdog.com (love the name)

I've used them twice. You can put in your departure city and destination and it will send you emails when they get cheap flights posted.

I  hope so much Corbyn and family can overcome the injustice and hurt of that situation - it drives me crazy how cruel and unthinking people and business' can be.

 Dangit/OUCH/Gaye
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: bigdogs@5501 April 21, 2008, 11:27:51 PM
Email from Dawn: I got this from Dawn - actually I am on the phone with her now- We are saying prayers for our little polar bear baby

Hello,
I will call you in the a.m.
I am exhausted. We just got home from seeing my baby and I physically, mentally and emotionally am exhausted with no strength.
They put the proper bandage on him. and he is resting. They gave him Morphine before we got there so he was comfortable. Peyte was so happy to see him. He laid down right beside the cage. I will send you the pictures from my cell tomorrow morning.
Surgery is at 8:30 a.m. so keep him in your prayers. I will call you as soon as I know something!
Love you both!
Dawn
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: London_Pyr_Lover April 21, 2008, 11:32:52 PM
It's 9:30 right now, so Corbyn is probably in surgery.  My thoughts and good wishes are with him for an easy surgery, and a fast and pain free recovery.  Poor little baby.  :'( :'( :'( :'(
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: Sillygoose April 21, 2008, 11:12:15 PM
I have one word for that place and unfortunatly I can not say it on the board, but I will call them all a bunch of idiots. >:( Poor pup. I'm horrified that something like this has hapepned. my well wishes to Dawn, Corbynn and poor Peyte who is probably missing his brother. Big pyr hugs and kisses from me and the pyr gang.  :-* :'(
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: People Whisperer April 22, 2008, 01:24:47 AM
I am suprised that they actually put such a big puppy on a table ??? My vet never puts Lily on a table even when she was 40LBS. She always sits or bends down to examine Lily. And she even draws blood in front of me while I pat Lily  ;D
Paige, any news on Corbynn?
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: Scootergirl April 22, 2008, 06:56:25 AM
Corbyn's parents should take the specialist vet's bill to repair his leg straight over to the first vet's office and let them pay for the damage they did.

Tell them if they don't pay the bill, then they will not only be sued by there will be a full page ad in the local newspaper describing exactly what happened and the level of incompetence and lack of compassion at that vet's office.

Big virtual kisses from me for Corbyn and Petye
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: bigdogs@5501 April 22, 2008, 07:06:04 AM
ok - sorry- I just got home.
Corbyn went into surgery at 8:30 and came out of surgery at 11:00. He had a spiral fracture and a fissure fracture. They repaired the fissure with wires and pins and the spiral with 2 rods and lots more pins. I am sure Dawn told me how many however I dont remember. He is on morphine and they are hoping that he will try and get up tomorrow as he has not had the desire to stand on the other 3 legs since Monday. I think that tomorrow they will do an even more thorough exam to make sure nothing else is wrong and rule out any other cause of him not wanting to stand up. The main and hopefully only injury is to the back leg and that was significant so thats what they were concentrating on since he had been at the clinic.

OK so we all agree that Dawn and Andy need to sue this guy, well this could be a problem, Maryland has a cap on how much you can sue someone for in a personal property case (yes- they consider dogs personal property) If this is the case then the cap is not even going to cover the cost of the surgeon today. I am hoping that the negligent Vet does not shirk his responsibility and hide behind a inaedequate law to keep from paying from Corbyns vets bill.

I have gone to Bank of America today and opened a Corbyn Fund for donations for Dawn and her family. All donations received will be given to Dawn and Andy to cover the mounting expenses involved in this preventable accident.

Anyone who wants to contribute, please email me, I can either give you the actual account number or can give you a paypal address.

I want everyone here to know that I will never ask for any help for anything that I take on, but this is Dawn and Andy and the girls and tragedy just seems to haunt them and it is so not fair, so if you want to contribute let me know.

Dawn and her family mean so much to me and now they have 2 of the babies whom I love dearly.

Thank you to all of BPO just for the moral support, I dont think that Dawn has been on BPO since monday but I have told her so many on BPO are thinking of her and her family and of course the boys.

Paige
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: patrick April 22, 2008, 03:50:42 PM
I would check the laws but the cap for a lawsuit is $150,000 in Maryland if I am not mistaken. Small claims has a cap of $3500 but this is not a small claims case. The bigger problem would be to find an attorney to persue an animal case.
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: pyr4me April 22, 2008, 07:22:51 PM
Just thinking of Corbyn and hoping that he is healing well after his surgery. Sending lots of good wishes!

I would second the suggestion to sue the vet for malpractice!  >:(
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: Scootergirl April 22, 2008, 07:27:57 PM
I agree, this is not a "personal property" case. To my understanding, that would be more like if someone came over to your house and did something that caused Corbyn's leg to break.

This is clearly negligence and malpractice. They should find a sympathetic lawyer who agrees.

Sending positive thoughts to Corbyn and I will try to send something for his care after tomorrow.
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: patrick April 23, 2008, 01:02:18 AM
My boss is an attorney so I asked him about the $7500 cap mentioned and he is unaware of any cap like that.  There is a cap on 'non-economic expenses' in personal injury and it is well over $500,000 in Maryland.  The cap also does NOT include future medical expenses so that is in addition and I wonder if punitive damages can come into play as well.  I'd check out with a lawyer again - you can bet he carries insurance worth more than $7500 for this type of incident
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: patrick April 23, 2008, 03:46:42 AM
Thanks for the info  You're right if they can't find a lawyer that will take it on contingency they may very well spent more money prosecuting than they will ever get.  STILL I can bet my bottom dollar that his liability insurance is for more money and it might be worth getting an attorney to at least research that part.  More and more pet lawsuits now incorporate 'pain and suffering' and punitive type of damages and that is where the money is.
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: nkp April 23, 2008, 04:25:20 AM
That poor puppy!  Paige, you will be glad to know that the vet handed me a pill (heartworm preventative) and said, "Give it to him later at home."

And of course, when an animal doesn't want to take a pill, you can always coat it in bacon grease AND put it in a piece of cheese.  Easy easy.
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: bigdogs@5501 April 23, 2008, 07:32:24 AM
I dont know how to put the word update in the subject line -so heres the update.
Dawn went last nite to see him and actually crawled in the cage with him and they fell asleep, poor Dawn, she woke up at 2 this morning and figured she better get home, she is a teacher and had class this morning.
Corbyn ate food today and actually got up on the other 3 legs, so that is a good sign. Hopefully he can go home tomorrow or Saturday.
The "other" vet still hasnt made contact with Dawn and Andy and the "other" vet has put 2 charges on Andy's cc. One charge on Monday that was probably for the actual blood work and urine test and then the other one on Wednesday that is about 2 times the one from Monday so it is probably for the xrays, pain med and the bath that they gave him after they broke his leg. I am not sure why he needed a bath, but they washed away something that they didnt want Dawn and Andy to know about.

Andy will be addressing that situation tomorrow if they do not hear from the "other" vet tonight. He typically calls thier house at around 7 when he has something to say.

There is still so much that no one can explain, but Corbyn is perking up and is so happy to see Dawn when she is there.

My paypal address is paigesegovia@msn.com

If you guys think that it will be ok to put the bank account number on this forum I can do so, Bank of America said that there is no way anyone can take money knowing the account number, only deposit- but I dont know.

Again thanks to everyone for all of the well wishes and I think that Corbyn has one package at his house now waiting for his homecoming. Andy is so funny, he was like do we open it now? and Dawn was like NO, we have to wait for Corbyn

So thanks Olyessa ( I hope that I spelled that right) Even the girls are now excited and are waiting for Corbyn to come home and open the package. Dawn also knows that there are a few people in the Baltimore area and I told her that I am sure that you guys will help if she needs help, so she may be taking you up on helping with Corbyn.

Dawn is a great mom to the boys, I am so glad that she is able to be there for Corbyn and was tiny enough to crawl into the cage with him, my dogs would be in way big trouble because there is no way that I would be able to crawl my short round self into the cage and fall asleep with the pup.

I will try to log on from work tomorrow with yet another update, but if I cant get one with out getting in trouble I will update everyone tomorrow nite.

Paige
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: Scootergirl April 23, 2008, 08:06:44 AM
Thanks so much for the update.

Can they dispute the charges from the "other" vet with their credit card company, saying that the vet did not have permission to charge their card?

I can't wait to see pix of Corbyn on the mend!
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: mastiffmomoftwo April 23, 2008, 10:41:09 AM
Boy that reeks of incompetence!
I would get a lawyer to draw up a letter threatening to sue the vet if he didn't cover the extra costs.

I have always gone into the office with my pets.
I have even been in the back to hold them thru special procedures.  When Beau had a wart removed on his elbow, I sat with him on the floor holding his head while they worked on him.  He was pretty good.
Find a vet that will allow you in with your pet.

Boy that burns my butt!
Poor, poor puppy!

: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: Astrid282 April 24, 2008, 06:05:26 PM
You've got those prayers.
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: People Whisperer April 25, 2008, 05:32:45 AM
Any updates on Mr. Corbynn??? Is he feeling any better?
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: Woof98 April 25, 2008, 08:53:58 PM
 I had a few minutes and realized Paige was having issues with her email so I wanted to take the few seconds to clear something up. I don't want anyone to have the wrong impression of what occured that day.
I would NEVER EVER EVER leave my babies while the vet is working on them. Peyte and Corbynn stayed so the vet could observe Corbynn for a few hours since he had been vomiting and had diarrhea all weekend. Peyte stayed because they have never been apart. The devil vet wanted to see how he acted and told me he'd call me after lunch. My understanding was that he was to be in a cage and just watched.  No one called me to ask before they gave him the pill that supposedly broke his leg.
I just wanted to clear that up so people can get the full picture.
But I also wanted to say thank you to all who are praying for Corbynn. It's nice to know the babies are so loved. And by total strangers.
He is doing as well as can be expected. He cuddles mostly and rest. We will go back on Weds to see how he is doing. and then again in another week for staple removal. And back again for another xray. one of many to follow.
Peyte misses his time with Corbynn. He was whimpering and trying to escape. Although his appetite took over for a bit and he grabbed Corbynn's cow hoof, that was a  present, and ran with it.  That was cute though. We let him chew on it a bit since Corbynn was cuddling with his mommy, daddy & sisters. But once Corbynn realized it was missing, he started looking for it.
This is definitely taking most of my time. Between the girls, being a teacher, Peyte and other normal chores, Me and Andy are getting runned down. And it's only been 2 days.
But I wouldn't trade it...don't get me wrong, I'd turn back time and never have taken him there but wouldn't trade him being home now. I missed him so much.
Paige will keep everyone updated. I just had a moment.
Paige & Jane, you both mean so much to me. It felt like you were beside me all week. So Thank you Jane and Paige! I will let you know how tomorrow goes. Probably by phone.
It'll be a long six weeks. and even longer if the pin has to be replaced. Please keep him in your thoughts.
A special Thank you to Olesya & Lily! That made Corbynn smile...and us too.
Paige might have already told you we waited for him to get home. I don't have time to read all these pages. I will later. My baby is crying so I gotta go. XO


: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: People Whisperer April 26, 2008, 01:57:45 AM
OMG! Poor Corbynn :'( That scar looks pretty BIG :(
I really hope his recovery will be nice and quick :)

(((Hugs)))
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: pyr4me April 26, 2008, 04:52:02 AM
I am glad to hear that things are going as well as can be expected. I hope that Corbyn heals fast and well. It's so touching how Petye wants to be with his brother. Hugs to you all!
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: mastiffmomoftwo April 26, 2008, 08:39:53 AM
I had a few minutes and realized Paige was having issues with her email so I wanted to take the few seconds to clear something up. I don't want anyone to have the wrong impression of what occured that day.
I would NEVER EVER EVER leave my babies while the vet is working on them.




I hope you didn't think I was pointing any fingers!!!
I'm sorry!!  Please, I didn't mean to give the wrong impression.
I was darned angry at the vet for hurting your baby! 
I meant that when I go I try to always be there as the vets' seem to think that because our babies are large, they are less fragile.
Open mouth, insert foot.  Sorry again.
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: Ali April 26, 2008, 12:12:19 PM
That incision is HUGE! I would be freaking out!! Poor little guy. Is the devil vet paying for the surgery???
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: Tspanos April 26, 2008, 10:25:27 PM
Poor guy, Erin told me the majority of the story as its been posted. I think a lawsuit would be more trouble than it will be worth. Aven ues I would persue include the state licensure board, any accreditors that the clinic may have such as AHHA, and finally the wopper the credit card company. The credit card company could prove the best avenue as an unauthorized charge is pretty serious these days. Again good luck to you guys, hope Corbyn's battle is only easier from here on out.
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: bigdogs@5501 April 27, 2008, 01:52:41 AM
well I am finally on the computer- I got to talk to Dawn on the phone this morning and our little Corbyn now has a stuffie that is now his security blanket, she also said that he flinches if you move around him too quick or raise your hand. Personally I would like to go have a face to face discussion with Devil vet. These babies never ever had a reason to flinch from anyone or be scared of people. This little guy has a long way to go before he has the self confidence that he had before he was injured, but I know Dawn and Andy and if anyone can make Corbyn feel secure it is them. Devil vet as of this morning has not committed to owning up to his responsibiliti es. I a hoping that this situation is going to change.
So happy thoughts to Corbyn and the Donelson family.
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: Mama2Samson May 03, 2008, 04:30:22 PM
My heart goes out to all of you.  I hope that Corbyn fully recovers.  My parents lost their three year old Great Pyr when a groomer dropped her off of a table and broke her back.  It devestated our entire family.  Not only shouldn't Dawn and family pay, they should look into this more fully and possibly take legal action.  A pet shouldn't suffer that kind of treatment at a veterinarian's hands.  My eleven year old Great Pyrenees died from aggressive bone cancer this summer, and our compassionate, stellar vet came to our home to put her to sleep so that she wouldn't be afraid at the office. This is the type of care people should be able to expect.  You are in my prayers.
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: GoldenPyrs May 15, 2008, 05:46:37 PM
Paige, how is Corbyn doing?  I've been gone awhile so I may have missed an update on another thread, sorry.  Corbyn, Dawn & the whole family have been on my mind.
: Re: Corbyn- This is not such good news
: Michelle Schnapp May 21, 2008, 07:22:40 PM
How terribly sad this has happened to Corbyn.  That vet should be put out of practice along with his staff.  I'm sorry I can't help you out with the name of a good and mean attorney, but I am sending you and Corbyn good thoughts and prayers for his speedy recovery.  Pyr Pecks from Noah and Jazzy as well.  Give him a big kiss for us when you see him. 

I just can't believe things like this happen.  It totally blows my mind that anyone could hurt a poor animal.  Oh, yes, don't pay the bill.  They'd wait forever before I'd pay it.

Michelle
toledo, oh