Here is Harley’s story…

We brought Harley into Blue Pearl in San Antonio for ear surgery. We were informed that also having a pallet reduction would also possibly be performed. We were ok with that since he’s a bulldog. Our doctor stated he would call us and give an update right after surgery. Well, after I’ve made 4 phone calls to find out what happened in Harley’s surgery, at 9pm (my last phone call to the hospital) we finally spoke with the doctor. He stated that he left a voicemail at 7pm. Needless to say my phone never rang, missed a call or had a voicemail. During this conversation with the doctor, he stated that Harley also had his tonsils removed as his left tonsil was the size of a ping pong ball (this surgery was un-authorized). He stated that Harley was doing good, oxygen levels at 99-100%. Looking out the oxygen chamber and giving the nurses all the lovin he is so known for.

We were told that we would get a call the next morning for Harley’s discharge. Well, after not receiving that call, I had to call again. We picked the time available at 2:30 to come pick up our baby!  I was told that we would have somebody call us with more information for discharge. Again, this didn’t happen, all I received was an email before we left to pick up Harley with information regarding on what to look for during his recovery and his medications he’ll be taking. Absolutely nothing was stated about breathing problems due to the removal of the non-authorized tonsils. We picked up Harley, he was panting, I asked about it and the girl in the lobby told me that he came down like that, so I thought he was just happy to see us, (still unaware that that was a sign of swelling and not being able to breath from the un-authorized tonsil surgery). We got Harley in the truck and left. Had we have known about the possible side effects of swelling we would have insisted that he remain in the hospital longer until he was fully recovered as we had (and they knew) a 2 ½ hour car ride home mostly in the middle of nothing.

I called the hospital on the way home and finally spoke to the person who should have called us earlier (as she forgot) for Harley’s discharge. She again never stated that we were to look at his breathing issues just the normal stuff and this was also NOT even mentioned in the discharge papers.

He panted all the way home until we hit Corpus Christi and then he stopped breathing in my lap. I informed Blue Pearl what was happening, they gave us the nearest emergency clinic but didn’t try to help me on what to do. I tried to resuscitate Harley, for what seemed like forever to no avail. We finally got to the Animal Emergency Clinic, they tried to resuscitate him twice, but he was already gone.

I informed Blue Pearl after Harley passed and wanted the doctor to call me. I got a call from a different doctor the next morning (she got that phone number correct) who also informed me that she called at 2pm before we got to the hospital and left a message with instructions. Again, never received a phone call, missed call or a message. She told me that if he got excited that he would have a hard time breathing because of the throat surgery in which we never authorized. That tells me that all the doctors FAILED our Harley, he should have NEVER left the hospital with those complications.

He died because of not being able to breath due to the swelling from a surgery which we never authorized.

Blue Pearl in San Antonio is negligent in the death of Harley. There was no communication between surgeon/nurse and pet owner stating on the phone/in person the complication which could arise because of a non-authorized surgery.

We will make sure that Harley’s life does not go in vain…

Play hard in heaven Harley, we love you.

Harley’s Law

We need to change the protocol nationwide on what happens with any pet owner that has their loved one having a medical procedure done at any clinic or pet hospital:

1.     A doctor needs to give an account of the procedures in which are to be performed

2.     If there is something else found that needs to be repaired, the pet owner MUST give their permission unless their life is immediately at stake to keep them alive.

3.     Doctors need to call right after surgery to inform the pet owner of what had transpired in surgery, any complications etc…

4.     If an animal had breathing problems in which can happen due to swelling, etc. that pet should stay in the care of a Vet team of professionals to keep an eye out should anything happen. Until there are no further issues of swelling.

5.     When a doctor has information, the ONLY way of communication should be in person or physically speaking to them and NOT leaving a voicemail.

6.     When pets are released from the Vet care, a doctor/nurse should be the ONLY one that releases them and not a “handler” who just works there as to assure that if any sudden issues arise the pet can be immediately taken back to the clinic. “Handlers” don’t know what is happening with your pets, they just take your pet in and release them to the pet owners.

The problems in which our entire family has faced is due to an absolute broken-down protocol in the way our babies are taken care of.  WE NEED TO CHANGE THIS!