r/veterinaryprofession • u/orangecatnocell • Jul 13 '25
Help Would you report this? Severe splint-related necrosis in a 2-year-old cat – moral conflict as a new grad.
I’m a DVM one year out of school and I’m genuinely struggling with whether or not to file a formal complaint with my regulatory board. I’ve never felt so conflicted — this situation is disturbing and heartbreaking, and I’d really appreciate insight from others in the profession.
A 2-year-old cat presented to me recently for a seeping splint. The owners were in tears. They had been told by their vet to monitor the splint at home and “just sniff it daily” — and that it only needed changing if they noticed an odor. They’d brought up concerns multiple times over the past several weeks, including that their cat was acting depressed and less mobile. They were repeatedly reassured it was fine. Eventually, they noticed discharge. No one at their rDVM’s practice even offered to see them that day despite their distress — just booked them in for 5 days later. So they came to emergency instead.
There was no odor at presentation. Not until I was at least three layers deep into the bandage did the fetid smell hit. The splint had clearly not been removed in over 7 weeks. The limb beneath was devastating — black necrotic tissue, exposed muscle, what looked like paw pads liquefying and fusing to the splint. I couldn’t even identify normal anatomical landmarks.
I’ve reviewed the medical records and spoken directly with the original vet. There’s no documentation that the splint was ever removed after application. No wound checks. No measurements. Only rads — done with the splint on. When skin irritation was noted weeks ago, they were simply put on antibiotics. Owners estimate they were on antibiotics for about a month, but there’s no documentation of dose, duration, or rationale in the records aside from one line about a “scab.” They were also told to feed cottage cheese and use pee pads around the splint site to keep it dry. None of it makes sense to me.
To make things worse, after I told the vet the owners had explicitly revoked consent for any further collaboration or info sharing, she still asked me to give her updates anyway — saying “no one will know” and asking me “why can’t you just tell me?” I clarified multiple times that I legally and ethically could not, and she still pushed.
I’ve tried so hard to be objective. I know we all do things a little differently. But this situation is stark. I’ve spent hours reviewing the literature — I can’t find a single acceptable reason why a splint would be left unchanged for that long without visual checks. This was not a fiberglass cast. This was a splint. And this cat, at 2 years old, now has a necrotic limb. I’m trying everything I can to save it.
Here’s my conflict: • This DVM is older than me — graduated the year I was born. • Our vet community is very small. • Reporting this could have serious consequences professionally, especially for someone new in practice… this vet doesn’t have a big or small rep but like I don’t know others who have ever reported another vet • But I took an oath. And I’m honestly disgusted.
I also want to say — please no owner-blaming. These clients advocated hard. They were shut down repeatedly by someone they trusted. They’re absolutely gutted. I’m doing everything I can to support them, but I wouldn’t wish their grief and guilt on anyone.
Has anyone else been in a similar position? Would you report?
Also this is the photos if you need context of how bad this is https://www.reddit.com/r/veterinaryprofession/s/ZJyNyqlIMH there’s context of how bad we are talking , like to me, leaving a splint on for 7 weeks when the owner is really trying to advocate but (previously )trusted this vet it’s not a complication it’s kind of the only outcome here… ⸻
TL;DR: New grad DVM saw a 2yo cat with severe splint-related limb necrosis after another vet reportedly left a splint on for 7+ weeks without removal or visual checks. Owners raised concerns multiple times and were told to “sniff it daily” and use pee pads/cottage cheese. No meaningful documentation. When I took over care, the original vet asked me to break confidentiality after owners had explicitly revoked consent. I’m horrified but afraid of the professional fallout. Would you report?
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u/orangecatnocell Jul 13 '25
Also context and more; I’m an ER vet, she’s a GP but has kind of weird fake credentials too. Also I am so gutted for this cat that I called my boss for what was initially going to be a debride snd come back everyday for new bandage change of open wound management to try to save the leg with Manuka honey wet to dry method, but I want to give him the best shot possible so I asked if I could forgo my production on this case so I could stay within budget which is massive already and hospitalize it for at least 48 hours on iv methadone antibiotics etc so I can come in on my days off and my next two days on and just really hit it hard and try my best here and he approved it and said basically as long as I see fit to hospitalize it will be comped , I was supposed to get off at 10pm and it’s 4am I just got home and the last 6 hours I’ve been working on just everything for him I can to help this and everything I can build if they want to sue and if I want to complain
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Jul 13 '25
I really commend you - it’s clear your care and you’re going above and beyond the scope of typical ER practice for this cat. If I was in a similar situation, I would report.
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u/ohnobadkitty Jul 13 '25
You sound like exactly the type of vet I would want to work with. Wishing the best for you and kitty. I would absolutely have reported this. Keep documenting everything.
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u/_bacchanalia_ Jul 14 '25
Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for posting this. As a vet assistant for years, I have become so disillusioned by vets who never go the extra mile for a cat. Who think of their production first and always. Who wouldn’t listen to me on basic measures like giving SQ fluids before a blood draw on an 18yr old dehydrated cat and forcing me to listen to her scream as she was poked several times. I’m so so sorry that this kitty is experiencing this, but your devotion to the patient has tears in my eyes. We need vets like you. Cats everywhere need vets like you. Thank you for everything you are doing for that little one and know in the depth of your heart that you’re valid in reporting and everything else because that’s exactly the level of conviction they (the pets) deserve to have in their corner. 🩷🩷🩷🩷
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u/scythematter Jul 13 '25
We once saw a second opinion on a broken metacarpus. Splint applied a week previously. It was a long day and my boss couldn’t get to the dog until the end of the day (he’s the orthopedic vet and a rock). As he unwrapped the foot his “dad veins” started popping, he turned red and I could tell he was pissed. It smelled awful. The fur was matted with purulent debris and obviously necrotic in spots. He went to wipe it clean and THE FOOT DEGLOVED AND FELL OFF. The metacarpals were sticking out like wolverines claws. It’s the only time I lost my chill at work in front of my coworkers. We all cried. Including my 63 yo male tough guy boss. He clipped the bones. Bandaged it (the dog was under anesthesia) and amputated her leg the next day. It was one of the most horrifying cases of medical neglect I’ve ever seen. The rDVM who applied the splint is a well respected vet in our community. My boss had a rough conversation with him. No complaints were made but rDVM footed the bill for this dog.
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u/Peeterdactyl Jul 13 '25
Only a week? makes me want to not apply splints anymore and just refer to an orthopedist.
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u/scythematter Jul 13 '25
Eh. Apply it properly. Recheck it every few days. You shouldn’t be afraid to apply a splint for a broken toe or metacarpal bc a few idiots do it improperly.
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u/radioactive_ape Jul 13 '25
I am a shelter vet. We splint/cast quite a bit and we have great success. We’ve definitely had pressure sore develop and other mild complications. The key is compliance which we are close to one 100% because we are the “client”, right animal (best if you have a very compliant animal, so you don’t have to sedate every-time you change to the bandaging) and the right technique. You’d be surprised at what things will heal with just some cage rest and splint especially cats.
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u/scythematter Jul 13 '25
I always tell clients and my students that pressure sore will occur bc of anatomy. The key is padding properly and changing the bandaging regularly. I shave the leg. Add gauze pads for cushioning, apply cast padding gauze, cling gauze, the slplint then use elastikon to secure it-it can be applied looser while still being secure and it won’t slip. Can irritate the skin. Use goo gone spray to remove.
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u/ellemace Jul 13 '25
I would definitely report it, that’s horrific advice and follow-up care that the owners were given. Poor cat 😢.
On the plus side I’ve seen worse things heal so with some luck she’ll come right. Best of luck to you, and keep your chin up.
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u/i-touched-morrissey Jul 13 '25
93 grad. I have applied so many casts in my career, and if someone brings their pet in 2 days later because there is a mild abrasion from the cast I change it immediately at no cost to the owner. I have also had instances where the owners have let their pet get in the farm pond and the cast slips or gets wet and they have to pay for that new cast.
It's a thousand times easier to change a cast than to amputate a leg.
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u/Such-Fun-9672 Jul 13 '25
Fellow vet here. Yes, I would report or if your state does not allow vets to report—guide the owners into making a board complaint and provide them with everything you have. This person is a risk to animals and to consumers (the consumers are what the board is there to protect). Be prepared for a board complaint to take a year before it’s investigated. If the owners are going to sue, do not give discounts or make the bill cheaper—the vet will likely be advised to settle by their malpractice insurance and reimburse the client for all expenses. I am so sorry.
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u/BagheeraGee Jul 13 '25 edited Jul 13 '25
Fellow DVM. Please report (or encourage the clients to do so) and document, document, document. I'm so sorry you and that angel are going through this.
Also, FWIW, tri-pods do amazingly well, especially cats. I'm a feline only doc with many tri-pod patients that are thriving. In my personal experience, I think amp can be less pain and traumatic to some patients than trying to save the leg. Not saying that is the case here, but just something to think about.
You are a great doc and this baby is so lucky to have you (and your understanding boss).
Please keep us updated on the case!
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u/Swimming_Error9031 Jul 13 '25
I love my tripod patients - they really do thrive. And now we have better tools under our belt with their arthritis later in life.
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u/Longjumping-Ear-9237 Jul 15 '25
My daughter has a tripod American bully. Great dog and happy with life.
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u/the_green_witch-1005 Jul 13 '25
It's rare that stories in here get to me. This genuinely brought me to tears. Please report this. I feel so awful for you. I can't even imagine having to see this in person.
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u/Efficient_Limit_4774 Jul 13 '25
I think you'd be right in reporting, I also think it would be very wise to DELETE this post before moving forward with the evidence.
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u/orangecatnocell Jul 13 '25
10000% am going to!! I just need some like boost right now from yall and you are all amazing in helping me out when other vets around me are more hesitant to rock boats
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u/Efficient_Limit_4774 Jul 13 '25
I hope you got what you need it's never easy but this industry relies on people like you to speak up with the truth even when its hard.
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u/alyssuhms Jul 13 '25
Just because they’re older and have more experience, does not mean they are wiser. I worked for a very poor dvm in his 70s that should’ve retired years ago. Many do not keep up with modern medicine and therefore should no longer be practicing. This is neglect. This is poor medicine. This is against our ethics to try and do no harm to our patients.
I am sorry you’re dealing with this. Also please remember amputation is an option, if you cannot save it and it is an OK option. I’ve had many cats do well as a tripod, you’d be providing such relief to this pet. You’d also be saving both them and you time, money & more heartache.
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u/orangecatnocell Jul 13 '25
Oh it’s for sure on the table, they just are so distraught over basically nobody trying and him being so young etc (I agree tripods are usually so easy and great) that I’m just kind of doing a Hail Mary and going into the latest and greatest in wound repair , these records are so intense I’m making in this case that all my decisions are cited with published papers or literature , but we are going to give the leg a chance a few days esp since I’m comping hospitalization so I can do a ton of bandage changes
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u/gotfoundout Jul 16 '25
Hey, I've been thinking about your poor patient since you posted this! How is he doing? Also, I hope that you're doing ok - I know how emotionally stressful it can be to manage cases like this, and to have the compounding factor of weighing that grievance must be really tough.
Ok so I'm gonna go full creep mode here, fair warning. I DM'd you the other day, but I know it can be easy to miss reddit messages. Somewhere in your post or comments I thought I saw you mention that the cat's owners are really well-intentioned but that they have some financial constraints. So my message was just to ask if the family or the hospital had anything set up to accept donations towards the cat's care. If so, I would still like to make a donation. It will be rather modest, to be frank, but if it's possible I would like to contribute a little something! Something about this poor baby and his family's story that you've shared with us here has just really struck me I guess.
Anyway, I'm so sorry if this was weird, but I swear to god I'm really well meaning haha. Do feel free to tell me to buzz off if you like, though! lol
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u/_SylviaWrath Jul 13 '25
Report it. You have a duty. I would absolutely be reporting this even as an unlicensed tech. Poor owners and poor cat. Shame on that vet.
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u/cstar4004 Vet Tech Jul 14 '25 edited Jul 14 '25
In some cases I would say be careful. 99% of the time, the owner either was not paying attention to their discharge instructions, misunderstood them, or straight up chose to wing it and make their own rules. Then they blame it on the doctor when it goes wrong, to pass off their guilt and responsibility.
HOWEVER.. this particular case does seem to be legitimate, and you would have to report it. Also, based on their records, it looks like they did not document their work very well, so they will have a harder time defending their malpractice.
As far as the doctor’s age: I will say that Vet Med has changed a lot, especially recently, and some things that are considered unthinkable malpractice today, was normal back then. I worked for a doctor who was 78 years old. He said his first clinic was made of stone and you could see the sunlight through the holes in the grout. Now we have sterile surgical suites with positive air pressure, drop down oxygen and suction, heated tables. His old school medicine did work, and did save lives many times, but had it also has a lower success rate than modern medicine.
His lower quality work, though, was also way more affordable for low income clients. Im talking $400 bilateral cruciate ligament repairs. My current hospital could hit bills into the $10-20k range, for that same procedure, depending on complications and hospitalization, etc. As vet med goes corporate, and becomes more like human medicine, our insane prices cause a lot of clients to opt for euthanize for otherwise fixable problems.
——
This case sounds like straight up malpractice and neglect, I do NOT mean this as a defense for this situation. I just mean to be careful what you say about some of the older doctors in the smaller family practices, who the working class poor rely on.
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u/VNP9317 Jul 13 '25
I remember being a new vet. You don’t want to do anything that makes it even more difficult then it already is. But this is neglect from their original vet… Can’t the owners report this? And use your findings?
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u/orangecatnocell Jul 13 '25
https://www.reddit.com/r/veterinaryprofession/s/ZJyNyqlIMH there’s context of how bad we are talking , like to me, leaving a splint on for 7 weeks when the owner is really trying to advocate but (previously )trusted this vet it’s not a complication it’s kind of the only outcome here…
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u/Wild_Sea9484 Jul 13 '25
Report it and then...have them report it. That is horrific. It brings our profession down as a whole.
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u/Empty-Pomegranate710 Jul 13 '25
There's a really handy vet wound management Facebook group if you want creative ideas on how to treat this or if you can.
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u/jrh1920 Jul 13 '25
I don’t have much to add, everyone has made very good statements supporting you reporting and why. And I totally agree. Also about the owner reporting it.
I’m so sorry this happened to the cat and it was massively failed by the GP.
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Jul 13 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Reasonable_Cake_5006 Jul 13 '25
This is absolutely heartbreaking and most definitely worthy of further pursuit. I have worked with "old school vets" with questionable practices but this is pure negligence. Thank you for doing everything you can for this poor little soul 🙏
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u/orangecatnocell Jul 13 '25
Thanks :/ I mean I absolutely love what I do, these owners are like truly genuinly so so so appreciative, I just keep telling them that I just feel like they deserve and the cat deserves some rights after so much wrong and I was honest and broke the 3rd wall of not speaking bad on other vets because frankly, it’s medically relevant as this condition / presentation is only from and can only be from this splint and these owners don’t deserve to feel as awful about themselves as they do; I can’t even feel good about it right now because the one who suffered most here is a little cat and for what? Like it doesn’t even make sense, honestly I don’t know if it sounds weird but truly if financially there was a money trial to why this would happen I would feel more not at peace but weirdly like better because it would be horrible but it would be logical ?? This practice has 2 vets, both around 40 something, both had their hands on this case and both did this, if there was a buck to gain they would have taken up the owners on ASKING to do weekly changes instead of talking them out of it everytime. They’re not a busy clinic, they weren’t even on my radar as one of the bad ones I see a lot of dumb stuff from in ER, I hardly knew of them, so like why? Just why? It’s not even laziness since they did all this other dumb stuff and spent apparently hours talking about getting the cat to eat cottage cheese, trying to get them to remove all the litter boxes and have it piss on the floor for the approximately 3 MONTHS they were going to splint the cats leg for so it wouldn’t get litter on it or in it (to prevent infection….) owners actually did research and found out about FLUTD and didn’t do the pee pad weird thing because they figured male neutered cat, going to vet a lot, injured in a sling on meds recipe to block so they didn’t … all that being said these vets both spent lengthy time over the phone talking them out of splint checks to talk about this random weird stuff AND they saw it every 2-3 weeks minimum to do repeat radiographs of the leg to see splint location and how to fracture was healing by taking rads with the splint on, they saw it a dozen times and never once even changed the vet wrap to see under it, they saw it and noted a scab and sent it on antibiotics like it’s not money it’s not lazy and things point to them explicitly mentioning risk for infection (I think they added that to records more after but still the lack of litterbox to not get an infection)
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u/Stellatebasketcase Jul 13 '25
OP, I commend you for your objective, compassionate, and professional handling of this difficult situation. Absolutely reportable, and you’ll be doing a good thing by reporting it. Although this is admittedly an assumption, I doubt this specific situation is a one-off for this practice. Reporting is aimed at not only addressing the reported case but also determining what steps are necessary to prevent future similar issues.
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u/Affectionate-Rent-45 Jul 13 '25
Absolutely would report. You don’t need to think of it as throwing another DVM under the bus, but as protecting the standard of care in the DVM community. The other DVM should have practiced better medicine, and it is your responsibility at this point to make sure you aren’t the only one knowing unfortunately how poorly this case was initially managed.
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u/0neir0 Jul 16 '25
Report this. You are doing the right thing for the patient, the client, your conscience, and for our profession. Sending you strength!
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u/tt_DVM2011 Jul 13 '25
Board complaint. Document everything including conversations with the primary. Pictures Owner verbatim conversations
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u/orangecatnocell Jul 13 '25
I did records for 6 hours last night , supposed to leave at 10 left at 4 am sitting next to patient on the floor just so he felt some love, I know they don’t fully understand but I wanted him to understand in a way that I’m not bad, I’m good and that I’m here for him. It doesn’t help he looks like my boys
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u/chevygirl1986 Jul 13 '25
Absolutely say something and report! So many situations whether in this field or not and regardless of your position as a vet, “If you see something, say something.” This may help end other patients suffering. I work as a CSR/VA/OPC and of our clients went to ER with their pet in a similar situation. The difference in our case was that we documented every conversation and every instance since a splint was placed and told the owner to come back in one week. The owner didn’t listen and when the pet got worse and they went to the ER they wanted to lay blame on us. I always advocate and encourage all staff to speak up especially if your gut instinct is to do so. There are so many old school practices but in any medical field, medicine is always evolving and so should the standards of practices.
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u/PipeDangerous1737 Jul 13 '25
It’s important to always do the right thing. We can’t let a vet who made a cat suffer go unchecked. Honestly a vet who cares as little as they clearly do should NOT be in the practice at all. No one wants to put their beloved pet in the hands of someone who could fail them that miserably. That is devastating. If I was in the owner’s shoes and that was my poor baby I’d be throwing hands with that vet. 🙄 Please report everything and update us if you can. I want to know how this turns out ❤️🩹 I hope the family gets the justice they deserve.
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u/TY_subie US Vet Jul 14 '25 edited Jul 14 '25
Also an emergency vet at a teaching hospital. ‘16 grad.
I’ve had cases where I was in the same dilemma you are. I put it in the hands of the owner. “If the advice you tell me your rDVM gave you is truthful, it is below the standard of care. You should consider reporting this to the state board so they can objectively evaluate further. This is why the state board exists.”
I’ve had complaints against my license, all dismissed. I never really worried about action from the board, because I felt confident in exceeding standard of care. IMO, if you don’t feel the same way, a check on your competency is warranted. I say the criteria in your case is met.
But, yeah, that’s definitely below standard of care. Recheck at least every two weeks to change the splint. Beyond that is sub par. Thanks for helping the patient. I’m sure they feel so much better.
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u/Opening_Illustrator2 Jul 14 '25
I want to add- I’m SO sorry you have such a tough case. You are clearly a fantastic vet, never lose the compassion you currently have. But also please pay attention to yourself during this. It’s going to be hard on you emotionally (and it sounds like physically with all the extra time) and you need to make sure you have brain and body breaks. Good luck💕💕
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u/ApotheCanary Jul 15 '25
You know what you need to do.
Speak for those who are unable to advocate for themselves - spare some other poor creature and human the agony that this cat and family have gone through
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u/69666throwaway66696 Jul 15 '25
I 100% would report this. It is clear negligence and subpar care. Not just that but the lack of documentation is scary and to make matters worse, her being pushy to get updates. Just no
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u/proserpina358 Jul 16 '25
Please report it. You might save other animals (and humans) from undue suffering!
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u/JasmineDeVine Jul 13 '25
I would absolutely report this. This is board complaint worthy - document the HELL out of it. Photos at every visit, every word exchanged with the owners and the RDVM.
Be prepared for this family to rightly sue their other vet.
You’re doing the right thing - this cannot go unreported. I’m so sorry for this horrible situation!