Hi all,

my dog has just had two lumps removed. 

One wound site became infected after 3 days and parts of the wound failed and he had to be re-stitched. When I asked if he'd had an antibiotic covering after his surgery he hadn't.  Is this a normal thing now? They always used to routinely give an antibiotic shot and then antibiotics to go home with. From past experience, I'm sure the wound would have survived if they'd done this.

This sounds weird to me.  All our lump ops (several!) have been followed by oral ABs.  Not always a shot, but always the oral.... typically Synulox.

I wonder if they are cutting back on giving antibiotics unless bacterial infection is proven . I really can't remember as other than spay where no antibiotics were given I  am not sure what my vets do

My younger boy broke a front claw a few months ago and they gave him an antibiotic injection immediately after they cut it back and put a dressing on it, but no oral ABs. Perhaps it depends on the practice. What did the vet say in explanation?

I wonder if they are cutting back on giving antibiotics unless bacterial infection is proven

that's what I was wondering, given that gps reluctantly give out antibiotics now.  Bloody annoying as they wanted me to pay for the operation again - another £400!!  The vet heard that I was disgruntled and repaired the wound using a different anaesthetic but is wanting to charge me £200...

In answer to you Poodlenoodle, the vet was keeping a really low profile to the point of seemingly hiding behind a door when I arrived to collect my dog.  I've registered my complaint but the vet seems to be avoiding me.  I'm feeling very upset really. I've had a really good relationship with this practice and recommended them, this vet in particular, to everyone.  I think the whole situation is unprofessional and I really don't want to pay the extra without at least an explanation... awkward to say the least!

I'd be really mad too, I suppose they could say that the wound failure was unforeseen but presumably since they caused it, repaired it and dressed it, and then chose not to give antibiotic cover, it seems a bit rich that YOU are paying for the failure. I would definitely ask that the vet actually explain why there was no antibiotic cover at least, before paying.

Saffronsmith, I would look at the RCVS and see if you can make a complaint against the practice about this...?

Thank u all!

I'm glad it's not just me that thinks it's not right. 

In addition, when the wound was repaired, 'traction stitches' were used, another vet said that they used these in areas that were under high tension - sort of support stitches to spread the strain (which is in line with his knee) I'd like to think that these had been used in the first place. Also no buster collar, just the offer of one if he 'bothered his wounds' which didnt matter as I already have a selection of these! 

Such a different an experience to past surgeries I've had done at this practice - almost a recipe to fail.