Downers Grove Veterinary Hospital Sued by Pet Owner

A Downers Grove veterinary practice is being sued by a pet owner from Woodridge who claims negligence led to his dog’s death last year.

Gary Austin rushed his 3-year-old Great Dane, Bella, to VCA Arboretum View Animal Hospital on Aug. 23 at 11:30 p.m. after she took ill, reports the Chicago Tribune, and Austin told the staff do whatever was necessary for the dog.

More than four hours passed before Bella was taken to surgery for a stomach problem, according to Austin’s lawsuit. Four days later, the dog died.

The lawsuit cites a necropsy report that concluded death was caused by a ruptured stomach and infection. Austin hired an independent expert who determined the dog’s condition was incorrectly diagnosed and necessary surgery was delayed, the suit states.

Austin refused to pay the $13,000 veterinary bill.

VCA is a nationwide chain that operates more than 600 pet hospitals. The parent company is also named in the suit. VCA and the local vet declined comment.

“We got her there within 10 minutes,” Austin told the Tribune. “Why did it take them until 4 in the morning to do something? We trusted them and told them do whatever you have to do to help her.”

» more via ChicagoTribune.com