Kirby is an 18 year old neutered orange and white male cat who was diagnosed, by South Putnam Animal Hospital, with diabetes approx 1 & 1/2 years ago. He was brought to South Putnam Animal Hospital September 13, because he had been vomiting and not eaten for 2 days. During the office visit, Kirby's BG numbers and insulin dosages were discussed with Dr. Maria Kaprielian but, were not noted in his chart.:
Dr. Kaprielian proceeded to take a blood sample and also and suggested an ultrasound which was scheduled for the following day, September 14. After an injection of 10 mg Cerenia for nausea, I was instructed by Dr. Kaprielian to take Kirby home and provide him dinner. No instructions were given in regard to Kirbys dosage of insulin. Kirby was fed dinner at 6:00 pm, he ate approximately 3 ounce of food which he vomited 1 hour later. His last drink of water was at 10:30 pm. We were instructed to drop Kirby off at 10:30 am, the ultrasound technician would be in at 11:00am. We were told to expect a call when the test was completed. I spoke with Dr. Judith Mason, before Kirby's ultrasound was performed, by Dr. Pawlusiow again reviewing BG numbers and insulin dosages this call & discussion was not noted in his chart. Kirbys ultrasound was performed at 11:58 pm we were not contacted to pickup him up until 5:30 pm. Kirby appeared lethargic but that he assumed they had administered something to calm him during the procedure. The staff provided no information regarding his care during the day or his current state. When I arrived home at 7:00 pm Kirby was on the floor rigid, unconscious and havening seizures. We rushed him to Katonah Bedford Emergency hospital where, upon arrival, Kirby was having Grand Mal seizures and had stopped breathing. The hospital staff rushed him into the ICU unit; he was intubated, given glucose and treated in intensive care for 2 days
Upon arrival at Katonah Bedford Emergency, Kirbys BG was tested it was so low it did not register on a BG meter. While at Katonah Bedford, I contacted Dr. Mason at 8:10pm though her answering service. Dr. Mason claimed no knowledge of Kirby's diabetes even though he was diagnosed by South Putnam Animal Hospital and that diagnosis is in his hospital record. After the incident, in the am of 9/15, I again contacted South Putnam Animal Hospital and spoke to Dr. Heiber, owner of the practice. She admitted Kirby was not provided food or water he did not have anything to eat or drink while he was in their care. Since Kirby had been both food and water restricted prior to the ultrasound as instructed, this 18 year, diabetic, ailing cat had no water for 24 hours, no food for 3 days. Rather, it appears that he remained in a cage unmonitored by South Putnam staff until we were called to pick him up at 5:30pm.in addition, we were charged for 1/2 day hospitalization even though it is unclear what care was provided during this time. After my request for Kirbys records, many entries were made after the incident. These entries were made after the original entries. These statements are untrue and in my opinion were made to absolve any responsibly by South Putnam Animal Hospital.
Kirby has been going to this vet his entire life, they certainly were well aware he was diabetic since they diagnosed the illness. Failure to provide any animal food and water after a procedure requiring food and water restriction is negligence. Failing to provide an elderly, sick and diabetic cat is malpractice. I feel the treatment Kirby received at South Putnam and in Dr. Mason's care was mismanaged, negligent, indifferent and cruel. I am requesting a full investigation into this matter. If you require further information, please contact me anytime at
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