A VETERINARY practice is investigating a complaint from a pet owner who claims he was told his dog was fine, only for it to be put down by another vet hours later.

Wilson Veterinary Group has confirmed an investigation is underway into Stuart Hunt’s allegations about how his dog’s case was handled at the group's Spennymoor branch.

Four hours after his visit to the surgery, Mr Hunt’s dog Sky was diagnosed with pyometra, a life-threatening infection of the uterus at a different practice in Newton Aycliffe.

Clinical notes from the second practice, seen by The Northern Echo, gave a graphic description of the dog’s symptoms.

It was decided it was in the best interests of the 13-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier to put her to sleep.

As well as the grief he feels over losing Sky, Mr Hunt feels she was left to suffer for hours longer than he believes she should have.

The 53-year-old, from Ferryhill, took Sky to Wilson Veterinary Group last Friday after noticing blood in her urine. She was also refusing to eat, drinking excessively and her stomach was swollen and hot to the touch.

Convinced something was seriously wrong, Mr Hunt secured an emergency appointment at the practice.

Mr Hunt said: “He said Sky had walked in, her eyes looked fine and that she appeared like a healthy dog.”

He claimed he was asked for £33 before any treatment could take place, despite being told by staff over the phone that, because the case was an emergency, the cost could be deferred until he received his next Employment Support Allowance payment. He said he was reassured this was the case again by the receptionist when he arrived at the practice.

“I was happy to pay the money but I had been told I could defer the payment because I simply didn’t have it at the time,” said Mr Hunt, who is disabled and suffers from fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and depression.

“I know my dog and I knew there was something seriously wrong with her. I admit I did lose my temper but the vet raised his voice too. I was asked to leave so that’s what I did.”

The Northern Echo outlined Mr Hunt’s claims to Wilson Veterinary Group. A spokesperson said they could not comment due to client confidentiality – although Mr Hunt offered to waive this to allow the company to respond.

The spokesperson said: “We are investigating the complaint and will make no further comment at this time.”

Mr Hunt described Sky as a gentle and affectionate dog, adding: “I’m heartbroken. What makes it even worse is that it could have been dealt with earlier in the day rather than my dog having to suffer for another four hours.”