Bishop Auckland couple slam Vets4Pets after Siberian Husky dog dies

Suzanne Ryan and husband Alex were left distraught when their Siberian Husky, Salem passed away back in June after four visits to the vets.

The couple, from Bishop Auckland, County Durham say they feel let down and believe their beloved pet could still be here today.

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Suzanne, 57, who is retired, said: “He was off his food in in early March we took home to Vets4Pets in Bishop Auckland. They ran blood tests, and he had ultrasound.

“They put him on a diet which he hated and then he was given steroids which got him eating again.”

But three months later Salem, who was seven-years-old, was taken in for a second ultrasound when vets found an issue with his aorta.

“In June, we took him back to the vets because he deteriorated, and they recommended we get another ultrasound but this time from outside the practice because it was more detailed.”, Suzanne added.

Salem the Siberian Husky.

“They found a shadow in his aorta which the first one didn’t pick up which they said might be a thrombus (clot)”

“We’d thought the worst that could happen from the first scan was he’d need his gallbladder removed so it just came out of the blue.”

After the appointment on June 5 Salem deteriorated and had a further scan on June 12 before Suzanne called the vets for more steroids two days later, but they did not prescribe any as it could interfere with blood tests.

He died on June 16 with the couple saying they believe he could still be here today had the first ultrasound picked up the issue with his aorta.

Suzanne added: “If they had found it earlier he might still be here.

“I wouldn’t get another dog – he was irreplaceable.

“Our rescue Akita Freya sometimes waits at the back gate for him to return.”

Salem (back) and Akita (front).

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The couple launched an official complaint with Vets4Pets which said: “I cannot find evidence of significant conflicting results or advice in this case that are not explained by the progress of disease over time. It is not possible to say whether the thrombus was present at the time of initial ultrasound examination.”

Vets say Salem's cause of death was not found.

A Vets4Pets spokesperson said: “We always put pet welfare first and our dedicated veterinary teams work hard to deliver the highest standards of care.

“A wide range of advanced tests were offered to help determine the underlying cause of Salem’s complex case, and medical treatment was also provided for his symptoms.

“It is always very sad to hear of the passing of a beloved pet and our deepest condolences are with the Ryan family at this difficult time.”