Think my vet screwed up :(

[pixiesmom]

I had my cat in for bladder crystals on July 9th. He was blocked...came home 3 days later.
With a $886 bill.
The vet explained to me that he gives the cats an antibiotic to prevent UTI's after being catheterized.
This isn't the vet i usually choose to see, but sometimes he is all that is available as there are only 2 vets.
Noticed last weekend he was only peeing a little bit, called the ER vet and talked and since he was still going and producing urine we decided to just keep a close eye on him.
All seemed to be going ok until yesterday when I noticed him in the litter
box yet not producing any urine.
He did this 2x so I call the emergency vet, took him in and by the time we got there, he thankfully went in the carrier.
Urinalysis showed a UTI and no crystals.
Going back over my bill from my vets, nowhere on the bill do I see I was charged for an antibiotic.
Now he was a grumpy cat and they did state that they were going to give him an injection.
BUT IT'S NOT ON THE BILL.
I think they forgot and now I am kinda upset.
I have been going here for over 15 years.
They have been very good to me, but I have brought them tons of business over the years as well.
Think I should talk to the vet that took care of Oliver or speak with the one I have a better relationship with who also owns the practice?
And is it likely that the UTI would show up 16 days later?

 

[Critter Mom]

The vet explained to me that he gives the cats an antibiotic to prevent UTI's after being catheterized.

(Emphasis mine.)

I don't know enough to comment on the 16-day time lapse before the UTI manifested. It may be down to incubation period, it may be that it was several days after the hospital stay before Oliver came into contact with an infectious agent (speculating here). The practice's decision to give the UTI was prophylactic, indicating that they recognized that Oliver may be vulnerable to infection after his catheterization. If they didn't give the antibiotic then their oversight left Oliver more vulnerable to potential infection.

I'd be inclined to discuss it with the practice owner, doubly so because you have a better relationship with the owner. If the treating vet forgot to give the antibiotic then maybe they might be open to compensating you for the ER fees. If the treating vet did give the antibiotic but neglected to bill you for it then you may get charged for the balance, but more importantly it may give you better information about something else going on with Oliver that may have left him vulnerable to the UTI. Better to find out, methinks.

Just my two penn'orth. I hope Oliver feels better soon.

 

[granadilla]

I agree with Aine. Talk to the practice owner. Since you have a better relationship with him, hopefully he can provide some clarity and put your mind at ease.

Shane

 

[Larry and Kitties]

Make sure the vet/staff reviews the detailed medical records for your cat. Sometimes meds get administered but forgot to be billed.
The only single-shot, long term antibiotic shot is Covenia and that is not good against all infections.