Allentown Animal Clinic

On 9/15, Dr. Elena S[redacted], a practicing veterinarian of 14 years, performed a thorough oral examination on "[redacted] while the pet was under general anesthesia for a dental cleaning. Dr. S[redacted] found suspicious lesions under the tongue. Upon discovery of the lesions, the owner was promptly...

contacted, as the pet remained under anesthesia, and the owner verbally elected to have her pet undergo a punch biopsy procedure and have the tissue sent to the laboratory for analysis. The sample was analyzed and no neoplasia was found. The pathologist suggested that the the sample was of a "chronic inflammatory lesion," and upon discussing the case further, both the pathologist and Dr. S[redacted] were able to successfully diagnose [redacted] with "Chronic Ulcerative Paradental Stomatitis" also known as C.U.P.S.According to leading veterinary dental expert, [redacted], DVM, DAVDC: "Although CUPS can be presumptively diagnosed based on a patient's
history and oral examination findings, a definitive diagnosis can only
be made by histologically examining lesions. Anesthetize the patient,
and use a 0.3- to 0.6-mm skin biopsy punch to obtain samples; try to
obtain at least two samples from the representative areas of the oral
cavity. Additionally, perform a thorough oral examination, including
charting pocket depth, and note the results on the patient's dental
chart. Dental radiography is important in identifying advanced
periodontal disease, and a full-mouth series is warranted." Dr. S[redacted] followed medical protocol, obtained prior permission from the owner to collect the sample and send to the histopathologist, and relayed the diagnosis to the client in person. In addition, the client was furnished with medical documentation to support that a biopsy is the only way accurately diagnose C.U.P.S., and instructions on how to manage the disease.

Review: I have been taking my two dogs to the Allentown Animal clinic for 8 years. At their yearly checkups they were measuring a growth on my one dogs stomach. After the 4th year of them checking the growth and it never growing the Doctor said it was his nipple, and not a growth. The last visit they had to do a dental cleaning on my dog, which I took him for. The Doctor called while my dog was under anesthesia said she already took an xray of one of his teeth where nothing appeared, but then also said that he had a growth on his tongue she wanted to biopsy. Stated she never saw something like this. She did the punch biopsy and I was called a week later with the results from another Doctor. He said it was non cancerous and asked if my dog chewed on sticks in the yard since it could be a splinter. When I took my dog back for his follow up appointment and questioned the charges they then told me a different result, Which this Doctor has never seen before called CUPS. Was told the Doctor did thousands of dentals in her years of practice yet never seen this. When I researched CUPS online, it is very common. I stated to the manager Bethany and the Doctor that I never said OK to the first xray. They did credit that $50. But I am still stuck with the $390 bill for a biopsy. Asked for some time of credit since the biopsy obviously was unnecessary. I was treated rudely and asked for my animals records back. They were quick to give me my records and be on my way. Since they already received their payment of $900 for a teeth cleaning.Desired Settlement: Would like to be refunded for unnecessary biopsy $400

Business

Response:

On 9/15, Dr. Elena S[redacted], a practicing veterinarian of 14 years, performed a thorough oral examination on "[redacted]" [redacted] while the pet was under general anesthesia for a dental cleaning. Dr. S[redacted] found suspicious lesions under the tongue. Upon discovery of the lesions, the owner was promptly contacted, as the pet remained under anesthesia, and the owner verbally elected to have her pet undergo a punch biopsy procedure and have the tissue sent to the laboratory for analysis. The sample was analyzed and no neoplasia was found. The pathologist suggested that the the sample was of a "chronic inflammatory lesion," and upon discussing the case further, both the pathologist and Dr. S[redacted] were able to successfully diagnose [redacted] with "Chronic Ulcerative Paradental Stomatitis" also known as C.U.P.S.According to leading veterinary dental expert, [redacted], DVM, DAVDC: "Although CUPS can be presumptively diagnosed based on a patient's

history and oral examination findings, a definitive diagnosis can only

be made by histologically examining lesions. Anesthetize the patient,

and use a 0.3- to 0.6-mm skin biopsy punch to obtain samples; try to

obtain at least two samples from the representative areas of the oral

cavity. Additionally, perform a thorough oral examination, including

charting pocket depth, and note the results on the patient's dental

chart. Dental radiography is important in identifying advanced

periodontal disease, and a full-mouth series is warranted." Dr. S[redacted] followed medical protocol, obtained prior permission from the owner to collect the sample and send to the histopathologist, and relayed the diagnosis to the client in person. In addition, the client was furnished with medical documentation to support that a biopsy is the only way accurately diagnose C.U.P.S., and instructions on how to manage the disease.