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Wolvie,
I am very sorry for your loss and I feel for you. I know there is nothing I can say or do that can ease your pain. I hope your Chihuahua is doing better and that she will learn to enjoy the company of her puppy.
I cannot justify the actions of the veterinarians you contacted but I think its important to let your sorrow settle before aiming your anger at anybody or more importantly at a whole profession.
Someone earlier was right when they said veterinarians have an obligation to relieve animal suffering. It is in our oath the day we graduate from veterinary school.
Unfortunately, this whole situation should not have happened. I have many clients that contemplate breeding their pet. I clearly advise them of the potential risks, the costs associated with treating those complications, their options should complications develop and more importantly how to prevent them. This conversation happens the first time I see that 6 week old puppy.
For example, all my clients know that an intact female dog has higher chances of unwanted pregnancy, higher risks of developing breast cancers, and higher risks of uterine infections. If a pet gets pregnant, unfortunately not all whelpings occur as mother nature intends. There are medications that can help a pet have a more successful delivery but they don't solve all complications. At times, cesarean sections are needed. If done appropriately to current standards of care, it is costly - not just to you the pet owner, but also to the veterinarian, his business, and in a way your pet (she's the one that goes through the pain). My clients are aware that cesarean sections aren't cheap and to save up for that potential or invest in pet health insurance. Alternatively, some hospitals offer credit plans either through the hospital directly or through an outside credit agency for unplanned emergency expenses. The bottom line is these things should be well thought of months if not years before the night your pet gives birth. Your veterinarian owes it to you to inform you of this that far in advance.
I understand your frustration in believing that the veterinarians you encountered were more concerned about you paying them than they were about the health and comfort of your pet. But, let's play the devil's advocate. Would you have felt differently about the first veterinarian you called that turned you away if you knew that he was about ready to go bankrupt because his hospital was not a profitable business? Or that he was investing the very last penny he had into his own personal family matters? Now, I know not every one of those vets you talked with that night have circumstances like that but it would make me think.
As a whole, I think the veterinary profession is a great profession full of very caring people. We give up our time, large chunks of our life, significant financial and emotional investment, and at time sacrifice time with our families to be a part of what I think is a noble profession.
I hope your future veterinarian re-earns your trust in our profession.
Again, sorry for you loss and best of luck to you and your pets.
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