Seeking Answers About Judgment Placed Without Notification

I took my Great Dane to be examined for a swelling in her ear. After consultation with Dr. Stevens, I agreed to the recommended procedure. When I collected her, I was concerned to see that she was struggling to walk and appeared to be in significant discomfort. Initially, I assumed it was post-operative pain and the effects of anaesthetic.

However, by the following day her condition had worsened. I returned to the vet seeking clarity. At first, I was told that nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. Later, I was informed that she had fallen off the examination table and reacted defensively when staff attempted to handle her.

In my personal experience with her, she had never shown signs of aggression, and I believe her response could have been related to pain and confusion following sedation. As I was still concerned for her wellbeing, I took her to a sports vet in Ballito for further treatment. They provided excellent care and assisted in getting her mobility back, but at a considerable cost to me.

2. Emergency C-Section on another dog

On a separate occasion, I took another one of my dogs in for an emergency C-section late at night. A few hours into the procedure, I received a call asking whether I wanted her spayed. I said “definitely not.” I found it unusual that this question was asked mid-procedure, but I trusted that everything was being handled appropriately.

Months later, she came into season but did not fall pregnant. This happened twice. I decided to have her spayed at the new veterinary practice I had moved to. Before the operation, I asked them to check whether there was a medical reason she had been unable to conceive. Their findings suggested that during the original C-section, part of the uterine horn had been inadvertently stitched in a way that would have prevented pregnancy.

As a result, I unfortunately had to retire her as a breeding dog.

3. Billing dispute and lack of communication

After these two experiences, I communicated my concerns directly to the Ballito Vet Hospital and explained why I felt unable to pay the outstanding account. Despite this, I did not receive any reduced bill, payment arrangement, follow-up communication, or any legal notice informing me of further action.

I only recently discovered — nearly four years later — that a judgment had been placed against my name. I did not receive a statement, email, letter, or legal notice advising me that this would happen.

4. My intention in sharing this

I want to be clear that I am sharing my personal experience as a client, and the impact these events had on my animals, my finances, and my credit record. My intention is not to damage anyone’s reputation, but rather to explain why I chose not to settle the account and why I feel the process was not handled transparently.

Since then, I have heard similar concerns from other pet owners, which has reinforced my own feelings. As a pet owner, it is important to me that others are aware of my experience so that they can make informed choices about the care of their animals.