Lammermoor Veterinary Clinic

Tiger misdiagnosed by so-called Lammermoor Veterinary Clinic experts

Our fully grown male tiger was having an allergic reaction to penicillin, and our local vet referred us to Lammermoor Veterinary Clinic to examine him and determine a way forward to treat his bacterial infection. When he experienced an anaphylaxis (allergic reaction) after coming out of anaesthesia, he was foaming at the mouth, could not swallow, had difficulty breathing, and his skin became so inflamed that we couldn't touch him. These are all symptoms and evidence of a significant hestamine event. They denied he had one despite the video I sent, and it took them 5 hours to get to us while our tiger fought for every breath. They eventually came when I threatened them, and once I administered the anti-histamine injection, his improvement was within minutes. Afterwards, they insisted that he had not experienced anaphylaxis, and rather had an underlying chronic respiratory disease, although they had never treated him before, did not know his history, and kept denying that it was a life-threatening allergic event. They insisted I subject him to more tests at Onderstepoort. I told them they were wrong and didn't know him, but Dr Natasha Ross arrogantly insisted they had the best big cat specialist in South Africa and that I, as a layman, should listen to their advice as they were three against one. I told them once again that they were wrong and that he had no chronic disease, as they were advising. Long story short, I kept them away from our tiger and ignored their misdirection and misdiagnosis. I am happy to report that it took him only three days to fully recover from the anaphylaxis, and thank God that I did not listen to them and subject him to more anaesthesia and examinations. As vets who have to administer anaesthesia to enable their examination of exotic and Big Cats, I do not think they have the necessary diagnostic skills to ensure a safe procedure from beginning to end, as they demonstrated an inability to diagnose the symptoms they observed. From our experience, I would advise any Big Cat owners to stay away from them or at least appoint someone to supervise their procedures.