Veterinarian Malpractice Lawsuit
A South Florida dog owner has filed a veterinary malpractice lawsuit after alleging a surgeon operated on the wrong shoulder of his Cane Corso during a procedure intended to correct a painful joint condition. The lawsuit, filed in Miami-Dade County, claims the mistake delayed proper treatment and caused the dog to endure additional pain and recovery.
Dog Diagnosed With Shoulder Condition
According to the complaint, the Cane Corso, named Apex, was diagnosed with osteochondrosis, a developmental orthopedic condition affecting the cartilage in the shoulder joint. Veterinary evaluations reportedly identified the problem in the dog’s right shoulder, and surgery was recommended to address the condition.
The operation took place in April 2025 at Good Care Animal Clinic in southwest Miami-Dade. The procedure was performed by a mobile veterinary surgeon brought in to complete the surgery.
Owners Say Wrong Shoulder Was Operated On
The lawsuit alleges the dog’s owners realized something was wrong after bringing Apex home. Instead of finding a surgical incision on the right shoulder, where the injury had been diagnosed, they discovered the incision had been made on the dog’s left shoulder.
Court filings state that the veterinarians later acknowledged the operation had been performed on the wrong shoulder. According to the legal documents, the surgeon apologized for the error and maintained that the left shoulder also showed signs of disease that would likely have required treatment in the future.
The owners dispute that explanation, arguing the left shoulder was healthy and did not require surgery. The lawsuit cites a subsequent evaluation by another veterinary specialist who reportedly found no medical reason for the procedure on the left side.
Additional Surgery Required
Because the diagnosed condition in the right shoulder had not been treated, Apex later underwent a second surgery to correct the original problem. The lawsuit claims the delay prolonged the dog’s discomfort and required additional rehabilitation and physical therapy.
The owners are seeking damages for veterinary expenses and other losses related to the alleged mistake.
Settlement Dispute Included in Lawsuit
The complaint also alleges the owners were initially asked to sign a confidentiality agreement before receiving a refund for the cost of the first surgery. According to court filings, the veterinary defendants deny that allegation. Records indicate the owners eventually received a refund for the procedure.
Case Continues in Court
The malpractice lawsuit remains pending in Miami-Dade County. Attorneys representing the veterinary clinic have declined to comment because the litigation is ongoing, while the surgeon’s attorney had not publicly responded to requests for comment at the time of reporting.
In addition to the civil lawsuit, complaints have been filed with Florida’s veterinary licensing authorities regarding the incident.
