MP
Miranda Prusik
Oct 12, 2026
I brought my cat, Wallace, to Banfield Brighton Palizzi on September 29 for his regular Solensia injection. He had chronic kidney disease, and has gotten good care at this location over the duration - his kidney values had remained stable for approximately a year and a half. After running bloodwork on the 29th,, I was told his kidney disease had not progressed and that he still had quality of life.
During the appointment, a new vet expressed wanting to give him medication for pain. I explicitly warned the veterinarian about Wallace’s previous adverse reactions to medications that altered his mental state. I specifically asked that he not receive anything that would make him high, explaining that he would pace continuously, stop eating and drinking, and be unable to sleep.
Despite these warnings, he was given Zorbium, a long-acting opioid. I was unaware of what this was specifically at the time of picking him up, but specifically asked if it would make him high and was assured it would not make him high.
Several hours after bringing him home, he began exhibiting the exact behavioral changes I had warned about. He subsequently went days without eating, drinking, or sleeping normally. I contacted the hospital for guidance and was told to wait for the medication to wear off. When I called again on Saturday seeking help, I was told they were full and that I needed to take him to an emergency hospital.
At the emergency hospital, his kidney values had increased approximately fivefold in just a few days. I ultimately had to euthanize him that same day.
I understand that Wallace had kidney disease, and I know his life would not have lasted forever. What I cannot reconcile is bringing in a cat whose condition had been stable, explicitly communicating his medication history and concerns, trusting the reassurance I was given, and then watching him deteriorate so rapidly. I cannot independently establish what caused his decline, but I have serious concerns about whether the medication, its effects, and the delay in obtaining supportive care contributed to his death.
What makes this even more concerning is that Wallace had previously received Zorbium and experienced a similar reaction that required another hospital visit for monitoring, fluids, and appetite stimulants. I am requesting that Banfield investigate whether this history was reviewed before the medication was administered again.
I have generally had positive experiences with the other veterinarians at this location, so my concerns are specifically about this incident and the veterinarian involved.
To add insult to an already devastating loss, I renewed Wallace’s annual wellness plan early at Banfield’s request so his bloodwork could be covered. He received only one service under that renewal before he died days later (Mind you I still paid over $500 for the visit which was worth it at the time for proper care). I am now being told I owe almost $600 to cancel the plan.
I have submitted a formal complaint to corporate requesting a review of his treatment, his medical records, and a waiver of the remaining balance.
Wallace was not just a pet. He was my soul animal, a member of my family, and I trusted this hospital to help keep him comfortable and give him the best care. I am grieving his loss while trying to get answers about what happened and why I was left without help when I needed it most.
I hope Banfield takes this seriously. Pet owners deserve to have their concerns heard, their animals’ medical histories considered, and their questions answered with transparency and compassion.