A Rhode Island woman has filed a lawsuit against a veterinarian, alleging that negligence during a routine spay surgery led to her St. Bernard puppy’s death. Kristen Breton, of Lincoln, claims her beloved dog, Princess Freckles, died after living for two years with a surgical tool and gauze left inside her abdomen.

Routine surgery turns tragic

In August 2022, Breton brought the young St. Bernard to Dr. Deborah Hirschmann at the Rhode Island Animal Medical Center for a standard spay procedure. Initially, Princess Freckles seemed to recover well, but over time, the dog began experiencing minor stomach issues.

Breton suspected a food allergy but soon realized the problem was more severe. “You start to do the logical rule-outs: Is it a food sensitivity? Or is there something else going on?” she told WPRI. The dog’s symptoms worsened, escalating to frequent bouts of projectile vomiting.

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X-ray reveals the shocking discovery

Two years later, after seeking help from a different veterinary practice, Breton received alarming news. X-rays revealed a metal object in Princess Freckles’ abdomen. A necropsy later confirmed that the object was a surgical tool—a hemostat—along with surgical gauze, allegedly left behind during the 2022 procedure. The new veterinarian informed Breton that her dog required invasive, life-threatening surgery to address the complications, but Princess Freckles did not survive.

Legal action and defense

Breton has now filed a lawsuit against Dr. Hirschmann, citing negligence. In response, Hirschmann’s attorney stated that the veterinarian, who has over a decade of experience, had never encountered such a surgical error before.

“Hirschmann was unaware that she inadvertently left a piece of gauze and a pair of hemostats in the abdomen of Princess Freckles,” the lawyer told WPRI. The statement emphasized that it is Dr. Hirschmann’s standard practice to thoroughly inspect the abdominal cavity before closing surgical incisions.

Broader implications

The incident has sparked broader conversations about veterinary accountability and surgical safety. While the veterinarian’s legal team claims this was an isolated error, the emotional and financial toll on pet owners like Breton highlights the critical need for stringent surgical protocols. Breton continues to mourn the loss of Princess Freckles, describing the ordeal as both shocking and devastating. The case is ongoing.