A Limp That Began in Puppyhood
A South Florida dog owner has filed a veterinary malpractice lawsuit after his young Cane Corso, Apex, allegedly underwent surgery on the wrong shoulder.
Apex began limping when he was still a puppy. During an examination, the family’s veterinarian noticed discomfort in the dog’s right shoulder and recommended further testing.
X-rays later revealed a lesion in the right shoulder consistent with osteochondrosis, a developmental joint condition that commonly affects large-breed dogs.
Surgery was recommended to treat the problem.
The Procedure Appeared to Go as Planned
In April 2025, Apex was taken to Good Care Animal Clinic in southwest Miami-Dade for the operation.
His family was told that the procedure had been successful and that he could return home later that day.
However, once Apex was back with them, they noticed something deeply troubling.
His right shoulder—the area that was supposed to have been treated—showed no signs of surgery. Instead, the fur on his left shoulder had been shaved, and an incision had been stitched closed.
The discovery left the family shocked and confused.
Veterinarians Acknowledge the Error
The lawsuit names veterinarian Mario Cabrera, who performed the operation, along with two of his businesses. Veterinarian Adalberto Cotelo and Good Care Animal Clinic were also named because the clinic billed for the procedure.
In a court response, the defendants acknowledged that surgery had mistakenly been performed on Apex’s left shoulder and that the error was not immediately recognized.
According to the filing, Cabrera later apologized and said there had also been a lesion on the left side that might eventually have required treatment.
The dog owner’s attorney disputes that explanation.
A Second Surgeon Finds No Left-Shoulder Problem
Apex was later examined and treated by a board-certified veterinary surgeon who operated on the correct shoulder.
In an email submitted as part of the lawsuit, that surgeon reportedly described Apex’s left shoulder as normal and suggested that it had likely been opened without any necessary procedure being completed.
The owner’s attorney has also alleged that the family was not informed of the mistake when they arrived to collect Apex after the first surgery.
Court records show that the defendants offered to perform the correct operation at no additional cost, but Apex’s owner declined.
A Dispute Over the Refund
The lawsuit further claims that the defendants did not immediately refund the nearly $5,200 paid for the original procedure.
According to the complaint, the refund was initially tied to a confidential settlement agreement. The defendants have denied that allegation.
The money was ultimately returned more than two months later.
Attorneys representing some of the defendants declined to comment in detail because the case remains pending.
Months of Delay and Additional Costs
Apex’s family says the error delayed the surgery he actually needed.
They reportedly had to wait approximately three months while saving enough money to arrange treatment with another surgeon.
The family says the situation created both financial pressure and emotional distress, particularly as Apex continued to experience pain and mobility problems.
Apex Continues His Recovery
Apex has since undergone surgery on his right shoulder, but his family says he still requires therapy and can manage only short walks.
They remain concerned about the long-term effect on his mobility and quality of life.
Their hope is simple: that Apex will eventually be able to move comfortably, live without pain and enjoy the active life he missed during much of his puppyhood.
The Case Remains Ongoing
Apex’s owner has also filed complaints against both veterinarians with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Both veterinarians continue to hold active licenses.
The lawsuit remains unresolved, and the allegations will ultimately be considered through the legal process.