I took my dog here to request urgent administration of an apomorphine injection ("vomit needle") as my dog had ingested suspect seeds within the preceding 45 minutes. There were no clients in the wait... Read More
I took my dog here to request urgent administration of an apomorphine injection ("vomit needle") as my dog had ingested suspect seeds within the preceding 45 minutes. There were no clients in the waiting room. My dog was not weighed. The vet on duty, who thought my male dog was female (!), duly administered the needle. She muttered something about "waiting" -- I didn't hear because she was talking as she left the room -- and then came back to tell us to go to the front of the building to wait for the vomiting, quite a reasonable request, just communicated a little poorly. The vet said there would be five vomits, and then we would be done. We went back in to the surgery after the five vomits, and they continued, another five times or so. I then paid the bill and was surprised that there was a full rate consultation fee, and an apomorphine shot considerably more expensive than what I'd previously seen for my dogs. The full rate consultation fee, which I'm sure the vet will argue was justified, was a bit of a whack in my view because no professional skill went into diagnosis or care plan: the client came in and asked for the shot, the vet delivered it. (In the past, I've observed vet nurses administer it.) So, while it's arguably justifiable, it was one aspect of the visit which means I will not be an ongoing client. I say "one aspect" because my dog's vomiting continued well into the night. Electrolyte drink was later required. My view is that too much drug was administered (remember the dog wasn't weighed), and that's why the drug charge seemed high to me -- it was more apomorphine than either of my dogs have ever received. No doubt there is a range for apomorphine administration, and this instance was simply at the top end. Upshot: my dog received what he needed, and then some; I felt burnt by the charge and won't return.
***My receipt states that it is from Strathpine Vet Surgery, 736 Gympie Rd, Lawnton 4501 (Dr Lee Dekkers), so yes, this review is about the correct clinic. As I look at the receipt again, I recall that my insurer expressed concern that your receipt format does not contain a receipt/invoice number -- something you might want to look into placing on your receipt so that it is satisfactory for formal purposes.*** Read Less