Cockburn Vets

Where to start? We went to Cockburns last year after our 1 y/o dog started to bloat with water on her abdomen. We were referred to Willows in Solihull in January (all privately funded) and in doing so, we were assured that Cockburns would remain in contact with Willows in order to provide the very best care. Our dog was diagnosed with a rare gastrointestinal condition and we were told that she needed to undergo a drugs trial. Throughout the whole trial, Cockburns continually made it their priority to remind me that my dog is dying, no hope whatsoever. We were told she had 3 months to live, at best. Quite frankly, I was sick to the back teeth of hearing it. We had conducted our own research about the disease and were actually educating them on everything they did not know, what a joke. From the months of January - March, Cockburns did not once communicate with Willows, our dog was showing improvements in her bloods and should have been weaned off her steroids. We were never given up to date drug advice and because Coco was kept on the same aggressive dose of steroids, she lost a substantial amount of muscle; Cockburns claim this is down to her condition however the specialist from Willows told me otherwise, in writing. It's also remarkable that my dog has gradually gained some muscle back since reducing her steroids down. As we went into lockdown and during the peak of this crucial drugs trial, I was unable to get hold of a certain drug. I spoke to Cathy who told me there was nothing she could do to help and wished me all the best. I then called Willows who told me that alternative drugs were available. Next I get a call from Cockburns, 'great news' they said. Yes, I know? Didn't you just tell me otherwise and leave me to do your job for you? It gets better... Cockburns refused to drain fluid from my dogs abdomen, despite our repeated requests. This is because they didn't recommend it (even though every other vet did and we had conducted our own independent research to back this). Our dog had 6 litres of fluid on her and was very uncomfortable at this stage. Luckily, we moved vets who saw her straight away (still during lockdown) and spent 2.5 hours manually draining the fluid off her. I put a complaint in with Cockburns, Diane the owner tried to challenge this then eventually put me in touch with their insurance providers, who I have yet to hear from. Honestly, their service is one of total neglect and it's infuriating that they are able to get away with this, all while being awarded as the best UK vets!! Not only did we spend thousands with them, and follow their every referral, they gave us no hope and left my dog to die. They closed the book on her because they are incapable of doing their jobs, then hid behind the Covid lockdown as an excuse to not provide any further care (if that's what you can call it). I've since had 3 of my neighbours complain about Cockburns and they have been referred to my current vet (Meadow Lane vets in Loughborough who are absolutely wonderful). My dog is still here with us 18 months later and doing very well, but only because we chose not to listen to Cockburns and moved to Meadow Lane. If I had stuck with Cockburns, my dog would be long gone by now. Do yourself and your beloved pets a favour, move your custom elsewhere. Clearly, Cockburns care more about their business revenue than you know, actually caring for our pets. Read Less