Northpointe Animal Hospital

Recommended Northpointe to my daughter because exotic animals--in our case, pet rats--are an advertised specialty. Elder, Dumbo rat had growth/skin-flap on back leg, and we needed an assessment. Skin problems also erupted on both pet Dumbos, so both were brought in just in case. After screening, the doctor prescribed an anti-parasitic injection for both rats, to address possible mites, which can lead to mange and other health concerns. The "skin-flap" did not present as painful, oozing, or growing. As our rat is older, a surgical solution is the last resort; we decided to wait. If the lump was a tumor, and the doctor doubted it was, we could look into it again. Neither rat was 100%, and the stress of surgery coupled with our rats age, was something we could postpone for a bit. The doctor and staff were helpful, prescribing skin-care meds, and a spray for the rats' cage also; both rats. Cost: $250. Unfortunately, one of our rats had a major, personality change, post-visit, becoming aggressive toward our other rat. We had to separate the two (the doctor made the same suggestion, but as rat-people, action had already been taken by us). My daughter, caregiver to both rats since they were babies, was inconsolable. I called Northpointe. What's going on? Or doctor was empathetic albiet rushed--it was an early, morning call during regular business hours--assuring me our rat's response (aggression) had nothing to do with Northpointe care. After being awakened, 4 am, by a screaming rat, then having to separate the rats, I wanted expert advice as to what was, or could be, happening. It is not unusual for older, male rats to be separated, and there is a question of "...underlying illness..." in rats, as quoted by others, which brings me back to the lump on the leg. Did we have any alternatives or immediate, solutions? The doctor reassured me, three times, Northpointe did nothing wrong. The assurances made me more nervous! I am not inferring any wrongdoing by Northpointe. I would, however, like more information, more OPTIONS, than initially offered., and most certainly if problems develop. We declined the standard skin-scraping. The cost was not prohibitive, but the remedy would be the same, so we skipped a step, all offered by the doctor's office. All in all, the experience was...uncomfortable. My daughter felt there were unanswered questions during the visit; I felt the doctor was not interested in the startling/sudden change in our pet rat, post-exam. We BOTH felt there was too much emphasis on procedures and money, and aged, animal-health was secondary. It does not bode well when you sign waivers "in case" the meds prescribed do unexpected things becausr the meds are not meant for exotic animals. I have had no sleep. Northpointe has treated us okay. I do not feel our needs were met, as fully as expected. Northpointe did give options--surgery versus no surgery--but $250 (down from the original total!) is quite a bit to drop, no surgery, no labs, and have significant problems once your pet is home; and I do not like feeling hurried off the phone during consult. We were trying to help our baby. We were trying to be proactive. We were given a substantial bill for services rendered. But our baby is not the same. Hence, 3-stars only. I recommend, without malice, you redirect small animals to another veterinarian. Too much missing information and/or suggestions seems indicative of not enough knowledge. Read Less

The staff is very friendly and accommodating. I had to make a follow-up appointment to have my exotic pet put to sleep and everyone there was so nice to me and assured me i was making the right choice. Read Less