Today, I had a negative experience with Dr. Alex Taub that left my dog untreated and me surprised that any vet would have such an ego to refuse to alleviate an animal's discomfort. I previously had a ... Read More
Today, I had a negative experience with Dr. Alex Taub that left my dog untreated and me surprised that any vet would have such an ego to refuse to alleviate an animal's discomfort. I previously had a positive experience with Dr. Ali and so had no hesitations to return to AlaPalm. My pup has allergies and years back she was severely inflamed, leading us to get a course of antibiotics, a steroid injection, and medicated shampoo. The office staff today (as before) was lovely, both cordial and efficient. I also especially appreciate Jonathan Chase, the office manager, as he helped Bella (my dog) years back and kindly chatted with me about my dog when I made the appointment. I was promptly placed in an exam room and waited for Dr. Taub. Bella is a rescue and while she has come a long way from the shivering puppy who soiled herself continuously when I first received her, she is still hesitant around new people, especially men. When Dr. Taub walked in, she hid behind my legs underneath the bench. He insisted on a physical exam first, although I requested we talk a bit about her health history so that she may have time to become comfortable. He refused, insisting on examination again and made a comment that we would "focus a bit on client education" later. I tried to bring her out multiple times without success, as she flailed and began shaking with her tail between her legs. On the last attempt, he grabbed her back legs and held on with one hand while examining her with the other. I held her head and tried to comfort her as he listened with his stethoscope. I found the introduction to be overly rough and noted the increased anxiety it caused in the room. After the examination, Dr. Taub began a patronizing drawing and explanation of bacteria, skin, infection, and the immune response. It was very drawn out and he would spell words as if he was talking to a young child. I told him, "I have to let you know, I'm a registered nurse. I understand bacteria and the immune response. I just want to know what your plan is for today." He responded, "Oh, so you speak the language! Good . . . now. Steroids? What do steroids do? That's right! They help with the immune system response. And all of this together, what do we have? I-N-F-L-A-M-M-A-T-I-O-N. Inflammation!" His drawings and explanations kept going. I said, "I'm a little Type A, I have another appointment. I just want to know what we're going for today." He continued to draw and go on about the immune system. I asked him, "Is this just a build up to allergy testing? Because I've looked into it and with the cost, I'm not interested." He kept drawing and not giving discussing the course of treatment as I was requesting. I finally told him, "I have to be honest, I'm getting a little offended here." He responded that he was getting offended. We went back and forth a little bit, with me repeatedly requesting treatment for the dog, saying things like "OK, fine, we don't care for each other. Can we just treat the dog? She's scratching herself bloody." He said, "You know what, I'm going to do you a big favor. There's no charge for the office visit. It's on the house. I'm going to refer you somewhere else and you can have your dog treated somewhere else." I clarified, "So you're saying you're refusing to treat her??" He said, "I'm not refusing. I'd like to treat her. But I'm just too uncomfortable." I responded, "OK, so how about we give Bella what she needs and I'll be on my way and won't ever come here again. She's inflamed, scratching herself to scabs, and has a rash on her face. Let's give her some antibiotics and steroids and I'll move on, not to return." He said again, "I'm not comfortable doing that." I said, "Ok, so you're refusing?" He said, "Yes." I said, "OK, well let's get a witness to you saying that." We went to the lobby and with his office staff being witness, he then agreed to treat her. He said he would go work up a quote. He disappeared into his office for about 20 minutes, then sent out the office manager Jonathan who told me that Dr. Taub again was "too uncomfortable" and didn't want to treat my dog. It was such an unprofessional, cowardly action to agree in front of others and then send out the office manager to again refuse. I saw him come out of his office again and asked him, "So to be clear, again you're refusing to treat the dog?" He did not look at me, did not respond, slowly and calmly walked into his office, and then slammed the door. I had a recommendation from a friend and at this point have another appointment on Saturday but that means another 4 days of my dog scratching and biting herself. I cannot believe that a vet would rather give in to his ego than care for an animal in need, especially when that relief is so simple. Read Less