Highly recommend Drs. Wheaton and Northrop, especially for those dogs that pose more unique diagnostic challenges. No, this office is not the least expensive, nor is it the most expensive. However, I... Read More
Highly recommend Drs. Wheaton and Northrop, especially for those dogs that pose more unique diagnostic challenges. No, this office is not the least expensive, nor is it the most expensive. However, I have two medically fragile dogs: one with external hepatic shunts (holes in the liver) and one with more severe brain issues (severe hydrocephalus and syringomyelia). Both were originally cared for by another local vet office. The dog with shunts began to worsen and the then-vet brushed it off. I insisted on a diagnostic ultrasound and immediately moved his care to Dr. Wheaton because I'd heard good things about the care. On the first visit, Dr. Wheaton addressed the results of the test (I was right) and asked me how I wanted to proceed. No forced treatment plans, no additional diagnostics. When we agreed on the plan, he immediately got the dietary department at UC Davis involved and I paid for a custom diet (with these dogs, it's managed with diet and lactulose). Yes, it was $250, but I saved that in two months from not having to buy special foods (the diet is much simpler than what I was doing) or any additional diagnostic tests. And, this dog is doing INCREDIBLY well. Mind you, my other vet attended UC Davis and could have suggested the same test. But didn't. I've never spent a better $250 and saved both my dog and my wallet. For the second dog, she was diagnosed 3 years ago with a ""tense"" personality because she always held herself so rigidly. Yes, the then-vet did X-rays, but found nothing. Since she was new to my home, I accepted the psychological assessment. However, nearly three years later, I knew it wasn't right. My dog was clearly in pain, and it appeared to be in the neck. Since my first dog was dramatically improved with Wheaton, I took in the second one. In FIVE MINUTES Dr. Wheaton identified four possible issues, two of which he was absolutely sure. I expected X-rays and other tests. ""No, save your money, she has hydro cephalis and likely syringomyelia- there's nothing we need to do here. She's going to be referred to Dr. Berry (a well-known neurosurgeon)."" I know of Dr. Berry's reputation and it is well-earned. Dr. Berry immediately confirmed Dr. Wheaton's diagnosis. As I did my own research, turns out the #1 symptom of syringomyelia is.... neck pain. My dog suffered in pain for two years because of an incorrect diagnosis. As a pet owner, I felt horrible; I knew in my gut that diagnosis was sketchy. She is now on very simple and very inexpensive meds (no brain shunt, no surgery) and her quality of life is drastically improved. Be a wise consumer; perhaps Dr. Wheaton is not the least expensive for the more mundane issues, but I know that as other dogs age and develop issues, I will not take them anywhere but to this office. As a consumer and pet owner, you make the decisions about what you will and will not do for your animal. But, at least I know that I get good information and get choices. The rest is up to me: peace of mind is priceless. Read Less