I've held off writing this review for 10 months to try to get some distance from the pain. We moved to the Channel Islands Harbor late last year with our 18+-year-old cat who was having arthritis issu... Read More
I've held off writing this review for 10 months to try to get some distance from the pain. We moved to the Channel Islands Harbor late last year with our 18+-year-old cat who was having arthritis issues. The first vet, Dr. Garrolini, wanted to do $250 xrays to rule out elbow cancer, of all things -- an obvious upsell that we declined. As for treatment for the arthritis, pretty much the only thing he suggested was giving Fred glucosamine and the pain-killer Tramadol. This was not a workable solution because 1) the liquid was so bitter, he foamed at the mouth and was very distressed, and 2) it turned him into a zombie. He lay on his side most of a day staring off into space, not even sleeping. We did have Dr. Garrolini do an elder cat blood workup, which showed elevated kidney functions. He said our cat also needed to lose weight -- walking was painful so he gained weight from inactivity -- and we needed to switch to 100% wet food. I asked about brands other than Science Diet (which they sell) b/c our cat wouldn't touch it, and Dr. Garrolini flat out refused to help me figure out what/how much to feed him. It would either be their food, or I could figure it out for myself. Um... thanks?That left me with a bad taste, so every time we took our cat in, we asked for a doctor *other* than Garrolini. Dr. Morgan was very kind and patient, so we made an effort to only book time with him. He gave us options Dr. Garrolini never mentioned, such as a series of glucosamine shots that should help ease Fred's pain. We set up appointments for the injections and after just two, he was walking more easily and was MUCH happier. He also helped me figure out how to calculate the amount of food to feed Fred. I would give Dr. Morgan 5 stars if I could because he cared!One day, Fred became constipated. I took him in immediately and saw a young female doctor who doesn't appear to work there anymore. She seemed nice enough and did all the things she could get get things moving. And they did, right there in the exam room. Fred was in serious distress, crying in pain, but his bowels were moving again. She came in after about 10 minutes and made sure I knew how nice they were to let me stay in there b/c they normally would charge me for that time. What?! My cat is lying on his side, now incontinent (urine) and clearly sick, and she has the gall to say that to me? Before leaving, I told her my concern over Fred's status. He was worse than when I took him in, and considering his age, I was very worried about his kidneys. She said to bring him in the next afternoon if he didn't perk up. He never did.Gradually, he became sicker and sicker. I called first thing in the morning to get him in but the receptionist said the doctor was booked up till the afternoon. I kept calling back, saying he was getting worse and this was an emergency but there was no budging. Finally, I got someone else on the phone (Sandy) who heard Fred's death-yowls in the background and told me to take him to Ventura Surgical Medical Group. Why didn't the other girl mention VSMG? I was new to the area and had no idea it existed.The staff at VSMG were amazing and did everything they could, but by the time we took him in, it was too late. His kidneys had failed by then. Perhaps if I'd known about them the night before, or if that vet at CIAH had listened to me that he was sicker than when I brought him in...To be clear, I'm not blaming them directly for the death of my beloved cat. He was old and had issues, but I do believe if she'd listened to me, I might have had more time with him. Dr. Garrolini was gruff and unhelpful, and one of the vet techs was always surly. The rest of the staff ranged from pleasant to downright delightful. The techs LOVED Fred, and always spoiled him. They even sent us a condolence card. But the treatment we received from the vets themselves is how I'm basing this rating, and it is only as high as it is because of the wonderful Dr. Morgan.We have a new cat now but we will not be returning to CIAH. Read Less