We brought our very best friend, Mister Sir, His Majesty Chaco here after he collapsed during a walk on the morning of Saturday, March 3, 2018. I carried him home. Terrified, we immediately called The... Read More
We brought our very best friend, Mister Sir, His Majesty Chaco here after he collapsed during a walk on the morning of Saturday, March 3, 2018. I carried him home. Terrified, we immediately called The Animal Hospital and asked to bring him in for an evaluation.
We had been using The Animal Hospital, since the legendary Dr. Melissa Culver retired, and she and her husband, a large animal vet moved to Montana. "Chaco' was a 10 year old bichon-poodle mix, and the center of our universe. Our usual primary care doctors were Verelli, and Furgeson. A new doctor, Dr. Hunt was on duty the morning of Saturday, March 3 when we rushed Chaco to The Animal Hospital. We have had minimal previous dealings with this "Doctor" , beyond the scope of this review.
Chaco was weak, disoriented, and stumbling. Dr. Hunt brought him, "in to the back room" for an ultrasound. I've never liked their tiny medical facilities as compared to the fortune they've spent in remodeling the unimportant lobby, exam rooms, offices, etc.
Chaco was brought back to us, still clearly suffering. At this point, Hunt admitted, "I'm not a radiologist, and not experienced at reading an ultrasound". He had no diagnosis, other than to, "let him rest", "keep an eye on him" , and, "take him to the emergency room if you're concerned".
We were charged $125.00 for the ultrasound. Which would calculate to an hourly rate of $875.00 per hr.
Our dog was dead 14 hours later.
On postmortem examination by Dr. Dietrich at Aspen Meadow, WE were actually allowed to SEE the ultrasound. I, as a non-medical professional immediately saw the pericardial tamponade resultant of pericardial effusion. This SHOULD have been a 1st year vet-med student diagnosis.
In the "sympathy card" received from The Animal Hospital, Dr. Hunt included an, "if there's anything I can do" statement. We were infuriated .
In conclusion: don't charge me $125.00 for an ultrasound and admit that you don't know how to read it, then leave my best friend dead 14 hours later. Read Less