Durham Veterinary Hospital

Dr Sudesh Kumar is only out for the money. He has purchased my local vet practice and has doubled the pricing and has cut off a local wildlife rescue organization from using the practice. Do yourself a favor go elsewhere! And he owns multiple practices so do your research! Read Less

I hoped that I wouldn't have to write this review and my intention is not to tell people to go elsewhere but is in hopes that it changes the way DVH treats their clients.  I even gave myself some time to heal before posting but with a clearer mind, I am even more upset by what happened and the lack of response.  This was my second bad experience but for the first, I went directly to Durham Vet and sent an email. For my first experience over a year ago, my dog had a tumor removed and after days of waiting for results and never receiving a call, I called the office. The woman who answered said they did receive the results and that the tumor was a melanoma.  She said the doctor was trying to get in touch with a specialist. She didn't have more information (next steps, prognosis, stage).  I never heard from the doctor,  which led me to finding out how awful the diagnosis was via google.  I sent an email letting them know how disappointed I was in their lack of follow up. After I complained about the above, they had another vet tech call to apologize and provide more information.  It was difficult to hear that my dog most likely wouldn't have much time and more difficult to know that Dr. Kumar didn't feel the need to take the time to make that phone call. I never actually heard anything about his call with the specialist until I brought my dog in to be put to sleep only weeks later. Being that he is so compassionate in the moment, I would have assumed the same follow through.  Most recently, my elderly pug had what I was told would be a simple surgery.  He, however, was 15 years old and there was a chance of complications.  Dr. Kumar said he would give him a mild sedative in order to remove the tumor from his leg. When I dropped him off in the morning, I was told to call by 2p if I hadn't heard from anyone.  I ended up calling at 3p after not hearing from the office.  I was told that the doctor would be calling me back in ten minutes. Over an hour went by and I hadn't heard from anyone. I attempted to call but the phones were busy. At around 4:30p, I received a call that he was out of surgery and ready to be picked up and he was doing fine.  When I picked him up, I was surprised by how bad he seemed. He was panting heavily (even for a pug) and very dazed. Dr. Kumar said that they needed to give him oxygen a few times during the surgery and without remembering the exact language, alluded to it being touch and go at times.  As they put Puggsley in my car, It didn't appear that he was "ready" to be sent home. I was told that the sedative would wear off and to keep him cool.   I did everything they said and didn't leave his side.  The heavy breathing barely settled down. About an hour after being home, our dog appeared to be having difficulty breathing and then what appeared to be a seizure or heart attack.  At that point, there was nothing that we could do and he passed away. It was incredibly traumatic.  DVH was closed but I called the next morning to give them the news.  It is almost a week later and I still haven't heard from Dr. Kumar.  I know he is busy but a two minute phone call after such an awful situation seems like the proper professional, compassionate response. Read Less

Amazing, caring, and friendly staff! The Vet is very personable and explains any issue(s) so it's easily understood. Also has vet-approved dog and cat food available for sale. I definitely recommend this clinic to anyone who cares about their pet! Read Less