After coming to MGAH since 3/13 for our cat Coco who at that time was 17 years old, I am horrified by the recent changes in this vet practice, which is founded by husband and wife team, Dr. Harris and... Read More
After coming to MGAH since 3/13 for our cat Coco who at that time was 17 years old, I am horrified by the recent changes in this vet practice, which is founded by husband and wife team, Dr. Harris and Dr. Bertoglio. Their support staff and front office staff is stellar. My cat Coco was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, renal failure and pancreatitis. She was very, very ill. Obviously, I wanted anything that would save her - medicine, tests, whatever! In March of 2013 I received my first bill; it was just under $700.00. Dr. Harris never told me how much any of the countless tests were going to cost. Honestly, in his defense, at that time I do not think it would have mattered. I would have paid any ways...she was my best friend and I wasn't going to let her die. This scenario went on and on until March of 2014, which was her last office visit with Dr. Harris. Coco wasn't improving. Now nearly 19 years old, could barely walk, see or hear. Dr. Harris still pushed and pushed for the same tests. WHY??? Coco was dying. In 1 year I had spent nearly $2,700.00 on tests for Coco...all the same tests. The test all came back the same, we treated her the same and multiple times he tried to have me treat her for condition I knew were unnecessary. He's a salesman. He made money off me and my dying cat. All they see is money, especially off the elderly animals. Funny thing is - I thought he actually cared. I was just too distraught to see through it at the time. That is why I am writing this review. I lost my job in late 2013 and had trouble with paying a vet bill in full. I asked Dr. Harris if I could put it on my credit card to pay in full several days later. He stated, "I don't handle any of the finances at all and that I'd have to talk to the front office." I did just that and later learned that ALL financial matters are handled by Dr. Harris and Dr. Bertoglio, NOT the front office. There was some good cop bad cop going on. Coco passed away May 2, 2014 at home, right next to me. I am very grateful for this. I called MGAH as soon as they open and told them she passed....they put Dr. Harris on the phone. Here's what he said, "Bring her in to make the accommodations, ok?" Needless to say I was shocked. No, I'm sorry, my condolences...not a word. When I arrived, sobbing like a child, with my best friend wrapped in the blanket she died on; I sat in the waiting room because there wasn't a room for us to go into. Dr. Harris hadn't even communicated with the front office that we were on our way. It was terrible. Linda, the office manager took us in an office because there was nowhere else to go. Dr. Harris didn't even come to see us.Because my income is so shattered currently; I have advised MGAH I cannot pay for Coco's cremation until 5/28/14. Dr. Harris will not release Coco to me until then. As if I wouldn't pay this final debt for my best friend. It's all about the money at Morton Grove Animal Hospital, NOT the animals. I have two other cats and I will NEVER bring them there. Read Less