I’ll start by saying how disappointed I am to write a negative review because we’ve been with this vet for over 12 years. We’ve always had good experiences with them, even when our chihuahua had a tum... Read More
I’ll start by saying how disappointed I am to write a negative review because we’ve been with this vet for over 12 years. We’ve always had good experiences with them, even when our chihuahua had a tumor and ended up needing a full front leg amputation. Dr. Chalberg was attentive, patient, comforting and kept in touch throughout Penny’s recovery.
Now our second dog has a lump on her rear, which looks like a very infected anal gland. I took her to the vet for evaluation on Thursday and saw a doctor I haven’t had before, Dr. Corrigan. My initial impression was that she wasn’t unfriendly—she was pleasant and kind to our dog—but she was generally flat. After looking at our dog, she said it could be an infected anal gland or a tumor, and that she’d likely need surgery, or, if the pre-op scans showed that it was cancer that had spread, then we would discuss maybe just making her comfortable. I was surprised by her assessment that it might be a tumor, and that her time could be running out. The doctor took pictures and measurements of the lump and said she’d share it with the surgeon and get his assessment and a quote, which sounded like a good next step. I got a call later that afternoon from the doctor saying that the surgeon thought it was a tumor as well and he is available for surgery Monday. Keep in mind it is Thursday and this diagnosis was based on sight. She acknowledged it was a lot to think about and that if we needed time to think then that was ok. It was a lot to consider due to coast (estimated $5,000), and time (we needed to decide in a day). We decided we needed a second opinion.
Friday morning I decided to email Muddy Branch asking about the diagnostic options, timing, and a few other questions. I received a phone call from Amy, a receptionist, and her conversation with me in no way reflected anything I had asked about in my message. She was defensive and had an attitude. When I asked questions about aspirating the growth, she stammered over an ultimately defensive reply that dismissed it as an option, mentioned that they were working on scheduling Monday’s procedure with the surgeon, and said that we needed to drop our dog off for the day for the pre-op work. By the end of the call, when I said I needed to discuss what she’d told me with other family, she essentially said she needed an answer in 30 minutes.
We get a second opinion the next day and the other doctor also believes it’s likely a tumor that should be removed. She suggests that, if we can get the surgery done Monday still, then it might be best to pursue that option. I called Muddy Branch but the doctor wasn’t available so I left a message with the receptionist. Dr. Corrigan had mentioned previously that she’d be in on Saturday since I said I’d call to give her an update on our dog. I call Saturday, leave another message and never receive a return phone call.
It’s now Monday, and I waited until about 3pm, then decided I would try to reach Dr. Corrigan one last time. I call and reach a receptionist who tries to see if Dr. Corrigan is available. When she returns to the phone she informs me that the doctor is on her way out and unable to talk, but asked that she relay to me that unfortunately the surgeon was only available on that day (Monday) and has no availability at this time. She said we could try to go through Blue Pearl or another surgery center in Gaithersburg.
I couldn’t believe that our pet’s health wasn’t a priority, and that in some way, this change in attitude felt like it stemmed from us wanting a second opinion and not being comfortable jumping to surgery with no time to think about it and no diagnostic testing. I’m also highly offended that after being with Muddy Branch for over 12 years, they would treat a loyal client this unprofessionally. Needless to say we won’t be returning, but it’s sad because this is the only vet we’ve had.
So our dog may have cancer and now we’re scrambling to find a surgeon who can remove this growth ASAP. I’ve called several places and no one does this specialized surgery. I called VRA in Gaithersburg and they can’t schedule a consultation for two weeks.
Even if the surgery couldn’t have been done today, it would have been nice if the doctor at least called to check in and to explain that the window of opportunity may have closed but we’d see what we could do. Or, knowing that Monday was the only chance, it would have been nice if she’d taken the time to really explain, that while she understood it is a big/stressful decision being asked in a short amount of time, that if we didn’t do it Monday then it might be weeks before there was another chance, which may have compelled us to take the leap. But neither of those things happened, sadly. Read Less