I'm going to predicate this review by saying that I realize it's an outlier--and quite possibly the lowest rating ever posted here for Symphony. All I can say is that this was *my experience* and I ga... Read More
I'm going to predicate this review by saying that I realize it's an outlier--and quite possibly the lowest rating ever posted here for Symphony. All I can say is that this was *my experience* and I gave them a fair shot--ten years in fact.REASONS:--They handled the terminal diagnosis of my late cat with insensitivity and in poor form.--Dental work done there on my other cat over the course of several years was, as recent x-rays established, done very poorly and contributed to a chronic gum condition.--Their rates are, as most everyone says, out of line.HISTORY: I was a client at Symphony since 2003, when I adopted my two cats. I left there in late 2013, when Eydie was diagnosed with an inoperable abdominal tumor. In between, I spared no expense on regular check-ups, x-rays and several dental procedures for both cats, on the premise that it's never too much if it means they're healthy and happy.DR LEVISON: All in all, I found her to be pleasant and knowledgeable. However I was saddened and disappointed by her handling of Eydie's terminal illness. The final results came back while she was on vacation, and a very sweet associate handled it. However Dr. Levison didn't so much as send me an email of concern, let alone reach out with a phone call. Some may find this an unfair judgment, but I had been going there with Eydie for a decade. She was her only doctor. Wow.WHY I LEFT: On the day of Eydie's ultrasound and xray, I was required to pay a "75% deposit" before the procedure. That's not only ludicrous, it's tasteless and insulting, especially given my loyal patronage. What it tells me is that they want as much money upfront as possible, in case the news is bad and the client doesn't want to pay. Once it was over and I was told she was going to die, I sat in the "bus station waiting room" for over 20 minutes, waiting for them to bring her out. Once I finally went to the desk, they said "Oh yes, you have a balance due." Classy, kids, classy.DENTAL INCOMPETENCE: Steve had several teeth removed in dental procedures over the years. Recently, when he was experiencing behavior issues with my new cat, I had him checked out. A dental x-ray--quite possibly his first--established that there was a great deal of root matter left in his gums from previous extractions, and that it was causing great pain and discomfort, and retarding the reformation of the gum tissue. He had extensive surgery. Now he is once again happy, healthy and really well adjusted. At no point during those previous procedures was I shown an x-ray, whereas at his current vet, I was given an entire printed report including photos and x-rays, with explanations. That's professional. Both of my cats are now going to Gotham Vet Center, which was recommended to me several years ago by a close friend. It's team, including Dr. Bonnie Brown, Dr. Kwan, and dentist Patricia Dominguez are not only experts, but also wonderful at working with their clients and patients. It's a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and I couldn't have asked for a better experience for Steve during his dental surgery. I didn't doubt them for a moment.Again, it's rare when I have a negative review of a business that's in such a minority. But I felt I needed to put this one on the record. Read Less