Facts: I brought in my very ill, younger cat back in November and he was tentatively diagnosed with lymphoma on the first night. Was eventually told he wasn't a cantidate for treatment beyond diagno... Read More
Facts: I brought in my very ill, younger cat back in November and he was tentatively diagnosed with lymphoma on the first night. Was eventually told he wasn't a cantidate for treatment beyond diagnostics (that were inconclusive) and supportive care. About $3000 in on IV fluids, repeated blood work, an aspirate, an ultrasound...I decided to go elsewhere to get a second opinion. When they sent him home, I had to ask/remind to have a 3 day old catheter removed. Palliative care I was told was not an option, and I had to literally demand fluids for such..after being advised that he would be uncomfortable and would not survive off the IV. Amongst other complaints, but I won't waste time on a review that may be made irrelevant by this large corporate, which they certainly are. A repeat and reevaluation of diagnostics revealed a massive kidney infection. He was given antibiotics, bc at that point he was septic with the infection. Had my complaints heard all the way to the top, but their review process ultimately consists of the doctors in the hospital reviewing themselves. My final interaction was with with Dr. Russell, and the verdict was that they don't dispense medications willy nilly at this office, due to side effects, etc. My cat had all indications of an infection, from the beginning, and the medication ultimately given had very few side effects in contrast to the euthanasia they were heading us towards. Ironically, he had been given daily injections of an anti-nausea, etc...during his hospitalization and "treatment." But there was no real PLAN for diagnosis/treatment, in hindsight, just a very expensive "wait it out," and run with an inexperienced vets first call.The corporate in CA (as well as all objective parties involved) come to see the problem here, but the vets at the clinic self describe as "comfortable here" and never lose the condescending attitude, even when wrong. And the business office treated me like I was looking for a refund. Well, yeah! For the diagnostics, and maybe an apology or acknowledgement that this was not their best work? So it's scary to think that it is an acceptable outcome them while people entrust their pets here, and I have now talked to other people who have had similar experiences. Admitting the mistake would have left some good faith, but corporates don't have to. He is alive and healthy today based on the decision to question the ethic of this clinic, which is easy to do if you follow local word of mouth and read the "less relevant" reviews. I would have given 2 stars for excellent support staff (the techs are great) if not for what looks a lot like manipulation of recent reviews. Many of the vets mentioned in positive posts are long gone, and I have seen negative reviews come and disappear since this incident. I for one Raleigh gets a more trustworthy 24h clinic soon, or this location of NVA (which bought out a great local clinic) takes a look at better look at their talent and practices in this location. Just bc someone is having an emergency doesn't mean they don't want the best for their pet! Read Less