Aftet two years of medical treatment from VCA Westerville we have chosen to switch vets. Treatment plans were always inconclusive and never sustained results. During our time at VCA we experienced bou... Read More
Aftet two years of medical treatment from VCA Westerville we have chosen to switch vets. Treatment plans were always inconclusive and never sustained results. During our time at VCA we experienced bouts of positive results, always followed by return of the problem. This always meant restarting the treatment plan, rarely a new plan. Parasitic treatments typically need a balanced plan with stratigic planing in place. VCA's plan was always, "let's try", with no follow-up.
The services are pricey. Most testing is not in house. Emergency services are very limited. Each staff member seems to hold more than one position. I have never had the same 'receptionist'.
Our last straw was when we knew the canines had been exposed to fleas in July 2017. Although, they were on preventative drops, the reapplication was due within the next week. I called VCA to order the next three months of flea treatment. Keep in mind that VCA plans for accurate or adequate treatment don't seem to exist. The tech on the phone stated a new three month chew was available. She stated that they received no complaints or problems with it. She also starred that it would begin working immediately to help tackle the potential problem before the fleas actually became a problem. Also, the meds came with a guarentee. Long story short the medication did not work. But it was a three month treatment. After doing my own research I called VCA two months later to confirm thatI could treat the pets with frontline even tho they had been tasted with BRAVECTO. Additionally, we scheduled am appointment after signs of parasites returned.
We took a fresh fecal sample in for parisite testing. We could see the parasite without microscopic testing. I photographed the worms in the stool. The vet insisted on testing. Testing returned normal, no parasite present. Out of two years, for fecal tests, only one came back showing possible signs of worms. Luckily, due to history, the vet had Rx-ed dewormer. But failed to suggest further pest treatment. We were directed to contact Bravecto about the guarentee.
Bravecto stated the vet is to implement a treatment plan to correct the now pest problem. As well as to supply refund to us for the failed medication, and cover the cost of the medications, sprays, and such to eliminate the pest and any pest caused problems. Then VCA is to file the claim(s) through Bravecto for reimbursement.
VCA will not issue a refund, nor cover cost of treatment. They had no idea on what to do next beyond a home treatment spray that they carry. Even so, she didn't know if it actually would help the problem.
We changed vets.
Although we continue to battle the lifecycle of the flea (which can take up to 3 months for severe cases), we have seen drastic improvement in just one month. The vet agreed with the current DIY treatment plans for the home and yard. Suggested another spray that holds guarentee to use on the property. She suggested this because our probkem has grown from an irritant to a full-blown infestation. None the less, with new treatment/prevention drops, and the homesprat, Our canines' skin is no longer irritated to the point of needing antihistamines. Our canines' can lay and sleep without being disturbed by biting and itching. They no longer need anti-anxiety meds.
A good treatment plan from VCA with quality veterinary knowledge of currently sold products coiupke have prevented hundreds of dollars of medications, sprays, visits, etc.
Our new vet stands by only three flea meds that uphold their guarentee. Further, she had nothing positive to say about Bravecto.
OUR DOGS ARE HAPPY AGAIN! And so are we.
Save yourself time & stress & money. save your pets too. Go else where. Read Less