2nd update: Gatlin has now got the ball rolling again! I am satisfied with the consult & planning. I feel that some trust has been established now that we 'have an understanding' & look forward to wor... Read More
2nd update: Gatlin has now got the ball rolling again! I am satisfied with the consult & planning. I feel that some trust has been established now that we 'have an understanding' & look forward to working with her in the future. I would however, suggest that our previous interactions are how a business LOSES clients & would encourage a more INVOLVED approach in the future! I also feel I must point out that the wrong PRESCRIPTION diet was given to me by her staff while she was gone, so WATCH for ACCURACY! PAY attention, for others DON'T!
Here is the update I promised: I have spoken(at length) with Dr. Gatlin(SHORTLY after leaving my review- ..from her conference in Austin), and she has addressed my concerns and has devised a plan of action- I will not remove my original (although amended)post, as it is what factually happened, and I WAS amazed by it! I still have a wait-and-see stance, but I am feeling more trust than previously(I rather think they must have seen the review, and hastened to rectify the situation, - kudos for that, but I still feel that leaving us unaddressed without a plan of action as she left town was unacceptable). I am bumping up my rating from 'dislike' to 'it's ok' until they prove to me that it's more than just 'ok,' by actual performance. I DO appreciate her call & reassurances; we shall see, & I HOPE to give them 5 stars shortly!*
Wow. I'm MORE than just a bit flabbergasted and AMAZED by the lack of concern displayed by Dr. Gatlin as, after leaving a message that my 20 yr old cat had progressed in renal failure(kidney disease) & that she was going to create a plan of action- then takes off for a week for a conference without notice nor instruction to her staff to address my animal's needs. First visit, $400 bucks later and she just- DROPPED THE BALL AND WALKED AWAY. She also wants video PROOF of episodes of coughing and wheezing & told me to stop giving her albuterol(that really helps) "until further investigation" because of contraindication possibilities of medication that may be prescribed(I wondered if it may be COPD since I have it & she sat on my lap as I smoked for 20 years, but they don't think cats can GET COPD).
Gatlin seemed 'disconnected;' & 'offhand' during our FIRST visit, while I had SERIOUS concerns about kidney failure(diagnosed in 2007), and pain management for arthritis- licks the fur off her joints in PAIN & has trouble walking... suggested the licking as well as the itching & coughing/wheezing/gurgling were only allergies,since the x-rays of her lungs didn't indicate asthma. Having done extensive research, I asked about changing her litter(some can aggravate lungs) & she said not to change anything "yet" because it probably wasn't asthma. (I've also had ask twice for a copy of the results of her (expensive)bloodwork~ ALWAYS keep your own records, folks!!)
While I was there, she also declined to address my concerns about my animal's teeth and a cyst & the terrible LOCALIZED itching(she is on Revolution, flealess and gets baths). "Wait," she says. "Do nothing until further notice," she says. Then takes off & leaves. You CANNOT tell me that she didn't KNOW that she was LEAVING. Failed to mention it to me, who was in the midst of panic after she relayed in that message that my cat was in the midst of kidney failure & we needed to discuss treatment and a pain plan. To be fair: she did call -once- at 5:30 Friday evening- and left that message; said to call her back. I did, & they said they'd have her call me. I never received a return call. Now FIVE DAYS LATER they tell me she's gone this week! I let them know how disappointed I am in their facility dropping the ball, and asked, "So, I need to get another vet?" Oh, of COURSE not! They'll "TRY" to get a message to her. Does THIS sound like " highest quality veterinary care with compassion and excellent client service" to YOU? Doesn't to ME. I'm SORRY I missed the call, and I'm waiting to see if they can regain my TRUST. I WILL post a follow up should I receive a call from her. Read Less