I have an older cat who last night was struggling to get on the couch, having a hard time finding a comfortable position, was lethargic, and having trouble breathing. I called Q st Animal Hospital, b... Read More
I have an older cat who last night was struggling to get on the couch, having a hard time finding a comfortable position, was lethargic, and having trouble breathing. I called Q st Animal Hospital, because I knew they were 24 hrs. I asked to speak with a nurse for advice and the very friendly lady on the phone said she was a nurse and could help. I explained the situation and she told me to bring him in. When we got there, there was a different lady behind the counter, so I explained the situation to her, she took him back right away, which was scary, because there were several animals in the waiting room already, so in them taking my kitty made me fear something really bad was happening. We sat out in the waiting room for half an hour (which was scary, wondering what was happening, why it was taking so long) than she back and told us they had him on oxygen and an IV. That he seemed more comfortable now. From the look of shock on her face she wasn't expecting me to start crying. My poor kitty!!! She said the vet would discuss with us her plan. About ten minutes later we met with the vet, Jamie Warren. She told us her plan was to do blood work than go from there. I don't like doctors of any kind, but this lady felt really calming, and concerned. She felt like someone I could trust. I told her that we didn't have much money, but I did have a care credit card, and got paid the next day. I've been to vets who told me if I can't afford their services than I shouldn't have the animal. It's always scary telling someone you don't have much money. She was so caring and sweet. She told us the receptionist would run a report to see how much available balance I had on my care credit card and we would discuss price and plan each step so nothing was a shock to us. After another 30 minutes we were back talking with her. Our kitty had elevated liver levels. She thought he might have an infection. She said Plan A was keeping him over night for monitoring on an IV. With an hour of oxygen he seemed to be stable enough without it. But she said she understood if we couldn't afford that, because it's very expensive, so she would create a plan B. They brought us a quote for Plan A and Plan B. When we went with Pan B they didn't look down on us or anything. 30 minutes later they gave us very clear instructions, all the paperwork/plans/briefing on his situation, the medicine, and our cat. And told us to get him looked at by a regular vet the next day. They also said a return visit is free, so if he has any issues bring him back. I was really impressed. They took such good care of him, were very respectful, understanding, and kind. They are an Emergency Vet so I think their prices are higher than a regular vet, but so is the Emergency Room compared to a regular doctor. Read Less