My guinea pig, Michael, was taken to Rainbow Vet because he was having difficulty eating due to his overgrown molars. It was the first time a pet of mine was taken here, as I live in a different state... Read More
My guinea pig, Michael, was taken to Rainbow Vet because he was having difficulty eating due to his overgrown molars. It was the first time a pet of mine was taken here, as I live in a different state and my parents were taking care of him for me while I was traveling. My dad took Michael to Rainbow Vet for me two days before I arrived to take him back home, as his condition was critical and needed treatment immediately.
Before the visit, my parents were given an estimate of ~$80-100 to anesthetize my pig and file his molars, on top of the cost of the exam visit, which I was willing to pay. However, when my dad took him to the appointment, the vet refused to look at or file the molars without an x-ray, and said the x-ray would cost an additional ~$80. It is NOT necessary to take an x-ray to see a guinea pig€s molars, especially if that animal is anesthetized. The overgrown and unevenly worn incisors were also a clear indication of molar overgrowth.
Rainbow Vet did not file his molars like I wanted and expected, but only took him in the back room to file his incisors (I only found this out after my dad had brought him home from Rainbow Vet). I was told that my easy-going pig squealed and screamed while they handled him in the back room, and that it was so bad that my dad almost went into the back room to see what they were doing to him. When the vet came back in they told my dad that Michael€s molars were €probably€ overgrown, which I already knew - that€s why I had him taken there in the first place! He was taken there to have his molars filed. He was sent home with overgrown molars, the continued inability to eat because of his overgrown molars, and pain relievers, although I€m unsure why, as guinea pigs do not have feeling in their teeth. I once had a guinea pig that broke an incisor nearly to the gum line and was completely unphased.
Three days after his visit to Rainbow Vet, I was able to bring Michael home and have him examined by my vet. My vet said his incisors were still too long, even after being filed down by Rainbow Vet, and confirmed that his molars were overgrown. He clipped his incisors in the exam room, right in front of me, and there was absolutely no squeaking, screaming, or struggling involved. The vet commented that he was an exceptionally good and well handled pig. He was later anesthetized so his molars could be filed, no x-rays needed.
I€m thankful for my vet, and I€m thankful that I will never have to deal with Rainbow Vet ever again. I would not recommend this clinic to anyone. They are a disgrace to the veterinary profession. My impression is not only that they don€t do a good job of treating their patients or giving them the care that they need, but that they rely on unnecessary technology to drive up costs and prey upon people who don€t know better. If you are in search of a good vet and are considering this place € keep looking. There are better vets out there.
Experience:
Master€s degree Animal Science/Nutrition
4 years working at veterinary clinics
10+ years caring for guinea pigs Read Less