No option for negative stars. So here is my review, (sorry it's long) a week ago we went to Big River to have a mass removed from our dogs neck. We had been recommended by our vet as they didn't have ... Read More
No option for negative stars. So here is my review, (sorry it's long) a week ago we went to Big River to have a mass removed from our dogs neck. We had been recommended by our vet as they didn't have a surgeon on staff. We called made the consult appointment for Monday, that went well. They told us Wednesday of that week they could take him in. Awesome! The mass was located on the back of his neck and it kept getting infected (prior to surgery) we knew it needed to be removed and we had been so happy they would do the surgery so quickly. The day of surgery we dropped him off and were told to call by 1:00 for an update and/or to pick him up. At 1:00 pm called and he was ready for pick up. Fabulous! We went to pick him up (COVID so only one person could go in) no problem went in to get him and to go through the discharge paperwork. Now again, this mass was located behind his head, on his neck... so while going through the paperwork I asked anything we can do to to protect the area.. was told no, we can't use dressings or a cone and to try a child's onesie.. didn't make sense as to the location a onesie wouldn't offer any protection... but okay we are not vets and going to do that... nope, didn't work. Called Thursday worried nothing to protect the area worried about infection and him getting at it... told nope we don't give antibiotics for "minor surgery" Fast forward to 1:00am Saturday morning (day 3, post surgery) dog won't settle, area looks infected so called ocean state. Told us to come right in. (They were amazing)! Area was infected so gave us antibiotics and a middle anxiety pill to keep him settled. Now Big River never called and or emailed to check up... odd to me.. but okay. Sent an email to them Friday night( prior to ocean state) thinking they are open Saturday... (they are closed on weekends) Sunday after ocean state visit at the ass crack of dawn sent another email, stating we took him to ocean state Saturday and now looks like a suture is open and added a photo of the area asking to be called Monday morning. Now, for sake of argument to naysayers nothing was protecting this area! This dog never left our side and slept in bed with us to try and make sure he never got at it... Obviously we slept at some point in the mist of four days and he did... anyhoo to get back on track.. sent email expecting to get a call first thing Monday after they read and saw the photo.. and I asked for a call... That would be a big negative! I received this... "Antibiotics are not routinely given after surgery unless the site is contaminated. Most incisions don't get infected. We never know which dogs or cats will need anti-anxiety medications unless the owner tells us in advance or lets us know after the surgery that the pet won't stay calm." YUP!!! Nothing on the photo, no phone call saying bring him in... NOTHING!!! So I call, again explain to the receptionist what is going on.. she said oh we have a 3:15 open... okay, um it's 10am... fine we will take it.. I hang up and call Hope Veterinary ( where he typically goes) explained everything! Dr.Mary who is awesome said okay bring him now. She and her staff fixed the area (he needed staples to recluse the area) and gave more antibiotics and saved the freaking day!!!!
It is now a week and a day since the initial surgery. Not one follow up call. Not one check in email. Nothing! I have since received a call and email from Ocean State Veterinary and calls from Hope veterinary! Neither did the surgery but checking in to make sure he is doing okay! Big River are about the $$$$ and nothing else! I would never and I mean never recommend them! Call ocean state! If you need a phenomenal Vet call Hope and ask For Dr. Mary. Read Less