I have debated on how I wanted to review SPAH. I have been going to them for about 7 years now. Here's the problem with most people who go to vets. They don't know squat about animal health. They ... Read More
I have debated on how I wanted to review SPAH. I have been going to them for about 7 years now. Here's the problem with most people who go to vets. They don't know squat about animal health. They listen to everything the doctor says and accepts it as gospel. I am not one of those people. I know animal health quite well (and I don't work any bit close to the health community... so you can learn too if you spend the time) and I call the shots with regards to the treatment of my dogs and that is why I like SPAH. They respect my opinion and decisions. Perfect example is that I perform a conservative vaccination schedule on my dogs. For any of you who do the yearly 5-way or 7-way shots... read up on it. Search for Dr. Jean Dodd and vaccines. Not only will you be saving tons of money, you'll have a healthier dog. Anyway... I have told SPAH how I want to approach this and they understand and accept it. I administer the Distemper Parvo vaccine series myself. Once done... I'll check them a few years later with a blood titer, but most often than not, a dog who's gone through a complete puppy series will never need another DPV booster in their life. Don't let vets tell you otherwise. All the other vaccines in the cocktail of shots that all vets want to give you like Lepto, Corona, etc are worthless and harmful. They are also preserved with heavy metals. Over time, that builds up and is harmful... and don't get me started on the Lyme vaccine... which was originally developed for people, but the side effects were so bad that it was pulled. Instead.... we not give it to our dogs. No Thanks!Some Western Medicine vets will not treat your dog unless you follow their vaccination guidelines, which is the biggest sham in the world. They do this because vaccines are a major source of their income. Anyway... SPAH will treat my dogs who are on a conservative vaccination schedule. The only vaccine they do to my dogs is the Rabies one as required by law.I have seen Dr. Eastin for years. Saw Dr. Cohen before he retired. They have a new Dr. there by the name of Masters (gotta love that name) who replaced Dr. Factor (who kinda felt like a car salesman to me) and I have to say, I really like Dr. Masters from my initial visit with her. I think she's a great addition to the clinic and brings a younger/fresher perspective to veterinary medicine. So with all of this said, I have liked the treatment I have gotten from them over the years and continue to see them for small/routine issues.That said... I see a specialist when specialist type things are needed. As a breeder, I use a special vet in MD for reproduction services. For orthopedics, I use a vet in MD who only does veterinary sports medicine. For dermatological issues, I use a special vet in Springfield, VA. For holistic treatments, I see a holistic vet in Ashburn, VA. For emergency issues even during business hours, I see a special clinic that I really like. That said... I like SPAH as my everyday routine-type clinic. I think in the beginning SPAH seemed like their feelings were hurt that I see specialists for specialized things, but that's the way I roll and they understand it now.Now... I'm also going to critique a few things. I agree with some of the earlier posters on price. They are definitely expensive and will do a lot of tests if you let them. Example was an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy of one of my girls. I thought I could save the drive up to MD and just do it with them, but they wanted about $360 for it and it was $120 in MD. Additionally, I am not a big fan that they charge you a $15 pharmacy fee for getting pills out of a cabinet. I almost always mail order my prescriptions with a reputable website and that saves a lot of money. They do always ask for a follow up visit for treating things and if I am able to see if things are wrong with my dog, I can see when things are right, so I rarely do the follow ups unless I feel it is warranted. These couple things were enough to give them a 4 star instead of 5.Just my 2 Cents. Take it for what it's worth. Read Less