What a God-send Dr. Atherton is! I had a kitty that fell off of a balcony, landed on some stairs, and had a tibia-fibula break (in her back leg) two days ago. I cannot describe the weight and stress that just evaporated off my shoulders when I found Dr. Atherton!
After it happened, I rushed her to my current vet in Clay Center (Dr. Salava- bless him) but they are not equipped to do orthopedic surgery. He attempted to splint it, but my kitty pulled the splint off overnight, and it became obvious surgery would be the best option. So I began calling around.
Dr. Salava had recommended KState or Abilene Animal Hospital, and I called both. Abilene wouldn't be able to see her until NEXT THURSDAY (6 days away) and KState wanted $2500, $1500 of which would be up-front payment, and I do not have those kinds of funds laying around.
I was heartbroken. I felt like I couldn't do any thing for her while she was in so much pain. I began searching the internet and calling local vets. Several mentioned Dr. Atherton. I searched him out, and found the other review that is listed here. I was wary, but I also work in healthcare and I realize that any time there is anesthesia used, there is a risk. Blood work is an option, but it can get really costly, really quickly.
I asked a friend in town about Dr. Atherton, and she highly recommended him, saying that he is a great veterinarian that has been practicing for years.
I called his office and they got me in within an hour. When I got there, Dr. Atherton met me in the lobby and immediately began assessing my cat. He was open about every part of the procedure, including the cost of EVERYTHING. He really put me at ease. I have not yet picked Quidley up from the vet, but before the surgery he quoted me around $500-600 for the entire thing. WHAT A RELIEF! (He also offered more expensive options involvind screws and plates, but he explained that in her case, a plate was not necessary and was much more expensive- $700 for the hardware alone!)
He did an x-ray right there in the office and within 10 minutes, we were able to look at her injury. He walked me through exactly what he would do (including where each rod would be inserted in her leg, and what it would look like when she came home) and what to expect afterwards. Dr. Atherton is incredibly professional and I had no problem trusting him with the surgery and my pet.
That afternoon, (while I was asleep- I had been awake for over 24 hours because of all the stress and running around) he personally called me and left a voicemail about how my kitty's procedure went and said that she came through with flying colors. I can't say enough what a wonderful veterinarian he is, and what stress and heartache he put to rest for me. read more