I've been using this clinic for their low-cost services for about two years, and until yesterday, I had always had a great experience. The appointments have always been quick, easy, and affordable, which is why I felt comfortable bringing my cat here when she developed a cough that I had never heard before.
I'm a very protective pet owner, so I wanted to have her checked out just to be safe. Unfortunately, yesterday's experience left me extremely frustrated and with more questions than answers.
When the veterinarian first came in, he immediately began handling my cat and feeling around her body rather roughly. She immediately started hissing at him. My cat is normally extremely friendly--she literally kisses me on the nose--so seeing her react that way was very concerning to me. I understand that animals can become nervous at the vet, but I feel that allowing her a moment to get comfortable and sniff the veterinarian before immediately handling her would have made a big difference.
I was told that her cough was likely related to fragrances being used in my home. I explained that I have used these fragrances for around 2 1/2 years and that I have actually been using them less frequently recently rather than having them running constantly. I understand that fragrances can potentially affect pets, and I'm absolutely willing to make changes if necessary, but I felt like that conclusion was made without much investigation into other possible causes.
They recommended bloodwork, and I agreed. I specifically asked if it could be done there because she was already nervous and I knew she didn't feel comfortable. She was taken to the back, and they attempted to restrain her with a muzzle and hold her legs while preparing to draw blood. While they were attempting to take her blood, they eventually brought her back to me. She had alcohol all over her body, and I was told that she had started drooling and was having a hard time breathing. They then told me they stopped because they were concerned about injuring her neck or potentially breaking her neck.
I was honestly shocked and extremely uncomfortable hearing all of this. I was then told that she would need to be sedated in order to have bloodwork done. What confused me even more is that she has had bloodwork done previously without being sedated, so I was left wondering why sedation was suddenly necessary now.
They also recommended an X-ray, but I left feeling like my original concern hadn't really been resolved. I spent around $90 and walked away with essentially the same concern I came in with, except now I was even more worried because of how the visit was handled.
I want to be clear that I understand veterinary care can be difficult, especially when an animal is scared. I'm not upset that my cat was nervous or that they had difficulty getting blood. My frustration is with how the situation was handled and the lack of clear communication throughout the process. I also wish they had taken more time to build trust with my cat before immediately grabbing and restraining her.
I have recommended this clinic in the past because of my previous positive experiences and the affordability of their services. That's why yesterday was especially disappointing. I left feeling like I didn't have a clear explanation for what was happening with my cat, and I didn't feel completely comfortable with how the situation was handled.
I truly hope this feedback is taken seriously because I do appreciate having access to affordable veterinary care. I just want to feel confident that my pets are being handled gently, that concerns are being thoroughly investigated, and that I'm being given clear and transparent explanations about their care. read more