How I Love Our Vet!

magikof7 · #1 09-09-2012, 05:51 AM

Let me guess, it was the 4th st animal hospital in the NW?
since the new owners and the renos of that place there has been a lot of horror stories about quality of care and vet bills. Ive had my own experiences with them and so have my parents.

Ill drive across the city in a snowstorm in the middle of the night before taking one of my animals to them.

Coralgurl · #2 09-09-2012, 07:03 AM

There's another emergency vet clinic open 24 hours on McKnight and Edmonton trail that apparently has much better pricing and service. If I ever need emerg pet care, that's where I'd go. The one on 4th is outrageous!

Enigma · #3 09-09-2012, 01:07 PM

Yes. The emergency clinic was Calgary North on 4th. Next time, I'll use the one at McKnight and Edmonton trail. I'm sure there will be a next time, as our pup is eleven.

McLeod South highly recommends a Fish Creek emergency clinic. All three of the ladies who were at the clinic yesterday (Dr. Pytka included) feel it is the best emergency facility in the city. One of the ladies lives in the north, and was very instant that she would drive to that clinic if at all possible. They also indicated that C.A.R.E. was alright. I think that is the one near Deerfoot Meadows.

I have been very badly manipulated by a vet here in Calgary in the past: one who tugged on my heart strings and had me spending thousands on my cat in the hopes of recovery from fatty liver disease and anorexia. My cat was 14 at the time, and all that was accomplished was extending her life by two miserable weeks. While a younger cat may have rebounded (and my sister did in fact have a kitten who rebounded from anonerixa: on the same treatment regime), it was foolish to try with a cat so old. That was why I started driving my critters to Kamloops for treatment.

The lack of regulations is truly disturbing. They can charge whatever they want, and some vets take full advantage of the situation. There are some really good ones out there, though. I'm very thankful that our regular vet is one of the good ones: fair, honest, and skilled in her craft.

magikof7 · #4 09-09-2012, 03:53 PM

I go to the one on Mcknight and Edmonton trail. as my Emerg and regular Vet. I like them there. They are willing to listen to you and discuss treatment.

The staff there are great and they all get tight lipped and dissaproving faces when you mention 4th st. Another Vet my parents go to said they are always always cut first fix the problem later. There is a big medical facility with specialists that are also owned by the same chain. (associated vets) My Newfy has Hip displaysia and at 6 months old they wanted to cut her hips in 3 segments and plate it back together I said no way! he wouldn't talk to me anymore about any other options.

It is an awful thing when vets become about the money and not the animal.

What an unforgivable thing to do to someone with a sick animal that they KNOW is just too old and sick to treat with an owner who's heart is breaking. They should have someone to answer to just like human Doctors do.

Enigma · #5 09-09-2012, 04:15 PM

I read a review online that indicated there are several places in Calgary that are now owned by the same folks who own Calgary North. What facilities are associated with them hasn't been specified, though.

I just got a phone call from the emergency vet. Each one of the blood tests run on Robby require further testing and evaluation. I asked that they forward the results to our regular vet. They also wanted to know when I'd be booking his dental.

I responded that since he had just had a seizure (presumably brought on by a wasp sting), that his regular vet wanted to wait at least six months before anesthetizing him for any reason. Her reasoning being that if he had just had a seizure, he was clearly not a good candidate for anesthesia. Apparently the anesthesiologist at the emergency clinc is so good that it isn't an issue.

Yeah, I'll definately try the one on Edmonton Trail and McKnight next time!

Coralgurl · #6 09-09-2012, 04:51 PM

Associated vet has their clinics listed on their website if you want to know which clinics are owned by them. They buy existing clinics so usually keep the same staff and doctors. I don't know if their pricing is the same across the clinics or not tho. Totally agree there should be some governance but unfortunately there isn't and they are free to set their own pricing for services.

Sorry your pup is not doing well. Seizures are horrible to watch them go through. I can't believe they told you he'd be fine to continue treating, shows exactly what they are all about. I hope he feels better soon

Small town vets are also another option. We take our dog to didbury for regular treatment, shots etc. costs are significantly lower, service is excellent, just a bit of a drive, but well worth it.

The vet on McKnight, I haven't had to use them yet, but I have spoken with them. They understand the cost of pet ownership and want to ensure all animals have an opportunity for treatment regardless of the financial background of the owners. Their clinic isn't fancy but it is family owned. The 4th street clinic protested them opening as they are direct compition and they are taking a lot of their clients.