Veterinary Angels Medical Center

Reviews 3

TE

Ted

It pains me to tell this story, but it must be told in hopes that other parrot owners might be educated: My African Grey parrot died after receiving treatment from Veterinary Angels in Agoura Hills. To make a long story short: ‘Gumbo’ had been harmlessly plucking his feathers for many years, as African Greys sometimes do, but 7 months ago I discovered that he had taken his plucking to a new level by severely damaging the skin under both wings. The skin had become so irritated that he was not able to flap his wings anymore. Not long after discovering this, I took him to Veterinary Angels and his treatment began for the next 6 months. All that was fine. But as part of his wing healing I was told that the wings must be stretched as part of the therapy, so that they would not atrophy. Again, that made sense. But that’s when things went terribly wrong: During one of the visits (I was taking Gumbo twice a week) the owner and another vet stretched his right wing beyond its limit, breaking his wing artery and damaging the ligament. It must have been terribly painful for him. He almost bled to death right then, but they managed to suture the artery, before it was too late. They charged me $95 for ‘emergency care’ to correct a problem that they caused. I took Gumbo home with a fully bandaged wing, just happy that he was still alive. After a few days, the bandage was removed. However, his right wing hung down and out, awkwardly. He could no longer retract it. I was told that it was just because the wing had been bandaged up, but something did not seem right with that answer. After a few visits his wing was still hanging the same way, which they seemed to be ignoring unless I asked about it. Upon my concerned questions I was told that it was just because the wing ‘hurts him still’, that’s why he cant retract it. At that point I began to feel that it was more serious than that. Eventually I was told that part of the artery sutures were removed, and I believe eventually all the sutures were taken out because I found no trace of them after my bird had died. When his artery broke during their wing stretching, I felt that they had created a ticking time bomb. The vet had fitted Gumbo with a foam tube collar to prevent him from getting to his underwings. It worked well, but unfortunately it affected his balance, making him very clumsy. He would fall often, therefore I would not allow him up any higher than his cage. On Monday, August 8th, during the night, he evidently fell on that wing and broke the artery open again. In the morning I found the most horrifying site; my dead parrot in a very large pool of his blood. I called Veterinary Angels that morning. I told them that Gumbo had died, because the artery had opened again. The receptionist took my number saying that the owner will want to talk to me. From that Monday until the following Friday I heard NOTHING from Veterinary Angels. I then emailed them, explaining what happened to Gumbo. I also wrote that I felt it was callous that I had not heard from them (I had been taking Gumbo to them, twice a week for many months). Only then did the owner call me and leave a message. In her message she said that ‘we usually give pet owners a week to grieve before contacting them about their loss’. Really? She also said that she hoped I had received the card of condolence they sent me right after they heard. To this day, I have received no such card. Either somebody dropped the ball or they were just too busy to contact me. I’ll never know. Needless to say, Gumbo’s death was devastating to me. He was a gentle bird and had a huge vocabulary. He enjoyed being around people. But no more. My friend of 29 years is now gone. All I can say in closing is, be EXTRA careful when choosing an avian vet.

LE

Leo Bjergo

I have several Cavies (Guinea Pigs). One of them became seriously ill. I thought it was just a skin infection until her cheeks puffed up, making her look like a Chipmunk. It became so serious that she couldnt eat pelleted food. carrots, or any other hard foods. I called my vet and found that she would be gone for two weeks. I made an appt. for the soonest possible date, but when my baby girl started losing weight, I took her to a 24 Hr. Emergency Clinic They gave me some medication and said, "If she gets worse, I recommend Dr. Latos, at Veterinary Angels Medical Center. He is the FINEST Guinea Specialist I know of. It appears she may need surgery. This could cost about $ 500.00.) When my baby started losing 1.5 Oz. PER DAY, I made an emergency appt. IM VERY GLAD I DID. Dr Latos did a VERY thorough exam, and told me she had a parasitic infection. He even invited me to look through his microscope to see what the "Bug" looked like! He was going to keep my "Little Angel" overnight for observation. But there was a problem with my credit card. (My bank had just renovated their computer system, and it seems that it created problems for ALL of their credit card users!) When my credit card wouldnt clear, they gave me a list of organizations that assist people with paying their vet bills! (Since I didnt have internet access at their office they worked with me to save my Little Angels life! I had to take her home, since I couldnt pay for the boarding and care in advance.) During the trip home, I noticed a marked change in Little Angels behavior. She was NO LONGER lethargic, but actually wheeking for attention/food! Her appetite had returned! I stopped at a market and bought the ONLY thing I thought she might be able to chew with her mouth in such terrible condition, a banana. I gave her a small slice, and she IMMEDIATELY tore into it and began wheeking for more! Dr Latoss treatment had helped her! Even though treatment is not yet complete, I do believe he has saved her life! Up until then, I had lost ALL hope. I was SURE she was going to die. But Dr Latos and the fantastic staff have given me back my hope! They REALLY ARE Veterinary Angels! I Totally agree with Dr Abalos, Dr Latos IS one of the finest Guinea Specialists! (Little Angel IS NOT just an animal or a pet! She is one of my Therapy Animals, and part of my FAMILY. (I am incapable of having children. My Cavies are my sons and daughters.) THANK YOU, Veterinary Angels Medical Center!

LE

leilanipop1

I brought my brand new hamster here for a check up, just to make sure she was healthy. The location was a bit hard to find, due to construction, but thats not their fault. When I walked in, there was no one at the desk, and I waited about 5 minutes. Considering they had just opened, I didnt think too much of it. Their waiting room was nice and tidy, which was nice. Misty, the office manager with the colorful hair, was kind, caring and I really trusted her. She was patient with my hamster, who was scared to come out of the cage due to being in a new environment. Misty checked her weight and told me to wait for the doctor when she was done. Here comes the bad part: I waited. And waited. And waited. They did not have any other patients besides me, so I am not sure what took him so long. Chatting up his female co workers I guess. When the doctor finally came in, my hamster was freaked out beyond belief. The doctor reached over and practically snatched my hamster out of my hands, and then dropped her on the floor!!!!!!! He then grabbed her by the neck. She looked so uncomfortable. I wanted to scream. And then, to top it off, he LAUGHED about it. He didnt even tell me any useful information that I didnt already know. And then he walked out of the room. Misty heard what happened, and gave me 50% off my copay. She is the only one saving this from a one star. While I appreciate Misty and her kindness, I do not believe I will come back to this location, due to the lack of professionalism and care of the vet. STAY AWAY IF POSSIBLE.