VCA Cordova Veterinary Hospital

Reviews 3

RU

Russ Reece

We recently took our rescue Pomeranian to Dr. Gates at Cordova vet. Our dogs name is Gandhi, and Gandhi, since we rescued him, had terrible breath and was skittish anytime we would get close to his muzzle. Our regular vet at the time (not Cordova vet) did two separate dental procedures (full sedation, cleaning, inspection) and found nothing wrong--just some plaque, some gingivitis that was easily controlled, etc. But it didnt make sense to us... Gandhi was acting even more scared of being touched around the head, he was hiding under the bed, and even after the cleanings, his breath was terrible. Then I remembered that one of our other rescued Pomeranians (Poppy) had some similar issues (about 8 yrs ago). A different vet at the time (now retired) immediately referred us to Dr. Melissa Gates at Cordova Veterinary Hospital. The dental work that Dr. Gates did on our aged Pom worked like a miracle--no exaggeration. Dr. Gates did a full sedation/full dental work. It turned out that the majority of Poppys teeth were rotten under the gum line and had other nasty teeth problems. Dr. Gates extracted a number of teeth, stitched him back up, and from that point on Poppy was a much happier, healthier dog. So back to Gandhi. Our vet is saying that Gandhis bad breath, the plaque, etc. are normal, that the Pomeranian breed is prone to this because of small mouths/crowded teeth. But my wife and I just didnt accept it. So we took Gandhi to Dr .Gates at Cordova vet. The experience working with Dr. Gates and the staff, and the results for Gandhi were amazing. Dr, Gates did an initial consultation and thoroughly explained what she would do, what might be need to be done, cost breakdown, etc. Very thorough, highly professional. Gandhi went back a few days later for the full sedation and dental work and for Dr. Gates to see what else might be going on in his mouth. The next day after this treatment, Gandhi was a new dog. We were amazed. Dr. Gates had discovered a number of problem teeth that required extraction (she even had photos of before/after the extractions so you could clearly see what was done). She ended up extracting 7 teeth. Since then, Gandhi has changed dramatically! He now wants to be handled more, wants to be close to us, and we can touch him anywhere, including rubbing his teeth and gums to keep them clean. He has more energy and is just all around much happier dog! So thats two of our Poms that Dr. Gates has done amazing dental work on with dramatic results. I cannot say enough good things about her and her office.We received an entire packet of info prior to Gandhis dental work explaining all the details and other helpful information. Dr. Gates was a true pleasure to work with. Treatment was followed up by calls from her office to be sure Gandhi was well. In short, Dr. Gates saved Gandhi from a miserable life of mouth pain and a much shortened life as the poisons from the decayed teeth went into his stomach and system. She truly saved Gandhi. Counting Poppy, thats two rescue dogs that Dr. Gates has "rescued" for us through her expertise and care for animals. I highly recommend Dr. Gates for dental/mouth problems for your pet, or even just for a consultation so you know what your options are. She has been doing this for a long time and really knows this skill and is a wealth of knowledge. Thank you Dr. Gates & Company!

ME

Megan Lee

Pros: +Dr. Gates is amazing with dogs +Dr. Gates took plenty of time to answer all my questions at the initial consultation and I never felt rushed +Location is easy to get to +Estimate was right on +Informational package I received before the surgery was a nice peace of mind +The staff helped me fill out all my pet insurance paperwork +Before and After pictures were nice to see Cons: -Seriously pricey, but Im not sure they charge more than other vets who preform the same procedures -I didnt see Dr. Gates at all the day of the surgery -Dr. Gates failed to inform me that my dog would have to undergo future anesthesia after this procedure to check her work (how much will that cost?!) I was referred to Dr. Gates after my dog fractured her front tooth. I did research, and picked this vet over UC Davis because of distance and reviews. My dog, who is terrified of most vets, loved Dr. Gates immediately. She got down on the floor and stayed there loving my dog the whole appointment. She spent a good amount of time explaining the injury and different treatment options. When I left, I was given a folder with detailed information about the surgery. A few weeks later, I dropped my dog off in the morning and paid 50% of the estimated cost. I was pleased they asked me what to do if there were unforeseen costs, and gave me several options to choose from (i.e. go ahead with the procedure, call me, continue up to a certain amount). I got a phone call 30 minutes before I was to pick her up saying she did well and was ready to go home. When I arrived, the office was a mad house. The total was only $10 more than the original estimated cost. I did not see Dr. Gates at all that day, but the vet tech was friendly enough and answered every one of my questions. I was given more paperwork, including before and after pictures (nice touch!). Ok, so the price seemed absolutely outrageous to me. $1400 ($1300 for the surgery, $65 for the original vet visit, $35 for medication). Ive never had to pay for a doggy dental procedure, but after looking at the breakdown I figured that price was about right. As I was leaving the vet tech informed me we need to come back in 6 months to get more x-rays (which she has to be sedated for). Why wasnt I told this in the first place? Overall, I would surely recommend this vet if you have the money (or, like me, have pet insurance). *Be aware that vets make a fortune on dental procedures, and they arent always necessary. While I dont feel Dr. Gates tried to up-sell me on this operation, I question her future recommendation of getting my dogs teeth cleaned in one year (shes 3 and I brush her teeth), as well as the OraVet gel she suggested I use once a week. This may be best practice, but it seems a little overkill to me.

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Ter M

Dr Gates saved my Dogs life in 2015 where my vet in my town wrote her off saying she was too old to operate on. Dr. Gates was great, but the second time going there I felt like others, it was all about the money. After they looked over my baby Dr. Jen made me go get my money before she would go any further with treatment, who does this? fyi, my Aussie was freaked out, and so was I, not to mention I drove almost 2 hours to get there, so I was still in shock due to the way my dog just dropped on the floor while trying to harness her. I will never go back (just maybe) unless I get Dr. Gates. She is the owner. I too was charged a lot of money I didnt have, when it was something the dog would had came out of on her own. I told them what I believed what was wrong with her, (because I use to be a volunteer at my local vet out of High School), and it still cost me $600. She has Vestibular syndrome and it is something that you can deal with on your own. Everyone should watch the youtube video on this disease, so you too will know what is going on, because some think it is a stroke, also I witness my dog fall 2 times(who knows if she fell when I was not looking?) on their hard floor, and not 1 person picked her up off the floor, like bones cant break in a dog? My dog could not stand up on her own, at the time she was 50lb. Im sorry, fire your staff if they dont have the love of animals in their Heart. Dr Gates knows what she is doing, and I only trust her now, but the problem is the staff. There was 1 young person there that was very rude to me, she is very fortunate I didnt sock her one, being I was already over the edge when I arrived after the almost 2 hour ride from the Mountains, in which I live. Be your own judge after reading these reviews. Blessings