VCA Sacramento Veterinary Referral Center

Reviews 3

MA

Marilyn Perry

(Posted for Holly Conway) On June 15th, I took Dakota to VCA Bradshaw to have a mole removed. Instead, his vet noticed that his belly was hanging low so she did a quick ultra sound. She found abnormalities in his spleen. On June 20th, I took him back for a more thorough ultra sound. On June 22nd, I was given the results of that ultra sound and he came back positive for lymphoma. I took him to your facility to meet with Dr. OBrien on June 23rd. As you can see, I acted very quickly and was proactive in seeking specialized medical intervention for him. In that meeting, Dr. OBrien explained that chemotherapy wouldnt save Dakotas life, but it would extend his life and make him more comfortable. She said he was a good candidate because the lymphoma was caught early, it was only in his spleen and 2 spots in his abdomen but not in any other organs, and his blood work was perfect. He started chemotherapy and was treated once a week from then until his last treatment on August 31st. During his course of treatment, I was most unhappy with the side effects Dakota experienced as well as the response I got when I called and asked for help. So, I emailed Dr. OBrien. I met with Dr. OBrien on August 24th and she seemed to address my concerns. Dakota was also given chemotherapy that day. After that, Dakota got worse. On Wednesday, August 30th, I called Dr. OBrien in tears and told her that Dakota had thrown up the day before, had had diarrhea for weeks, was refusing to eat, and was losing the use of his back legs. I said he was very sick and I asked if I could take him to Bradshaw for a shot of Cerenia since that had worked well for him before. She said no, she didnt want him being given any medication without her examining him. Then she said she didnt have any openings in her schedule to see him, and he would have to wait until the next day. On his post appointment notes on August 24th, she had written, "Dakotas lymph nodes continue to remain small, suggesting a good response to therapy thus far." So, it was quite unexpected that when I had called saying he was so sick, she wasnt concerned enough to allow him to receive care at Bradshaw, or to see him as an emergency, and then the next day she suggested having him put down. Supportive care and/or hospitalization was never even offered as an option, I had to request it.I reminded them that I never would have agreed to chemotherapy if it wasnt going to improve and extend his life. The reason that I took him to an oncologist was so he would get specialized care. Instead, I spent a lot of time doing research and on the phone asking for help with his side effects. Both of the Bradshaw vets contacted me and expressed their concern for Dakotas condition. They recommended that I take him to Bradshaw ASAP for supportive care and possible hospitalization. On September 3, I took him there and he received subcutaneous fluids, a shot of Cerenia, and the ER vet gave me a liquid form of Metronidizole to administer at home. They sent me home with IV bags to give subcutaneous fluids at home. That seemed to help him, but the night of September 4th, he stopped being able to walk and had labored breathing. He was a 100 pound dog, so I was not able to lift him, so he didnt go to the ER until the next morning, Sept. 5th. By then he was completely dehydrated, was running a fever of 106 degrees, and needed oxygen to breathe. He was put to sleep after a couple of hours of supportive care. I was most unhappy with Dr. OBriens care of my beloved Golden.

PA

Pam Martinez

I brought my dog to VCA Sacramento Vet Referral today because my regular vet said she didnt have the necessary equipment to be able to diagnose my dogs neurological issues. Everyone at VCA was so incredibly kind and considerate. This place is super clean and very professional. My 10 year old German Shepherd, Fritz, suddenly lost use of his rear legs and they said it was a spinal issue not his hips. They gave me an estimate for costs to diagnose, hospitalize, MRI, bloodwork, surgery (if it was surgically possible to repair.) They gave me the odds of the surgery working, and were honest about the time frame and time and effort on our part to do the after-care. The surgery would be close to $8,000. They didnt sway me either way. After much consideration and lots of tears, knowing that I would not be able to provide the kind of 24 hour after-care required for the next 4-6 weeks following surgery, I opted for euthanasia. They gave me all the time I needed with my boy so I could say goodbye. They were all very concerned and caring. Dr. Tarver was so kind and he assured me that we werent being selfish for knowing that we could not provide the amount of time required for the type of followup care needed for an 85 pound dog that I couldnt lift due to me having COPD and 2 bad knees needing replacement. Of course, if all they cared about was money, they would have pushed the $8,000 surgery, but he did not! Money was not an issue for me, I was ready and able to pay for the surgery, but I knew I couldnt do the followup care.I asked a ton of questions, and Dr. Tarver patiently answered them all, never making me feel like I was taking up too much of his time. I am very impressed with them and I would indeed use them again in an emergency. I definitely recommend them if your regular vet is unavailable or if your animal has any type of spinal or neurological issues. They are open 24/7 and have every imaginable type of diagnostic equipment on site. Super professional and super compassionate. Expensive, yes, but the best care you can provide for your furbaby. I am devastated at the sudden and unexpected loss of my best friend, and devastated that I couldnt do more to keep him well and with a good quality of life. R.I.P. Fritz.

CA

Cash Mere

VCA "Miracle"...extraordinary!!! As a dog owner / lover I can not thank the team at VCA enough! Everyone on staff here is truly remarkable- the folks at reception, super techs, and real life hero VETs ! The "doggie docs" at VCA referral are some of the most inspiring, caring and dedicated individuals I ( and my Labradors) have ever had the honor of knowing. I say this with great conviction as they have compassionately treated both of my dogs ...from puppyhood to senior days. The VCA vets saved my older dogs life ( twice) after a catastrophic spaying procedure gone wrong. After spending several months time in their gentle care my girl looked forward to seeing her VCA pals when we returned for follow up check ups! I am so grateful for all of the care and fine people that make VCA referral the miracle it is- They have saved my dogs life and cared for her and have been there to help, to cure, to support in the very worst of times: When my sweet dog, Chammie, had completed her spirited mission on earth - (a very happy long lived -love filled life ) the good souls at VCA referral, stepped up in every way - They did everything possible and more for my beautiful girl and then went beyond, on the human level, with great patience and sincere support...at the very worst of times. I will always feel grateful to Dr. Wong for his Incredible gift ...I felt as if he gave a small piece of his soul in effort to help my girl...which of course helped "Mom":). Talk about REAL human kindness... It does exist...At VCA referral. They are 110% committed to the well being and health of our beloved furry friends.