Family Pet Hospital

Reviews 4

SU

susan feighery

Dr SONG..UnSUNG Stockton Hero... I had rushed my 14 year old, American Bulldog, "Piglet" to Dr Song after a horriffic, "misdiagnosis" by the local, Emergency Vet that used to be on Hammer Lane. Below is Piglets story: Piglet, who had both the highest energy level and the highest pain threshold of any dog I have ever owned (i.e. numerous foxtail interventions; barbed wire injury; bitten by a beaver, etc.) had began softly whimpering, then whining and began making an odd, screaming sound as I frantically raced her to the after hours, Emergency Vet. Their diagnosis? Arthritis. Arthritis???? PIGLET was 14 at the time, but even after I explained what she had been through in the past (they even had the Beaver bite on file) and that she had NEVER vocalized like this before, they still insisted it was just "severe arthritis", gave her some pain medication and discharged her. It was 0300 in the morning. I called to leave a message for Dr. Song, who is our regular vet. She knew all about Piglets personality and misadventures. As it turned out, somehow my call got directly to her. I think she was waiting on another vet to call and had forwarded her calls. She was out-of-town. She stated she would be there as soon as possible but due to the drive she wouldnt get there until around 0700. I couldnt believe she even answered the phone. My life was interesting at that time as well. I had been diagnosed with Stage 3.5 cancer and had just gotten home from another chemotherapy treatment. Needless to say, I was feeling both physically sick from Chemo and emotionally upset as I sat in my JEEP shivering, with poor Piglet screaming, throughout the morning as we waited in Family Pet Hospitals parking lot. Right before 0700, Dr Sungs vehicle came speeding into the lot. She jumped out, got Piglet inside and immediately began aassessing her. She knew something was seriously wrong. PIGLETs vitals and bloodwork were off the chart. I have no idea how the Emergency Vet missed these. There was a very high chance I would never see Piglet again as she was now in critical condition. Dr. Song thought it was an intestinal blockage or tortion (?) - when the stomach or intestines flip over or twist, cutting off circulation to those organs/structures. I, of course, wanted to stay by Piglets side but Dr. Song wouldnt let me. She saw the shape I was in and knew I had been receiving chemo (I think my bald head kinda gave it away) and insisted I go home and get some rest. Piglet was treated by Dr. Song for three days. I visited every day, sometimes twice, hoping Piglet would make it. One day, when I showed up unannounced, the staff took me in the back, Dr. Song actually was sitting IN the cage/kennel with Piglet, talking to her and petting her. She was not improving. Then I got the call from Dr Song... Dr Song was speaking very quickly and excitedly. Piglet had passed a huge chunk of something about the size of a golf ball along with explosive diarrhea and vomitting. It had made the entire kennel and vet area smell death-like. It was a horrendous smell that made me gag when I arrived. But PIGLET was alive!!! For the first time Piglet wagged her tail and tried to get up. I couldnt wait to take her home, hug her and give her a bath! Doctor Song let me pet/hug her but said, "Piglet needs a bit more rest, I.V. fluids, antibiotics and observation.She will need to stay one more night." It was the happiest night of no sleep I had gotten in a while. Jim came with me the next morning to bring Piglet home. PIGLET went on to fully enjoy life, on her own terms, for another two years. She was the oldest living, all white/American Bulldog in Dr. Songs 30+ year practice. PIGLET died peacefully, at home, at the ripe age of 16.5 years with Jim at her side and other family pets surrounding her. We cannot thank Dr. Song enough for her skill, dedication, perseverance and BELIEF that PIGLET would make it. THANK-YOU DR. SONG for saving PIGLETs life and countless others. Dr. "SONG" is definitely one of Stocktons, UNSUNG Heroes!

---

ME

Megan St Sure

I took my puppy in because she was acting off. Dr. Song was really in a rush. took her temp, and then shoved a long q-tip up my dogs rear. My dog screamed murder. and the Dr said " She looks fine to me, what do you want me to do" i didnt know what to say. So she said " come back tomorrow if she gets worst but i dont see anything wrong". Never did a test, never asked to run any type of test. When i brought my dog home she tried pooping and could not. When i tried looking at her butt she would scream. And that was not like her. Then next morning she started bleeding out of her rear end. She would lay and and get up and she would be sitting in a pool of blood. I took her back in and Dr. Song said " this is not good, this is not good" she gave her a vitamin b shot and sent me home. I asked her to please keep my dog over night and observe her. Dr. Song refused. Asked to run test, again she refused. That night my puppy died. I have been going to Dr. Song for 10 years and i have seen her quality of work diminish, I will never take my dogs back into her. Her office is chaos. I have had to wait over 45min to even be seen. I blame her for my dogs death. She refused to be a vet. If i wanted to play the guessing game of what was wrong with my dog i could have staid at home. I know go to Bear Creek Vet Hospital. The rates are cheaper and the vet is actually nice and caring!

---

A

A Private User

We waited only 15 minutes before being seen. I was impressed by the thorough examination, sound advise & guidance that Dr. Song gave us. We were told our options, including pricing, and our decision was respected. We received a follow-up call two days later and encouraged to come back for a free follow-up visit. The price for the visit, shots our dog needed, and medications we were sent home with were very reasonable. The staff is all very friendly and seem genuine in their concern for the pets health. Dr. Song came across as a no-nonsense, fair, and caring vet. Shes not the warmest vet Ive ever met, but I got the strong impression that shes in it for the animals instead of the money and that shes very dedicated. After several bad experiences with other vets, I was so thankful to find one I feel I can trust my babies care to. I highly recommend this vet.

---

A

A Private User

My little puppie (Leonardo) got into some poison and is currently still in the hospital. I know by the doctors reactions that she is genuinely concerned and doing whatever possible to save his life. The doctor speaks abruptly and was dissapointed with me for having poison in my garage (I deserved that). I trust this doctor will do whatever she can to save Leonardo. I started taking Leonardo to Family Pet Hospital for his shots because it is close to my house, and I am glad I did. We are still praying for Leonardos survival. I highly recommend this vet to all pet owners that love their pet. Update 8/24/2010: Leonardo is doing much better and he is even going to get to come home this afternoon. Dr. Song has done a tremendous job with Leonardo. She saved my baby and worked with me on the cost!

---

---