High Plains Veterinary Hospital

Reviews 3

A

A Private User

I have reviewed them on Google but since then we have moved all the way to Divide, CO and they are still our primary vet! We will drive almost 2 hours so Dr. Pierce or even the techs can see my animals. We have four dogs and care that really stands out is: -years of care for my yellow lab, through thyroid issues that change almost monthly and horrible knee replacement surgeries, from puppyhood to now at 8 years old healthier than hes ever been! - emergency care when the dogs have accidents that doesnt immediately jump to the most expensive and dramatic diagnosis: usually we get a sound exam, and directions to go home and rest with maybe some pain meds unless the situation really requires otherwise. Ive never had a vet who is obviously concerned with the best medical care for the animal and the most sensible treatment plan for the owner. So many vets take advantage of your worry and fear to sell you meds, treatment, and scare tactics you and your animals dont need. - They know my dogs by name, remember them, and their issues. - When my lab had strange weight loss, Dr. McKenna (sp) worked with me on the phone for days to help figure out what was going on, so I didnt have to drive in too often. She spent a ton of her time researching and redoing lab results at no charge. She also really listened to me, and what I thought it was, without discounting my ideas. Another great thing -- these guys know that you probably know an awful lot about your own dog, and they use your insights rather than acting like they know everything and just shining you on, like so many other vets. - They have given me bad news professionally, promptly, and with a ton of options already prepared to make my decisions easier. - I can call and ask questions, specific questions, and they answer them. I never get the "better just come in for a visit runaround". - My dogs ear infections were misdiagnosed by THREE other vets who gave them cursory exams. Dr. Pierce took a sample of earwax, and in 3 min had an accurate diagnosis, prescribed meds, and we havent had an ear infection in over 2 years. - Sometimes we have to go to another vet because its an emergency, and I have noticed my dogs are scared, anxious, etc. When we pull up in front of High Plains, its like were going to the dog park or something! My dogs get super excited because the staff is so nice to them, they really love on them, brush them, talk to them like the little people they think they are, and when they have to stay there for some reason, my dogs dont even think twice. Theyre like "see ya, Mom, playing with these guys now!" Even my heeler who hates everyone and bites will let Dr. Pierce stick a needle in her and poke and prod without getting tense. Thats probably the best testimonial to what a great vet they are. - They also understand the limits of people, and address things like the practicality of working full time and say, keeping an injured animal quiet and still. Or simply not being able to afford the best option -- they will really work with you, your animal and your needs to figure out a plan. Not like they give you a discount - I mean they take the info you give them and tell you what you can do, in your current situation, to be the best pet owner you can. I love that. When I first started seeing them as a super broke college student with a sick dog, they really helped me figure out how to treat him to the limits of my abilities, from exercise plans to the best cheap dog food I should buy to being honest about what we could expect without the top tier of care. (That dog is still alive and better than ever 8 years later :) Anyway, in my opinion, unless High Plains tells you to go somewhere else, you are not getting the best care! They are worth every single penny.

JA

Janea Stoker

I brought two different dogs in within months of each other. One was old, disabled, and on his last leg. I brought him in search of something to make him comfortable - IV fluids, pain medication, etc until he passed since he had previously had rough weekends and needed a little boost to help him through. He was barely looked at then I was given the vets condolences and suggestion that I put him to sleep with a quick retreat from the vet so I could "think about it". Do people legitimately just have their pet put down on the spot without allowing their family to say goodbye?!? The vet seemed surprised and upset that I would have the audacity to bring him home and allow him to pass in peace. He did pass... a month later, surrounded by love and at peace. My second dog was a rescue with a rough beginning and at less than a year was exhibiting a decline that youd see in senior dogs. After much encouragement I finally convinced a different vet at this location to please do some blood tests. Turns out he was in stage four kidney failure with a few weeks life expectancy. Once again, it was recommended to me to put him to sleep - right there on the spot - and once again I was left to "mull it over". I was given very little to no information on what I could do to extend his life and left missing my old vet in another state who went out of his way to make sure my dogs were well cared for including after hours research if needed. After consistent research I ended up home making all of his meals and extended his life 3 precious months. On a rough week I called and begged the clinic to give me some IV fluids for him since he seemed dehydrated. They refused. My neighbor (who had recommended the clinic) convinced them to let me purchase the supplies but I was met with arrogance and distrust when I picked them up. If you want your animal to be vaccinated or euthanized I would highly recommend High Plains Vet. Otherwise youd be better off seeing most any other clinic in Colorado Springs.

K

K H

**Update from last review. The care was even MORE exceptional and outstanding when I had to return almost a year later and make the hardest decision of my life. I had to make the call to arrange for my beautiful dog to be put down. They took her back to start an IV and when they brought her back, Dr. Butler let me have some time before doing her thing. I told her to go ahead and when everything was done, I was told to take as much time as needed with her before saying my final goodbye. I appreciated everything this place did for my baby girl and they truly showed care and compassion, and that is from ALL the staff that day. Four months later, I completely forgot about the clay paw print they did for me... they called me as a polite reminder and I went there that day to get it. Since then, I have adopted another rescue and I will not take her anywhere else except to High Plains. BEST PLACE. ----------- I immediately fell in love with this place from the moment I walked in. Recently moved to the area just a few days ago and my Springer Spaniel is a special case because she has had neurological issues for the past few months and has an appointment with a specialist, but I needed her to get in with a regular veterinarian for future purposes. The staff working the desk were extremely friendly and so nice. As soon as they got information, I was brought back to a room and the veterinarian, Dr. Butler, came shortly to check my Molly out. She sat on the floor with her, loved on her, and did a thorough exam with her. When I was leaving, the front desk did a follow-up with me to make sure I got the answers I needed or if there was anything different they did for Molly. PERSONABLE, FRIENDLY, & A MILITARY DISCOUNT. The previous reviews were what made me decide to come here :)