South Windsor Veterinary Clinic, LLC

Reviews 3

CA

Carolyn Egan

Nice staff but...Overpriced.... Overstaffed.... Careless. The vets and staff are pleasant and seem to be generally competent, but I felt the fees and the so-called payment plans were not well explained or appropriately matched to the needs of the patients; further, I felt a level of carelessness around the medical care provided my cats that made me uncomfortable - which led me to seek veterinary care elsewhere. Specifically, I had two "rescued" cats spayed with only some of their early inoculations needed and spent over $1000. Based on on-line comps, this seems high to me. Also, I waited 10+ minutes in the waiting room each time I dropped off and picked up my cats in the morning, listening to the staff engaging in chatter in the back office: no one covering the front desk. My male cats persistent cough was not managed well by this clinic in my opinion, and the staff were determined to interpret it as not covered by the treatment plan I bought (though likely the cat had the cough during the initial "wellness" visit a week prior). While I understand heart worm is uncommon and manifests differently in cats, they did not run blood tests for it initially - though they were told the cats were adopted from a local "shelter"that primarily handles dogs. Finally, my female cat has quite a number of visible and hard sutures still sticking out from her tummy more than a month following her surgery. One of the vet techs told me these sutures would dissolve, but I was not provided with any specific instruction as to how long I should expect this healing/dissolving to take (up to 6 months apparently) until I called today. I received no follow-up call from the clinic following my female cats surgery to check on her recovery (which I found unusual as a life-long pet owner). Later I was told they had the wrong telephone number on file, which I had specifically requested another staff member to change at the previous visit when my files were updated. As I advised the practice manager who very graciously allowed me to debrief with her when I chose to remove my pets from this clinics care, my experience of this clinic is that there seems to be a level of complacency and a carelessness around the edges - surprising with so many staff, but perhaps explained by so many staff, ironically - and a mercenary priority. This last perception seems tonally at odds with the clinics articulated mission statement of being patient-(pet)-centered. In any case, I could not financially afford to continue vet care at this clinic for my sick cat at the prices they charge for each visit and treatment. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Im adding to my original review, in response to the owner feedback which I just read today: I have to say that I believe my review and rating were quite fair and measured - based on my experiences (which were not as thoroughly enumerated as they could have been - having had a senior cat previously euthanized by this clinic early last year). I am a college professor and have to remind my students quite often that a C+/ B- is a good grade. We dont always earn A+..... While I am happy to hear that my comments about this clinic might have prompted some policy and practice "tweaks", I am disappointed at a tone of defensiveness in the original "owner response." Let me clarify that in a matter of two weeks, I paid well over $ 1000 in vet bills to this clinic and that the "significant discount" the clinic claims to have provided me when I removed my cats from its care, was in fact a prorated reimbursement from the balance of a $ 1500 wellness policy I did not - and would not - make use of. To determine the reimbursement amount, the practice manager itemized all the treatments received and subtracted their cost from the wellness care fee..... So no "significant discount" was involved.

DA

Dan Scavone

I have been a client here longer than I can remember and my dogs have always had the best of care We have had everything performed from the basic wellness checkups to dental care/surgery to leg/knee surgery. My little guys have all had issues (none brought on by lack of care and attention from SWVC) and some very severe. Seizures on one old Chihuahua that would have killed her years ago were brought under control by Dr Rose and Rothbart and another of my elder Chihuaha has a heart condition that has also been closely monitored and kept under control by Dr Rose. He recently underwent dental surgery that I had put off as I was afraid of having him under anesthesia. Dr Rose and her staff were able to perform the surgery (he is only a 5 lb dog!) and my little old man came out as good as new. He is the one who also had knee surgery when he was a pup. All 4 of my dogs have kidney issues and require special care from a disease they contracted years ago. I need special blood work and special diet for the remainder of their lives. Again, I feel these dogs would not still be alive so many years later without the care of this vet clinic. As for staff - I have seen some come and go like in any business. But I NEVER had an issue with anyone. I always felt they care about animals and they teated people fairly and very well. Whenever I stop in they all ask about the dogs by name. They know our pets are family and yes we get anxious and upset when our pets are ill. They always spoke to me with respect and showed professionalism and courtesy. I fully believe that if someone did not act appropriately or if they did not measure up to the high standards of excellence expected and required at SWVC Dr Rose would not have them on staff. Are they expensive as some said? I dont know as I am not shopping around. They are professionals with bills to pay so why shouldnt they charge a reasonable fee. I knew what I was getting into when I became a pet owner (4 times over) over 13 years ago so I am not going to start complaining now. If you love your pet take them to SWVC.

LI

Lisa Shea

Had a horrible experience putting my beloved 12 year old black lab down. A time which is so very difficult, which you hope to go peacefully and smoothly. She was extremely anxious when the doctor came into the room. Then, to my horror, she was not given enough medication for the initial step, and I literally had to hold her down while Dr. Rose had to leave the room to get more medication to sedate her. My dog was trying to get up to escape (understandably, medicated) .She then gave her the meds to stop her heart, after multiple pokes to her legs because "she couldnt feel it because she was sleeping". It was the most traumatic experience I have ever gone through. Then, we were left with her. When we were done saying our good-byes, I asked about my dog in the room ~ I was told she was to be left there. Neither the doctor nor the tech checked on us. Yes ~ Dr. Rose did call to check in the next day. However, I felt that it was an obligatory call on her part. I would not recommend this clinic to anyone. I will never forget the experience I had, as I feel I could have stopped the procedure the minute my poor dog ran behind the chair when the veterinarian walked in the room. That is what keeps me awake at night.