Critical Vet Care

Reviews 4

NO

Noelle Kauramaki

On December 27th, 2012, our dog, Finn, was noted to be limping..on exam we discovered a swollen area on the left elbow. He wasn’t in acute distress so we watched it. We checked him at about 5 AM and there was increased swelling, discomfort and redness‘. We took him to Critical Care Veterinary Specialists arriving at about 6 AM. Dr Jacovino worked him up…exam, IV, pain meds, lab, 6 X-rays and a Ultrasound to follow. He discussed the results that he had in hand. When we left at about 8 AM we were told we would 1.) be called with updates and 2.) the ultrasound would be done and together with the X-rays that were done, be sent to a Radiologist for interpretation. We were told the turn around time was 2 hours and we would then be notified of the results. We got home and waited and waited and waited….we received NO calls from this facility. I finally called them and the Vet., now on duty, had no idea a ultrasound needed to be done. We were told that Finn was doing “fine” and they were busy and would get to it. W waited and waited…..I finally called again ( about 4 PM ) the Receptionist thought “they were working on Finn” she came to the phone and said “Finn was fine” but the ultrasound hadn’t been done yet. It got to be past 6 PM and still not a single call….and we had finally had it. We arrived and said we wanted our dog and the records and would take him elsewhere. The 3rd Vet’s ( shift change again) parting words to us were “Good Luck with that” just as snide as you please……. The Vet Tech that carried our critically ill dog to the car was apologetic….he said Finn had “crashed” in the last half hour. He was lethargic and his leg was three times the size than when he had been brought in. (Your dog is fine” BS!!) We took him home to call our Oregon Vet and to get the address of another Emergency facility. Once out of the car he immediately defecated in the driveway…..not diarrhea…he just needed to go and then he peed and peed and peed. With my husband assistance, he was supported and he peed again. We put him back in the car with the new address in hand and took him to SARASOTA VETERINARY EMERGENCY CENTER. Once out of the car he peed and peed some more…copious amounts. The staff met us with a gurney and they started working on Finn. His temp. was 105.…they noted his distended bladder and cath’d him for ANOTHER 350 CC’s of urine !!!. I cannot imagine the pain he was in with a bladder that full. Our dog went from ill to critically ill…we feel he got no valuable treatment and was pretty much ignored, as we were. Finn was hospitalized 2 more days but he wasn’t able to beat it. From SARASOTA VET. EMERGENCY CENTER we got constant updates and concise reports. We knew he was in good hands. He died on New Years Eve…swollen beyond recognition, we had him put down. The most likely diagnosis was a bite from something venomous. Would better care at the onset have made a difference? I guess we will never know, but I would never grace the doorstep of Critical Care Vet. Specialists with any living entity again.

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Meg Filiatrault

I have nothing but WONDERFUL things to say about Dr. Chauvet and the staff at Critical Care & Veterinary Specialists. I took my dog, Rusty, there emergently when he became very lethargic. His regular vet feared he may need emergency surgery. Dr. Chauvet was able to diagnose and begin treatment within minutes. Her expertise and quick response time saved his life that day! Rusty initially responded to treatment and was able to come home. He continued outpatient treatment and everyone was always welcoming and shared how much they enjoyed him when he came in for treatments. I received emails including his labs and chart notes. I even received text updates including a picture of Rusty in the hyperbaric chamber! After about a week, Rusty no longer responded treatment. Further testing revealed that he probably had "pre-leukemia". His prognosis was guarded at best. Dr. Chauvet cried with us as we let our beloved Rusty pass peacefully after having a Big Mac and fries (which he LOVED immensely). At no point, did I ever question the care that Rusty was receiving and NEVER felt that unnecessary tests/treatments were ordered to increase the bill. Every staff member was kind, courteous, and understanding. A few days later we received a condolence card from them that included handwritten messages from the staff sharing how much they enjoyed Rusty. I would highly recommend them to anyone. I am relieved to know that I have a place with people that I can trust to care for my pets in an emergency!

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Amy Vangellow

Just prior to July 4th, one of our dogs--a Ridgeback mix--ate several shoes. Yes ate, not chewed. After a couple of days of being ill, it was apparent that he was still in distress and unable to resolve it in any of the normal ways. On July 4th, we took him to CriticalVetCare. The radiographs were inconclusive, and we were given several options from putting him under observation to exploratory surgery. We opted to wait and perform another set of radiographs in 12 hours. At that time, he was still ill, showing no signs of resolving the problem, and we elected to undergo surgery. Several pieces of leather and shoelaces were removed from his stomach and small intestine where they were tangled and lodged. Everyone treated my family with respect, we were kept well-informed--including an update while we were at the fireworks, we were given options and costs upfront and received good advice about handling our dogs aftercare--he is a bit stubborn. We were fortunate through the skill and care of the staff that we had a great outcome, and I would highly recommend to anyone who has an animal with a difficult problem. Thanks to everyone who cared for--and put up with--Beecher!

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mourice lester

MAY 21st, 2015. ****THIS PRECIOUS LITTLE GIRL IS NOW DEAD*** If your pet is still able to walk, DO NOT HAVE SURGERY until any/all other factors and options are depleted.*** This comes from specialist and experts both in FL. and world including one of only 6 double board certified neurologist in the country. (not in Sarasota) Absolutely take no responsibility hacks. THIS GIRL SWIFTLY AND PROGRESSIVELY LOST HER ABILITY TO WALK DIRECTLY AFTER THE SURGERY LEVINE DID. Full of excuses while they screw your pet up. Know that there are other more capable neurologist at the Vet school in Gainesville plus SPECIALIZED VET SERVICES IN FT MYERS AND in Bonita Springs Fl. Not too far to drive for the well being of your pets. My dog is now 100% paralyzed in her rear legs. Nice job clown. (But as you say) " IF She is not in pain so its a fair trade off". JACKASS. IVE KEPT EMAILS SO IF ANY OF THE SHILLS WOULD LIKE TO SEE WHAT YOUR GREAT VET SAYS LET ME KNOW, ILL GET THEM TO YOU. Also know on YELP reviews only the positive ones are shown. There are 5 other negative reviews you cant see without accessing another link. KARMA

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