Suburban Veterinary Clinic

Reviews 3

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Adam Cro

I took my almost 7 year old chocolate Lab to see Dr. Richardson because he seemed very ill. Dr.Richardson did x rays and blood work and could not tell me exactly what was wrong. I was told he may need to go to ER but it was not made to seem like a matter of life and death. He was given antibiotics and fluids. I was told someone would call to check his condition the next day. Never did Dr. Richardson make his condition seem like it was going to kill him in hours. I took him home and 7 hours later he was dead. He died of toxic shock from his stomach twisting and finally bursting. He suffered a tremendous amount before taking final breath. No one from Suburban Clinic ever called to check on him. After consulting with several Vets they concluded an experienced Vet should have noticed his symptoms along with the blood work and x rays was more than likely a severe/critical stomach disorder called "Bloat" or Gastric Dilatation Volvulus. My dog displayed nearly every symptom of bloat, which I had never heard of until after he died. Thanks to Google I did not have to wonder why my dog died so suddenly. I was glad to know how he died but not how I had to figure out on my own.This kills dogs within 2 or 3 days. I told her it had almost been 40 hours since I noticed his symptoms and told Dr. Richardson that it seemed like his chest was expanding. This disorder acts very rapidly. On Sunday I was playing with him and he was dead on Tuesday. 2 days. It would have been to late to save him at that point, but I should not have been given the advice to take him home. I should have taken him to be put down instead of witnessing his death and pain beyond anything I could imagine. "Poor guy." Dr. Richardson lives directly across the street from me and since she or none of her staff followed up with me I went to the clinic and realized it was closed on Thursday. I then went home and walked across street to speak with her regarding all that had transpired from his death to the fact no one cared enough to call to why she could not understand what was happening to my buddy from all the testing and the very obvious symptoms he displayed. She would not answer her door. If Dr. Richardson would treat her neighbor of 15-20 years in such a manner should make anyone weary of taking their beloved pet to see her. It has now been 3 months and Dr. Richardson nor her staff never contacted me. I am still not over how I was treated."No excuse"! She has seen him for heart worm test in the past and also outside and believed that my brown lab was a Rottweiler. Also, Dr. Richardson comes in the exam room with her dog and says: " I have something to cheer you up." She was talking about me seeing her dog. What would have cheered me up is if anyone from that place acted like they cared about my dog or me. If your pet becomes ill you should take them to a knowledgeable doctor or this could happen to you as well. If you have a large breed dog you should be aware of this disorder called Bloat, because it will take your dog in 2 or 3 days if not treated immediately. Web MD and ASPCA are the sites I used to educate myself on what killed my best friend. I walked out with absolutely no answers as to what was wrong and a false hope my dog would be may be okay. If I get another dog, It will go to a well educated vet. My dogs visit was $584.00. Today I received a bill for $184.00. It was dated 11/24/14 the same day as this review, "funny"? but they have had 3 months to bill me. I disputed a $400.00 charge with my credit card company and there was no counter from Suburban Vet clinic and now out of spite for me because I shared horrible experience with the world I get a bill. Suburban only wants $184 out of $584 but not until after I posted this and other reviews Unbelievable! Bad business!

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Kevin Saxon

Low priced procedures are for a reason. Poor patient care and knowledge deficit. Our dog got his eye removed by Dr. Richardson, she then inserted a prosthetic globe - we have since learned from a specialist that this is never recommended as it very frequently leads to infection and rejection. This ended up being the case for our dog and we were very upset as we were never informed of this possibility. After a month filled with guess work and a few unreturned calls from Suburban Veterinary Clinic, they consulted a specialist and moved forward with removing the globe. The clinic was great and accepted culpability for the mistake and only charged us the price of anesthesia for the subsequent procedure, however, due to their eating the cost we believe they cut corners by not administering an antibiotic or pain injection post op or wrapping his wound. We received little to no discharge information and were concerned with the lack of antibiotics prescribed and his incision being slightly agape. When we called back and expressed to Rhonda, the front desk clerk, that we were uncomfortable with this and asked when the doctor was free if she could call us to give a more comprehensive care plan - she scoffed, cut us off, at one point told us to wait and see if he gets infected again and then proceeded to laugh us off the phone taking our number for the call back and dismissing us curtly - resulting in one of the worst patient interactions Ive experienced via a health care "professional". Which once again resulted in no return phone call on their part. Due to our insistence he was put on a seven day course of antibiotics but still had a bit of infection and in the end Dr. Richardson admitted she was incapable of caring for our dog and finally suggested we take him to a specialist. Upon doing so our specialist was shocked by the treatment we were given as customers and by the surgeons overall lack of knowledge, especially in regards to the high likelihood of infection secondary to a prosthesis and the surgeons lack of ability to recognize this as the cause- made more shocking through Dr. Richardsons claims of doing "hundreds of these procedures." We would not recommend this clinic to others, especially those in need of enucleation. Just concerning that so much was not caught or known by the surgeon.

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Rose Mackey

Dr. Richardson is a truly special person & the staff is amazing! She has a special place in my heart. I would only trust her with my pets health because she treats them like they are her own. A few years ago Dr. Richardson was there for me like no other doctor would have been. My cat was dying from cancer. Dr. Richardson was there for me every step of the way. I didnt try chemo because it seemed cruel or surgery because that wasnt an option. Dr. Richardson was there to help me every step of the way! When the day came that I knew Stan (my cat) needed to be put down, I have suburban animal hospital a call. I ask the receptionist if there was a way that Stan could be put down at the house. She said that they dont do that, but would give me some numbers & put me on hold. Then, Dr. Richardson picked up the phone and said that she couldnt let a stranger do that. The following Sunday (On her day off!!!) she drove out to our house and sent Stan home ( Id like to think it was a field of catnip). Phyllis (Dr. Richardson) is such a special person! A week later, I got a card from everyone at the office....... A few months later, I got a card from the UGA Vetrinary School and it said that a donation had been made in my cats name. I cant be more appreciative to the staff & Phyllis! They are special people!!!!