Canine Center

Reviews 5

JA

Janice Glosson

I have a very shy mini poodle who I have spent many thousands of dollars on trying to get rehabbed into a tolerant-of-strangers dog. When I finally found nose work training, she was really coming out of her shell and gaining confidence in herself and strangers. That was until I took her to Canine Center for some blood work and a chiropractic exam. I hadnt been there for 10 years but was amazed at the poor attitudes of the staff. and Dr. Barcus. Dr. Barcus asked me if Laney is better with me present or away from me. Due to her shyness and my many years of dog experience, I said "with me present because she is shy". After a brief wait, a vet tech came in and DRAGGED my extremely frightened, reluctant dog down the hall. I was in such a state of shock that I couldnt move. I heard screaming but couldnt tell if it was my dog or not. Dr. Barcus came into the exam room and told me Laney was getting a bath since she peed and pooped all over herself. Only extreme fear does that and it was totally unnecessary to make my dog so fearful. She would have been fine with me present. If you asked me, then why was she taken away? Yesterday, we had a nose work trial. Laney has been a successful nose work competitor for about a year now. She is not the fastest dog but she gets the searches done and passes 98% of the time. After the dragging incident (which occurred 3 weeks ago), Laney didnt want to even try to search for the odors. She was just too scared. So, Dr. Barcus and her staff have cost me several years of effort and many thousands of dollars in fees to have a dog who is worse than she ever was. When I asked for a refund of my vet bill charges, Dr. Barcus got belligerent and told me that she discussed Laneys incident with her staff. That really helps my dog. Plus, Dr. Barcus was totally convinced that she knew what was wrong with Laney and ordered blood work for her. I originally asked for a thyroid panel because Laney is exhibiting signs of slightly low thyroid. I guess my 55 years of experience with dogs, my friendship with many other dog professionals meant nothing to Dr. Barcus because she insisted that she had to do a CBC first. I should have walked out then. Do NOT let them take your dog away. No vet or tech should remove the dog from your presence unless it is absolutely necessary but be especially careful at this place so you dont end up with a ruined dog like mine.

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A

A Private User

I took my 11 y/o lab to Dr. Barcus looking for a clinic closer to my home. While they were professional, she talked me into buying expensive (high quality?!?) dog food directly from her, vice the Beneful Healthy Weight dog food my lab had been enjoying for years. Note: The "upgrade-your-dog-food" sales pitch is a solid 15 minute presentation. After 2 weeks of her suggested dog food supplemented with frozen green beans, my labs appetite gradually diminished. By week 4 my dog was hardly eating (food would sit in bowl for 2+days without being eaten) and she was losing a significant amount of weight. Thinking something was tragically wrong, I booked a next day appointment with Dr. Barcus to figure out why my dog stopped eating. After an exam and a few x-rays she explained to my wife and I that our dog had a severely enlarged spleen (showing us a difficult to see x-ray film outline the size of a #3 childs soccer ball). She suggested that our dog MIGHT HAVE CANCER and recommended a follow-up appointment with Grayslake Animal & Emergency Treatment Center. After a long night of being upset and consoling a crying wife, I called in sick to work and went to the Grayslake center the next morning. The DVM Internal Medicine specialist examined, shaved and performed a full abdominal ultrasound exam on my lab. I sat in the waiting room for a tense hour fearing the worst. The veterinarian called me back and explained that there was NOTHING WRONG WITH MY DOG and I should offer her a different brand of food to see if she will eat. I stopped by the pet store on the way home for a bag of Beneful and my dog ate like she hadnt eaten in weeks. All of this emotional anguish and a TWO DAY VET BILL TOTALING OVER $800 was due to shoddy x-rays and misreading the film artifact as splenomegaly. Thanks a lot Dr. Barcus. Ill take my business elsewhere. I wonder if your bad tasting, “first listed ingredient is real chicken”, “high quality?!?” dog food comes from China so you can boost your profit margins?

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ML

mlp northsub

LOVE Dr. Barcus. She is very caring, gives you a lot of time and attention, and is an excellent diagnostician. Dr. Barcus is not a fan of over medicating, which I appreciate. She has a great understanding of dog nutrition, and offers a nice selection of food, treats, and toys at a very fair price. Her offices are bright, clean and friendly... unlike any vet office Ive been to previously. One thing that may turn off some people, is she can be opinionated when she strongly believes in something, but I like that she is not afraid to express her concerns about something that may not be good for your dog. She does a lot of research and is up on many new tests, drugs and experimental solutions that are available. Weve been bringing our 4 year old Airedale to Dr. B, and are very pleased with the care and attention she gets, plus the follow up that they do. If you want a vet who is thorough, knowledgeable, and passionate about what she does, I think youll be very pleased. I have recommended Dr. Barcus to others and they have thanked me many times.

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A

A Private User

Today was the first time wed seen Dr. Barcus and her staff. First off, what a WELCOMING atmosphere she has!! Absolutely beautiful! Her staff brought us back right away - there was no waiting at all. They put us in a comfortable, floor-to-ceiling glass wall room that was beautifully designed. We had just come from a canine neurologist that told us our only option with our family dog was surgery; a $5,000 ordeal. I fully expected to have to euthanize our dog, and when we arrived at Dr. Barcus office for a second opinion, I wasnt expecting good news. She was the only one who gave us hope!! Our dog is struggling with a cervical disc issue, and she says that within 2 weeks time, given we follow her instructions, she expects to see dramatic improvement. Long term...she expects our baby to heal, lose a few pounds (who couldnt afford that?!?! :) and begin an exercise program once hes been cleared. YAYAYAYAYAY!!! Dr. Barcus, if you read this....THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS!!

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KE

Kelly Cartwright

Cooper and I have been going to the Canine Center since he was about 8, he is now 15. At this point we go three times every week for fluids and at longer intervals for stems cells, both to treat his kidney issues. Everyone at the Canine Center is wonderful and the structure of the facility takes away much of the stress of going to the vet, no group waiting room, no interaction with other dogs, no cats, etc. Dr. Barcus is proactive and up on current techniques. Without starting the stem cell process last year I dont think Cooper would still be with me. Happy to say he is still active and happy and I am thankful to everyone at the Canine Center for taking such great care of my boy.

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