Shelbyville Animal Clinic

Reviews 6

MA

Mark Schneider

Dr. Epler needs to be re-educated about vaccinations. His views and vaccine schedule are way outdated and harmful to pets. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) changed their vaccine guidelines in 2011 with the main change being that core vaccines which are Canine Distemper (CDV), Canine Parvo (CPV-2), and Canine Adenovirus (CAV-2) be administered at 3-year or greater intervals, with exception of the 1-year rabies. Also, initial vaccination for puppies should occur at 6 weeks of age and end around the 16th week. His puppy schedule starts at 6 weeks and ends at 18 and he gives a big combination shot of DHLPAP-C (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Adenovirus, Parvo-Virus, Corona-Virus). Only 3 are core vaccines with the other 4 being non-core. His vaccination schedule also puts the rabies vaccine at 12 weeks along with the big combo shot. There are several articles available to read about the dangers of giving rabies alongside other vaccines. I desired to titer my puppy after her third round of shots to determine immunity and prevent the unnecessary administration of another round. When I talked to Dr. Epler on the phone his tone of voice was rude and indicated he felt I was attacking his beliefs. When I mentioned core and non-core vaccines he said he didnt know "what the hell those are" and he said a titer is "useless" and only recommended if you travel out of country to somewhere like China. All I desired was a simple quote on cost for a distemper and parvo titer but I got an earful of an old mans opinions. He reluctantly did say a titer for all the vaccines would cost $700, a rabies $200 and a distemper would be $110. Further, his schedule for spaying/castrating dogs is outdated and harmful. His medical care sheet says "Any time between 4-6 months is the proper age for spaying/castrating your dog." There are studies and articles written about the dangers of removing the sex organs too early in dogs and the repercussions such as deformed hip development. A pet owner really needs to do their homework and not blindly trust vets recommendations. I encourage pet owners to do the research and determine for themselves their own dogs vaccine schedule. Dr. Epler clearly is not up to date with vaccine protocols and really unwilling to work with a caring owner. He is totally unprofessional, as he used profanity when talking to me and ended the call with "I gotta go to work." click Any professional caring vet would have made sure they answered everything and asked if I had anymore questions.

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Dee Cord Hogg

I have been a client for almost 25 years. Dr. Epler and Sandy and the staff have always been informative and caring. I have called them in the middle of the night for emergencies and Dr. Epler has driven in and met me at the clinic SEVERAL times! He has given the best of care to my pets and has always kept me informed on all health issues. Sometimes the diagnosis not what I wanted to hear. We all want our pets to live forever and we never want to lose them. When euthanasia was necessary it was done with respect and kindness and no pain. Jeff saved one of my cats when another vet practice had almost killed him! In my opinion if you want the best care for your pets Shelbyville Animal Clinic is the ONLY place to go! They treat my pets with the same care as they treat their pets. I usually dont comment on the web. However when I read the other reviews I was appalled! I have encountered too many people who dont want to take the time and energy and resources necessary to care for their four legged friends. They often neglect an animal until it is too late and then they blame the vet for a bad outcome! Dr. Epler tells the truth and some people dont want to hear it. My pets (my friends) will continue to go to Dr. Epler and this clinic. This is where they get the care and comfort they deserve. I am a VERY HAPPY CLIENT of almost a quarter century! If you truly care about your pet (your friend) then THIS is the clinic you want.

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A Private User

I just took my puppy there 2 days ago and he suddenly got parvo! Dr. Epler was insensitive and rude! He cut me off when i tried to ask questions, and jumped down my throat for allowing the shelter to neuter him so young (not that i had a choice). He cursed the entire time during the consultation and then basically told me i had 5 mins to make a choice about how to treat my dog. He also told me flat out i will probably have a dead puppy in two days! He acted like it was no big deal and that i could just get another one! HE IS RUDE! He tries to act like he is the best thing that walked this planet when in actuality his equippment is old and out dated, he office is dirty and he is just as expensive as a brand new clinic. I urge you go somewhere else! I am taking my dog to Franklin, its a long drive but its the best care and its not crazy expensive.

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Jenn Payton, Indiana

The best vet. and staff you could find anywhere! Dr. Epler is a genius with animals- he knows everything and is very affordable. He saved our collie mix years ago who had heart worms when we got her. He has treated our terrier for her skin issues yearly and recently performed a hernia surgery without any problems. I was worried she had a tumor and he just felt under her tummy and knew right away it was a hernia and was right. She was back to normal after just a week! He doesnt push a lot of tests on you like other offices Ive been to. He explains everything thoroughly to you and is patient with any questions you may have. You can tell that he became a vet because he loves animals. I drive 45 minutes to his office now and will continue to take my animals to him even after I move. I would drive hours to stay with someone I trust :)

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Melissa Ohmstede

Took my elderly cat there for a routine tooth pull while Dr Epler was out on medical leave (this was in November) and someone else was filling in. I was told he was having trouble with the anesthesia and the vet wouldnt let me pick him up until right before they closed. Got him home and he was staggering, puking, fell into an end table and hit his head, finally fell over barely breathing. I had to take him to Franklin Animal Clinic where he was put in an oxygen tent because he had a collapsed lung, with the most obvious cause being intubation during his dental procedure. He never really recovered and I had him put down a few weeks later to spare him more pain. They were so worried about getting out of the office at 5pm they didnt care that my pet was clearly in distress

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Lisa Scudder

The last time I visited this vet, the doctor used 4 letter language with my 2 and 5 year old children in the room. He had zero patience when my children were not being perfect little angels. If I couldve left them at home, I would have. My only option was to take them with me, and he didnt tolerate them at all. He was so rude. The ladies who work out front have always been very pleasant, but I have since changed vets so we dont have to deal with him again.

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