Doc·Side Veterinary Medical Center

Reviews 5

DA

Danisha Gallop

Very Expensive and Im not sure there worth it. I took my cat in yesterday because I thought he had a URI he was given a quick examination and then I was brought an estimate of the bill. The bill included the examination at $59.75, an antibiotic shot that cost $70 and fluids that would cost $36. The only reasonably priced item was the decongestant that was about $9.40 (or something) that was a total of about $178.00. I was asked if I was okay with the estimate but at that point I felt it was too late to say no. I had foolishly gone to them instead of the MDSPCA wellness clinic and my cat was sick and I didnt want to have to pack him back up and cause him more stress moving from place to place, plus I probably would have to pay for the examination anyway and I didnt want to have to leave find another vet and do everything all over again. So I paid for the treatment despite feeling it was a ripoff and then they took my cat and gave him his shots in another room. Im not even sure if they gave him any medications because all I saw was a lump on his shoulder (from the fluids) and I have no idea if he actually got the antibiotic or even how long it lasts. The decongestants arent working he still cant smell his food to eat and he still sounds as bad as he did when he went in.While I get that you dont just instantly get better when youre sick I was still hoping for a little sign of improvement , today he couldnt even smell the Tuna he was being offered and so he just looked at his bowl and didnt eat. That seems like its worsening not improving. decongestants normally work to open the nasal passages and it doesnt take a very long time to do so, so Im not sure why these are working. Also shouldnt he have been given a decongestant shot or cortical steroid shot and a 7 day prescription of Antibiotic? it seems like they are treating him back words. At any rate I cant afford to take my cat back to this place so I now have to take him elsewhere and I pay another bill for the same problem. Do yourself a favor if you think you cant afford a hefty vet bill...look elsewhere.

---

A

A Private User

Combine a serious oversight, a history of overcharging/over-operating, and a snooty receptionist/assistant named Juan, and this place is a disaster. I followed Dr. Tierney when she left Eastern Animal Hospital and opened Doc Side. At the time, I had two cats and a dog. At every visit, I was dropping a lot of cash, but my pets were worth it. I started wondering, though, how many of those tests and procedures were necessary, especially after going in for something relatively simple and being pressured/guilted into additional services. First it was teeth cleaning - it was like going to Jiffy Lube, where they always recommend an air filter and a PCV valve - then it was surgery to expand the nostrils on my senior brachycephalic dog, who wasnt having any breathing problems. I noticed recently that my dog, now 11, was losing weight. She was bony. I took her into Doc Side, and the vet on duty didnt address the weight loss at all, despite a graph on her computer screen indicating a steady trend for over a year and repeat urinalysis results indicating protein loss. Instead, she told me my dog had a heart murmur and recommended taking her to a cardiologist. Funny - after all these years and recent visits to another, more experienced vet at Doc Side, this was the first Id heard of a murmur. So I got a second opinion from another local vet. My dog does not have a murmur. She is losing weight, but weve ruled out any pathological cause. Were focusing on dietary changes. I had my doubts for a while, and now Doc Side has completely lost my trust. Ill never go back.

---

A

A Private User

My comments here are LONG overdue. We LOVE Doc-Side Veterinary!! Three Dogs and Four Cats have been under the care of Dr.s Herling and Tierney for at least eight years now and we have NEVER had a negative experience. Their concern especially when our pets have a serious medical problem is second to none. They always put the care of the animal first. When we had a gravely ill cat, they performed surgery and proceeded to provide us with their home phone number in the event we had any complications. However, a year later, when the cats health declined dramatically, they honestly told us in their opinion the cat should be euthanized as any further treatment would be expensive and likely ineffective. I always feel as if we receive thoughtful and sound medically-based opinions from them. When our geriatric dog took a turn late one Friday night, it was Dr. Tierney who personally drove the dog to an emergency clinic so the dog could receive round the clock supervision over the weekend. I could write volumes about how wonderful I think this practice is! The entire staff is friendly and caring and wholly competent. Sure, sometimes, it seems expensive, but this caliber of care and attention is worth every penny. I believe when we bring a pet into our home, we have a certain obligation to provide for them as best as we can within our means and Doc-Side is a perfect partner in helping us accomplish that objective.

---

CA

Catherine Leidemer

I cant say enough good things about Doc Side Veterinary Medical Center. Theyve cared for my five-year-old Havanese since he was a puppy, and I couldnt have asked for friendlier, gentler or more professional doctors and staff. They take a fear-free approach to visits and do their best to put animals at ease, which is great for a dog like mine who starts shaking as soon as I put him in the car. Theyve examined him on my lap instead of on the table to make him more comfortable. Hes had his teeth cleaned twice, a tooth pulled, X-rays taken and some allergy issues treated, and they--without fail--call or email to follow up and check to see how hes doing. I can also email the main office account anytime with questions or concerns and always receive a prompt response from one of the doctors. Theyve even taken care of my fathers dog when he was in town and had an eye issue, and getting him seen quickly as a new patient was a piece of cake. My dog has seen, I think, all of the doctors here by now, and I wouldnt hesitate to recommend any of them. Dr. Herling and Dr. Coughlin in particular have treated him more often than the others, and I trust them completely. I wish my own doctor was as caring and dedicated as the vets here. I have and will definitely continue to refer other pet owners here.

---

LA

Lakia Pope

I took my red ear slider turtle (Tommy) into Doc Side Veterinary Medical Center sometime last month due to his eyes being swollen shut. I know he isnt an animal that you can interact with like a dog or cat, however thats my little baby. Tommy is my 8 yr old sons turtle, but again, thats my little baby and I didnt want him to get sick. When I googled veterinarians for turtles Doc Side was one of the first to come up. Doc Side looks like a traditional row house in the Fells Point/Canton area so when you go inside its an intimate, cozy setting. The doctors and nurses were very friendly and thorough. Im not sure how other facilities are set up, but I felt like I was taking my son to see his primary physician (meaning I didnt feel out of place). I didnt realize so many questions are asked just for a turtle. Tommys doctor (I forgot his name, but its in the email he sent me when he checked on Tommy) was super helpful. He gave me an in depth list of things to do for Tommy.....and guess what? It worked! Tommy is back to himself, and Im so happy!

---

---