South Crossing Veterinary Center

Reviews 4

BR

Bruce Carlson

Dr. Fraley: Total lack of professionalism. Does not keep up to date with current treatments available for felines. Not knowledgeable of feline behavior. Operates in a reactive vs. proactive manner. Claims to be caring & compassionate but her actions/reactions are hypocritical at best. Our 19 year old Turkish Angora “Fuzzy” had been seeing Dr. Fraley for close to 7 years. All of the following listed as “FACT:” is common knowledge on Google and has been confirmed with a Board Certified DVM feline expert we consulted for 2nd opinion. Blood work showed kidney disease. High levels blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine and anemia present. We began regular SQ fluids and appetite stimulants to attempt to bring the disease under control. We asked why Fuzzy was eating her cat litter. To which the response was, “Ive never heard of that before.” FACT: Felines with anemia will eat clay litter in an attempt to replenish iron content in the blood. We asked if there was a treatment to help with the anemia. Her answer was “no”. FACT: Yes there are 3... Iron Dextran Injection is the first of the the 3 options. We asked if there were additives to the SQ electrolyte fluids that would be helpful to the condition. Answer was “not needed at this time. Increase dosage from 100 ml daily to 100 ml 2 times a day”. FACT: Should have been on Lactated Ringers with Potassium chloride 20mEQ 10ml b from the beginning. Fuzzy started having seizures (5) in a single night last week. Time spacing between seizures every 3.5- 4.0 hours. got her in to see Dr. Fraley at 8:30 am with a half hour to spare before next seizure. Prescription was wrote for Phenobarbital which I was told I could pick up at any pharmacy. FACT: 4 Pharmacies within 5 miles did not carry the dosage prescribed (Meijers, Family Fare, Rite Aid, and Walgreens) 2 of the pharmacists said they could order it which would take at least a week and wed be lucky if any pharmacy in Grand Rapids carried it. I asked if a diazepam injection could be given to prevent next seizure. I was told that the injection is only given when the animal is in the middle of a seizure. FACT: The injection couldve been given and would have prevented the next seizure that had to be experienced in the car, while driving, less than 5 minutes from leaving South Crossings. The next set of blood work drawn came back the same day because a rush was put on it by request. The next call I receive from Dr. Fraley later that day was a recommendation to have Fuzzy euthanized because of the blood work results and she would alert Dr. Gavin that we may be in the next day. After all these other things had already been stacking up over last 3 weeks we, the entire family, decided to seek a second opinion from an expert instead of an ears, nose, throat DVM. I requested last Monday that ALL of Fuzzys medical records be transferred to the other Veterinarian who performed the radioactive iodine treatment for Fuzzy 3 & 6 years prior for the 2nd opinion. Which was the same expert that Dr. Fraley had referred us to in the past. FACT: Only the last set of blood tests were faxed. Nothing else of the 4 week history was sent. Here is my final break point: FACT: Dr. Fraley calls my cell phone 2 hours after I request records be transferred. She begins to chastise me stating verbatim, “I have been caring and compassionate towards your family and Fuzzy during this time. I have called you after hours to address needs & concerns. You have lost faith in me as Fuzzys doctor. I dont believe I can work with you or Fuzzy any longer because you have lost faith in me.” Excuse me? Deny treatment... thats caring and compassion at its finest, now isnt it. It is every patients and patient advocates right to seek a second opinion from a specialist without being chastised. It is also a patients right to have complete medical records transferred to another doctor. It doesnt matter whether youre a medical doctor M.D. or a doctor of veterinary medicine D.V.M. its called professionalism

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MA

Mary Oosterheert

We brought our poms to Dr. Gavin and liked him very much. He is outgoing, compassionate, & gentle and seems to genuinely enjoy working with animals. BUT, when our Lolas hair fell out all I got was that it happens sometimes. I had to be the one who was pro-active and study up on-line and suggest thyroid testing, black skin disease, and Cushings. Then we rescued a Yorkie mix and brought him in for a dental and parasite/ worm check. I brought along his vaccination record which showed he was up to date on his rabies plus had all his puppy vaccines. But while Dr. Gavin was talking to my husband and looking the dog over, he gave him a rabies shot even though he had one just a year before. I was shocked because we drove further and paid more for holistic care and not over vaccinating our pets. Elliot began vomiting as we got on the expressway. And through the course of the evening he got sicker and began frantically scratching his throat and went into respiratory distress from the vaccination. The following day, while looking over the bill is when I discovered that the needle I witnessed was a rabies shot. And, because I was surprised at the extra high bill we got, I was examining the charges for our visit. I found we had been double billed for some services. Also, if Dr. Gavin isnt available, and you need to see the other vet, shes not warm and fuzzy at all and she will badger you to vaccinate annually even though we were going there for holistic care. We never returned after the rabies vaccine fiasco and now go to Dr. Meyer at Georgetown in Hudsonville where we are very happy with the care.

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DA

Dannielle Gill

After our multiple experiences taking our Old English Sheepdog pup to Dr. Gavin at South Crossing Vet Center, we would not advise anyone who cares for their pet or wallet to visit this center. Dr. Gavin was more interested in lectureing my wife and I (whom have been "dog people" their whole lives) about how to raise our pup rather than looking into our very serious concerns for our pups health. We came to the center having known that our pup was having vision issues. Addressing our concerns of this up to Dr. Gavin he gave us the response, "Hes probably just being young and dumb, hell probably grow out of it. Ill need to Google the specifics of your breed." We would expect this response from a random person on the street, not someone we are seeking professional help from. Not to mention the above average price that came with such advice. Now a year later, and an emergency vet room visit, our two-year-old dog has been diagnosed with cataracts and is almost completely blind. Having said this, we would like to mention that some of their staff actually care about their patients and their owners. We were treated with respect from the techs and Dr. Fraley. South Crossing Veterinary Center has a nice, clean, facility that is centrally located near Kentwood, Caledonia, and Byron Center. Even though we were happy with the conditions of the center, we would NOT recommend South Crossing to anyone. We will not be taking our pets there again.

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KA

Kay Bylenga

I have been taking my precious animals to Dr. Gavin and Dr. Fraley for over 15 years. I would not go anywhere else. The care that our animals has received is the BEST. The staff is wonderful and caring and the best part is that you know that they are interested and really care about you and your furry loved friend. Our Maggie received the finest care from both Dr. Gavin and Dr. Fraley. When it was time to let Maggie go to the other side it was done with dignity and grace and love. I knew that the staff loved my dog and my crabby cat Bunny. Always with the utmost respect and love and the knowledge that is passed down to you as a pet owner is so valuable. When Maggie had to go to MSU I was supported and phone calls were made to me to see how "I" was doing not just my great pal Maggie. We are so blessed to now have a new puppy Gracie Mae and I would drive any distance to have her cared for by South Crossing. The staff shows compassion and always a readiness to help and answer questions. Take a bow-wow you all do a outstanding job.. Kay Bylenga

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