Union Lake Veterinary Hospital

Reviews 5

KR

Krystle P

A few days ago we came home and found that my German Shepherd had gotten into chocolate. We are in the moving process and have been cleaning out cupboards and stuff like that, so I have no idea how much she ate or if it was milk, dark or white chocolate. It was a Saturday and I knew Union Lake was open so I called. The girl that answered the phone told me almost immediately that they were booked and had a couple other emergencies already but that she would go talk to the doctor. She asked how much I thought she had, I told her I wasnt sure but it was quite a bit and I didnt know how much dark chocolate. She asked how much she weighed and I told her about 78 lbs. She put me on hold and went to ask the doctor. She came back and said that my dog "should be fine." That if it was milk chocolate there is not a whole lot to worry about with her size. I told her again that I was not sure what kind of chocolate she ate or how much she ate. She said again she should be fine. I said should I at least make her throw up? She said "no, she should be fine and feel free to call us if you have any more questions." I was not satisfied with this answer. I called a different vet. This vet asked me how much she ate, and which kind I thought it was. I told her again that I wasnt sure of the quantity or the kind. She asked me if she had thrown up or had diarrhea. I told her she had not. She also asked if she was agitated, breathing heavy, lethargic, diarrhea, etc. I told her no she was acting normal. She then told me to give her some peroxide to make her throw up and what symptoms to look for and to call back if I had any questions or concerns or if she started showing symptoms. I gave her peroxide and she threw up 6 times. She not only threw up chocolate but also the wrappers. There were so many wrappers that I do not think she would have passed them and we would have ended up at the vet again. Thank God the other vet took the time to listen and help. I got her to throw up the chocolate she ate. She never had any other issues, not even diarrhea. Union Lake was more concerned with what time they would be getting out of there that day. They had no idea if she was acting symptomatic or not because they never even asked. Who cares if you are booked and have other emergencies. Their job is to help animals, not be concerned with how booked they are. This is not the first bad experience I have had with Union Lake, but it WILL be the last. I will never go or call there again!

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Neil E. Clement

Estimate this year in the $400.00 range for annual visit for one small 40-pound dog threw me. Required shots: Parvo/Lepto, Rabies for 1 year, bordetella (kennel cough); heartworm test/pills for six months. I thought this was a bit high so did a little checking. Can get the same service at a Tractor Supply animal clinic for less than $100 and rabies is 3-year. So... be prepared for sticker shock. This place is expensive! Generally the service has been OK. Everyone is very friendly. All of the doctors have been very professional and knowledgeable. I seem to get a different one each time but this doesnt seem to present any issues due to good record-keeping. Good groomers! Remember to tip! One downside, not necessarily their fault, on one visit my 90-pound yellow lab needed XRAY and they wanted to give her something to calm her down even though she didnt appear to be all that excited, but I understand she needed to be still and this was fairly routine stuff. I reluctantly agreed to this but would not have had I known my girl would only be able to move her eyeballs and nothing else for the next 24 hours. Now, it is possible for any animal to have a bad reaction pretty much anywhere and s---t happens. No one is perfect. She survived. To their credit they did accept and record my request never to give her that stuff again. Overall, they seem to genuinely care about the animals but this attention can get pricey quick. You WILL be told in advance of all charges and must agree before services commence. Except perhaps in dire emergency. That I dont know and hope I never have to find out.

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Laura D

I have been a client of Union Lake Vet for a long time. My childhood dog, Jenny Puddles was a patient there back in the 80s, 90s and I remember Dr. Pleins dog giving blood for our dog. I knew then she was in wonderful hands and how much the doctors there cared for their patients. Now an adult, it seemed natural to take my fur babies to doctor(s) that took care of my childhood dog. We had two "Humane Society Specials" one of which had some pretty serious medical issues (cluster seizures) and needed a lot of meds and check-ups. In the last year we lost both of our furry babies and it was so hard. I especially want to thank Kate who helped so very much during that time. When it was time to put down our dog, Cobi, she sat with me and listened and cried with me. She gave me tremendous support and advice on how to help our four humane children through the loss of our dog. Her kindness, I will never forget. I remembered her kind words again yesterday when we said goodbye to Cobis older brother (our million-dollar mutt), Pele. I miss our two boys terribly but cant imagine our home without a dog in it. I know when/if we are to rescue another dog well be coming back. Thank you so much for all youve done for us over the last 14 years! Sincerely, Laura (and Jeff) Doran

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Chris DeNeen

Ive stayed there longer than I should have due to their convenient hours and because I finally liked and trusted Dr. Herdon (they have 10+ Drs). Other than that its been one thing after another. My dog has a chronic recurring problem and they were unwilling to work with us to get him on some medicine while I waited the week or so to get in with Dr. Herdon. The reason I went all the way down to 1 star was because of the disrespect from Dr. Pline (the owner). While waiting to check out I was standing in the waiting room with my dog sitting at my side, on a leash when another customer was afraid to walk past him to the exam room. Granted she had a little dog and my dog is a 100 lb Rottweiler but he has been trained by the best trainer in the area and normally doesnt even need a leash. He responds to all commands verbally and by hand gesture. Anyways, as i stood there in control of my dog Dr Pline walked up without saying a word and grabbed my dogs collar so the lady could walk the 5 behind my dog to get to the exam room. I dont know if he was shaming the breed or implying that because I own a Rottweiler that I must not be a good owner or some other reason but i felt very insulted.

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Jill Rosenthal

I found Union Lake Vet. on a very difficult day. Both of my dogs, 12 and 1/2 and 15 yrs old were very sick on a Sunday morning. One had 3 grand mal seizures and the other couldnt get up. It was time to put them down. My own vet, of over 14 years was closed. My neighbor highly recommended Union Lake Vet. I called and told them my situation. They squeezed me in an hour later. I was amazed that there was a room specifically for end of life care. The doctor and staff were amazing. They were very comforting and helpful. When my one dog finished the jar of peanut butter we brought, while waiting for things to get set up, one of the techs went and got her another jar and a cheese stick from her lunch bag. It was one of the most difficult days of my life, but the staff made it bearable as they put both of my dogs to sleep. That was 3 months ago. We recently adopted a puppy and knew this would be our new vet. We had a very nice first visit with our new dog. I recommend this vet to everyone. I find the prices to be in line with our old vet, which is just too far for us to go to now. I am more than thrilled with Union Lake Veterinary Hospital and am so lucky they are close to our new home.

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