Newkirk Family Veterinarians

Reviews 5

JE

Jennifer Nguyen

I brought in my puppy, who was 8 weeks old at the time, to Newkirk Family Veterinarians on English Creek about 2 weeks ago. They were able to fit me into an appointment last minute (which I appreciated!) after I explained to the front desk lady over the phone that my puppys right front paw was bowing. I noticed that my puppys paw was "leaning forward" in almost like an "S" shape. She wasnt limping and did not seem to be in pain, but it concerned me. I trusted this veterinarian to help me find out what was wrong and tell me what steps I should take to help her get better. During the physical examination, the doctor wanted to see how she walked back and forth. Then both the doctor and the assistant told me I should get an x ray done for my pup. They kept saying that it was probably a birth defect! They insisted that an x ray was the only way to truly find out what was wrong with my puppys front paw. I waited in the waiting room for almost 2 hours until they were finished with her x ray. When they were finally done, all that Dr. Weissman explained to me was that my puppy had an increased level of laxity. Then he told me he would refer me to an orthopedist to take a look. Basically, he had no idea what was going on... other than the fact that she had an "increased level of laxity." I bluntly said, "so you dont really even know whats wrong with her..." Of course the doctor wouldnt even admit that. Instead he goes on to say that seeing an orthopedist should be the next step because they have a higher level of expertise with her condition. I paid $217.00 just to get zero answers. I left more concerned than I did before I came in. Now I was worried about my puppy having a birth defect! I went home and did lots of research and found out that its not THAT rare in large breed puppies! My puppy is a American Pitbull Terrier/American Bulldog mix. The condition is known as "bowing" or "knuckling over" and can usually be fixed with proper nutrition. It happens when the puppys food allows their bones to grow too fast - faster than their muscles, ligaments, and tendons can handle! The breeders that I got her from fed her Purina Beneful for puppies. It has low quality ingredients and was not specificated for large breeds. I read that I should put her on food that is specificated for large breeds. I wished I had done more research before taking her to Newkirk! Goes to show that basic online research was more accurate than going to Newkirk!! A few days later, I took my puppy to Ocean Heights Animal Hospital on Zion Rd. Best decision I ever made!! I took her to get her shots, and during the physical examination, I brought up the issue with my puppys front paw. Unlike Dr. Weissman, Dr. Marina Acocella went out of her way and took the time to do some research about "knuckling over." When she didnt know the answer to something, she didnt pretend that she knew. She confirmed that her ligaments tendons and muscles were too weak compared to her bone growth and suggested I put her on a high quality puppy food that is specificated for large breeds and see if that helps. Dr. Acocella seemed so genuine and friendly, unlike Dr. Weissman, who seemed standoffish and unengaged. That very day, I bought my puppy a 30lb. bag of Blues Large Breed Puppy food! Within just a couple of days, her front paw FULLY straightened out! She is currently happy and healthy and running around with perfectly straight paws!!! I will never go back to Newkirk Family Veterinarians. They had no idea was what wrong with my puppy and couldnt even admit that they didnt know. They told me my puppy most likely had a birth defect!!! She did not!!! I had such a horrible experience. I had to pay a large amount of money just to get no answers!! I basically paid just to get an "I dont know." Not only that, but the doctor was not friendly at all. Never returning!!!!!!

---

EM

Emily Speranze

I started going to Newkirk Family Veterinarians about a year and a half ago? I went there for a 2nd opinion for my Bandit. At the time I was driving to a Banfield Vet up the road and got fed up with Banfield because I kept going back for Bandits digestion issue, all Banfield kept recommending was changing his diet. I went to Newkirk because I was worried that something more might be wrong, and there was! Dr. Newkirk went ahead and suggested NEAT treatment to help reverse his allergies to the foods he was eating, in just a few treatments Bandit was back to normal and having normal bowl movements again! I was so pleased that I called Banfield and had ALL of Bandits medical records sent to Newkirk! Newkirks staff is always great, friendly and prompt! And when I call with a question or concern, they are always there to put me at ease and tell me how I should go about dealing with an issue. I also like the fact that Newkirk has alternative treatment plans as opposed to just medication all of the time! Its wonderful! I even had my family switch over to Newkirk!

---

ST

Stuart Bruce

Newkirk Family Veterinarians houses the best doctors Ive ever had for my pets. I currently have 3 cats, all under Dr. Michael Anthonys care, and theyre treated promptly and carefully. One cat is diabetic, another is asthmatic, and they were diagnosed accurately on the first attempt - there was no visiting the office again and again. They are also sensitive to cost, knowing Im low-income, and help me get the best treatment without spending a mint. One more thing - their facility is cleverly split in two - one side for dogs (& other animals) and the other side for cats. This means no cats & dogs uneasily sharing a waiting room. Theres also a kennel in each side. I was away for over a week, and they didnt just take great care of my cats, they let them run around the place whenever the staff were there and didnt have any patients. Knowing my kitties are not being cooped up in a box for days at a time was a huge relief. Great place, great service, highly recommended.

---

HE

Helena Chau

There were many occasions where I sucked it up and did not say anything because they do provide good care for my pets BUT the front desk receptionist really need to work on their customer service skills. Its like a hit or miss every time I go in there, I do not know if they are just a having a bad day or something at the office. The issue with customer service seems to come from the older staff, a lot of the younger ones seem to have more manners and are more welcoming. I work retail so I know what "customer service" is, and I know how people should be treated if I want my customers to leave a good review or want them to come back. I just dont know how I feel about this place, a lot of mixed feelings but I will start looking for other options. If you dont mind the hit or miss customer service then I would say go for it, but I have heard of other places where excellent care is provided and the front desk receptionist are welcoming.

---

AM

Amanda Cerracchio

I cannot say enough good things about this veterinarian practice. I have dealt with both Dr. Newkirk and Dr. Tran and have found both to be extremely knowledgeable and compassionate. When my senior dog was having trouble walking on a Saturday, they got me right in, ran tests there at the office, and I left with answers and relief for my dog. I will continue to bring my pets here confident that they will receive the best veterinarian care.

---

---