Oradell Animal Hospital

Reviews 3

A

A Private User

Caring, friendly, thorough, understanding but expensive (thats cutting to the chase). Now let me explain... THE PROBLEM... My 7-year old dog was vomiting uncontrollably since 5:30am. None of the vets at his regular doctors office were available until 3:45 and by 12pm he had vomited 9 times so I thought it was in his best interest to take him to Oradell Animal Hospital on an emergency basis. CHECKING-IN... I called in advance and they said to bring him right in. We were greeted by very pleasant staff members (especially Joe Davis - he was so great!). The check-in took a bit longer then expected but it wasnt anyones fault (the person was in training and the old info they had on record was a bit messed up), the triage nurse saw him right away, and we were taken in to the room relatively quick. The waiting rooms are very well laid out, organized, clean and comfortable. THE VET... Dr. Kim Bridges was really nice, caring and thorough. She gave us all the pros and cons (including the possibility that he would have to stay over night, which I had a feeling might be the case) but I told her I didnt want to and became very upset with the thought of being without him (after all, I take him everywhere I go - yes, including work & vacations!) so she did everything possible so that he wouldnt have to (keeping his best interest in mind, of course). Luckily, the blood test and ultra sound returned with negative results (the staff checked in with us and kept us posted of the progress while we waited for the results), she gave him an IV and sent him home with meds. CHECK-OUT... During check-out, the staff again was very caring (asking about him and the outcome) and even braced me for the bill, although I was already expecting it to be high because (a) he had an ultra sound done (which even for a human isnt cheap) and (b) I already knew they were expensive. Luckily Ive had pet-medical insurance for him since he was a puppy and the best part is that they submit the paperwork to the insurance company for me (which ensures a maximum reimbursement). FOLLOW-UP... The vet called the next day to check in (see how he did through the night and how he was doing so far through the day). We told her hes doing a bit better but not yet 100% and she reminded us again on what to do and what to watch out for. I have to admit that even our regular vet has never done that. OVERALL... (and bottom line), Im not sure I would go here for routine well visits because even with insurance its a bit expensive but I would most definitely go for specialty and emergency services. I wouldnt hesitate to go there again with any of my animals!

MA

Mark Nazzaro

My parents 8 year old shih tzu had surgery in Feb 2015 to remove a cancerous growth. The cost of the surgery was $2300 (Oradell and Fairfield are the only hospitals who could perform this particular procedure). The doctor informed them that there were no guarantees, and the cancer could return, however he said he was confident he got it all. He also offered radiation as an option for $7000, again with no guarantees. After the surgery, their dog seemed to be doing a little bit better, but never seemed right. She was limping and her front paw seemed to be bothered by pain. After the surgery, the doctor never even bothered to call and check in to see how his patient was doing. The dog had a post op visit one week later and the doctor said she was doing well. The week after the post op visit, my parents called the doctor because they were very concerned that she didnt seem to be doing well, and had a lot of redness under her legs and chest. The doctor said the redness was the cancer (wait, we thought you were confident you got it all?) It was impossible to get in touch with the doctor, and when he finally called them back he told my parents to pick up medicine at the hospital and did not tell them to bring her in for an examination. He never again called to check in on his patient. I am saddened to report that their precious dog passed away at home yesterday March 19th, nearly 6 weeks after this surgery. We are convinced that the cancer had already spread prior to the surgery, and this was just a way to collect $2300. As trained professionals, it seems extremely hard to believe that they would not be able to identify if the cancer had spread prior to performing the surgery, especially given the circumstances. We understand that not every pet can be saved, however if that is the case they should be honest and up front about that and allow the pet owners to make the decision. My parents are also extremely disappointed in the lack of communication from the surgeon and the facility. It is unfathomable to them, that a surgeon would not check on his patient, especially when you were told that something was still not right with the dog. Why would the surgeon not want to examine her in the office again? Our hearts are broken.

LA

Lara Jane

Ive been putting off this review because although its very positive, its also a heavy piece for me to write. My dog spent months at our local vet getting sicker and sicker until I took it upon myself to drive over an hour to Oradell (found through my own research). They diagnosed his brain tumor that day and we were able to make a treatment plan. After months of feeling helpless, that I was losing my Marcel, I finally had answers and treatments we could go with. Two months later Marcel is finally on his way to getting better. He has a neurologist, an oncologist, and an ophthalmologist at Oradell - so every time I make the hike I know whatever comes up there will be a specialist who knows what to do. Dr. Farabaugh (our neurologist) is particularly calming and positive and was the first to take on our case and put me at ease. I am considering driving from upstate NY to NJ for every vet visit, even just our wellness exams. I almost gave 4 stars because it is very pricey - but decided they deserve 5 because they will work out a payment plan with you and have been wonderful with me in this regard. As an additional note: I have been rescuing and fostering for years - before this I went to Yonkers to the Animal Specialty Center with one foster dog and one of my own pups. Both died young and it seemed they could do nothing. My own vet recommended them before Oradell. I am so glad I finally stopped listening to my now former vet, did my own research, and went with my gut. If you want the best or your dog is struggling with something that your vet cant seem to diagnose or isnt able to help - please! go to a specialist! My Marcel lost and eye and almost lost another because my vet didnt send us to an ophthalmologist (I take blame for this as well- but I know better now). Specialists exist for a reason. I think of veterinary care just like I think of human care now - primary is really only for yearly physicals. When sickness or illness arise, you go to the specialist of that field who can help you diagnose and treat your pet. I so wish I had learned that earlier.