Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral
| Category: | Veterinarian |
| Address: | 50 Greenville Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA |
| Phone: | +1 910-790-1070 |
| Site: | ecvrwilmingtonnc.com |
| Rating: | 3.7 |
| Working: | 8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM Closed Closed |
Location
Photos 1
Reviews 4
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Sue Stuska
Our 5 year old dog had one painful episode lasting part of one day & we could not pinpoint the origin. There was no tell-tale lameness. Our local vet detected patellar luxation, but we did not know if this was related to his pain. (We still don’t know for sure, but it could have been.) We went to orthopedist Dr. Melissa Stoll who suggested that progressive arthritis could occur with the congenital misalignment in the joints and recommended patellar (knee) surgery on both knees. She commented that, at some point, surgery could not even help substantially arthritic joints. She recommended we act soon. We considered all we had heard and then called to schedule surgery. After some months passed with no pain and no lameness we took the dog to the North Carolina State University (NCSU) Vet School in Raleigh for a second opinion. The NCSU vet agreed that the patellas were moving but found them not to be painful; he also found minor lumbar-sacral arthritis (which was slightly painful) & mild hip dysplasia (also somewhat painful when manipulated to the extreme for diagnosis). The patellar luxation and lumbar-sacral arthritis, he said, are directly related to the way the dog is built. He suggested that these three conditions would be best treated with management, not surgery, and that surgery on the knees would actually do the dog harm in that, during recovery, he would be extremely restricted in movement which would make the arthritis worse. When I contacted Dr. Stoll’s office many weeks after our appointment (but before going to NCSU) to request (again) that records be sent to our vet, I was told by the receptionist that the records were not ready. Dr. Stoll later reputed that. (In other words, we had to ask twice for records to be sent to our referring vet.) When I called to postpone surgery (before we had gone to NCSU; for another reason) I was told by the receptionist that Dr. Stoll would not be in the office the week of our dog’s scheduled surgery. Later Dr. Stoll reported that her plans for leave were not finalized until after I called to cancel surgery. The communication problems did not make me feel confident about in the clinic’s work. After the NCSU consult, I wrote Dr. Stoll to ask about the difference in diagnoses. She stood by her diagnosis and referred me to a document from the American College of Veterinary Surgeons which, in addition to describing the problems associated with patellar luxation, specifically states that if the luxation is low grade and not causing clinical signs (i.e. pain) that surgery is not recommended. I wonder why Dr. Stoll did not identify the other problems our dog has, as she is an orthopedic specialist. I am concerned that we almost put our dog through major joint surgery that would have probably exacerbated his other conditions. I would advise clients of Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral Animal Hospital to pause and consider if a second opinion is warranted.
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Matt Babson
Always get a second opinion! Long story short, our dog would have been put down if we had not waited until Monday and gone to our vet. Our diabetic pug, Clipper, had a seizure on the evening on 7/10. He seemed to rebound well and then had 3 in a row on Saturday, 7/11. As this is the only place I know to be open on Saturday evenings, we rushed him there to be seen. After having another seizure, they told me that he had a complication of his diabetes, hyperglycemic hypersmolar syndrome. The "all or nothing" treatment would require three days hospitalization with a very slow insulin drip. My wife was told there was a 30% chance he would die during the procedure and his life after will probably not be great. They then discussed euthanasia and after calling myself, who was working, in tears, we decided that euthanasia would be the best option. However, I wanted to be able to be there so she asked them if I could take Clipper home and spend our final night together. Since his glucose was so high, we injected him with his insulin every hour since...whats the worst that could happen. Clipper had no more seizures through the night and was a little slow moving in the morning, but he ate, went on a walk, and seemed like himself. We just couldnt take him back to be put down yet. We decided to go to our regular vet on Monday morning and see what he had to say. On Monday we went in and Clippers sugar had dropped by 200 and he was alert. Our vet was almost angry that Eastern Carolina would have such an extreme diagnosis and have him put down so quickly. We have gone back for two more weeks, gotten glucose checks, adjusted his insulin, and his glucose is back to near normal levels. It pains me to think the the only reason Clipper is not dead now is because I was at work and wanted to be there when we had to put him down. We have reached out to Eastern Carolina and received no response on their actions. I realize that in true emergencies, this is the only place to go on weekend nights, but please do not make any rash decisions on your pets care on the advice of these vets.
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Peach bear
A few weeks ago I brought my Sheltie into the emergency clinic because of trouble walking and inability to get comfortable. If I had read some of the negative comments before going there, I might not have gone. The only reason why I didnt give it 5 stars is because I had to wait almost 4 hours to actually talk to the vet about my dogs condition, but it was also a very busy night with a lot of emergencies and snake bites coming in. The techs were very respectful and kept me informed while I waited. Receptionist was amazing! When I met with the vet I met with the vet on duty I was informed that she had a grade 3 possibly grade 4 patellar luxation and to let them keep her overnight so Dr. Williams could evaluate her. I didnt get a call until 930 the next night, but he explained in detail that she had a grade 4 patellar luxation and a possible ACL tear. He did not push surgery on her and told me I could take her home and think about it. He told me she would not be 100% cured if she had surgery, but it would help with comfort and quality of life so as long as possible. I did opt for surgery and my vet and some good friends of mine highly recommended Dr. Williams. This Tuesday, my Sheltie went in for surgery. Dr. Williams called me right before operating and called me back as soon as she started coming to. In also glad that the clinic allowed me to visit her while she was there. When I went on Thursday to pick her up to take her home, the tech Amy explained and showed me my dogs medication, exercises and using a sling to help with stability when standing on her operated leg. Im hoping for some good results and improvement. I just wish my dog didnt glare at me while she wears the cone of shame, but theres getting around that one.
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Tiffany Bowie
I have had to visit this ER on multiple occasions with both my personal dogs as well as foster dogs. ALL of the staff, from the front desk to techs to vets, are extremely helpful and understanding. I have called at all hours of the nights for updates and the techs and vets are always more than willing to update me fully and answer any questions that I have had. The vets on staff are truly top notch and will do all that they can to assist your pet. They have literally saved the lives of every animal I have brought through their doors. I have also utilized the rehab program housed at ECVR. Stacie and her staff are phenomenal! They are so caring and personable. They truly take the time to understand the situation that you and your pet are in and take every measure to cater the PT routine to your lifestyle. I could not have asked for a better experience with a rehab program. NOTE: Clients need to understand that this is an emergency facility and there can be other patients who come in AFTER you who are considered to have more of an emergency than you. Also dont expect them to be chipper cheerleaders at 3 a.m. They tirelessly work to serve you and your pets 24/7. Additionally, emergency care is expensive. If you dont care enough about your pets to drop at least $500 just to be seen then dont even bother visiting. (I personally will pay any amount to keep my pets healthy but sadly not all feel this way. I therefore have not had any issues with the costs at this clinic.) The experience you have at this clinic all depends on the attitude YOU take when visiting. Trust me when I say that the staff truly does their best to serve you, regardless of your attitude.