West Salem Animal Clinic

Reviews 5

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James Clark

Oliver, my dog and friend, was an eight year old golden doodle, he was in excellent and tip top health, he loved to run and bounce. Last Friday, I made the decision to license him in Polk County and needed the certification of rabies vaccination. We had visited the West Salem Animal Clinic previously so I thought the clinic would have a copy of the vaccination. We made a visit to the clinic on Friday. While at the clinic, I was told that Oliver should have a list of vaccinations, including a Drontal tablet, even though he lives in the house with us and is our constant companion, Oliver did not have parasites, worms, or even fleas. The staff administered the tablet in a rough and aggressive manner, multiple times, Oliver did not want the tablet. As we were leaving the exam room, Oliver began to heave and cough. He continued to heave and cough sporadically. The cough progressed into retching. Friday evening I took Oliver to the Veterinary Emergency (ER) Clinic. At the ER clinic, he was treated for vaccine reaction and given dexamethasone and diphenhydramine. Later on Friday night, I could tell that Oliver was in labored breathing and not receiving enough oxygen. I took him back to the ER. Treatment began for pneumothorax. This continued through late Saturday night. Around 1100 Saturday night, the ER sent Oliver home. As soon as we arrived home, I called the ER and asked if Oliver was okay or if I should bring him back, I thought he was breathing too fast, too hard, and wheezing. Even holding the phone to his muzzle so the staff could hear. I was told that wheezing is fine and that Oliver did not need to come back to ER. I counted his respirations at 62 and 48 inhalations per minute. We continued to monitor Oliver at home and around 3 AM he went outside to go to the bathroom, while he was outside he collapsed and was in severe labored breathing. I rushed him back to the ER at high speed through down town Salem. He died in route, he moaned deeply in pain and anguish as he suffocated. This was one of the worst moments in my life, my friend was looking at me for help as he died, he was hurting and it was my job to keep him safe. I hate myself for ever taking him to the Vet. Monday, I stopped into the West Salem Animal Hospital and asked for refund for the unopened box of heart worm tablets. Oliver never had heartworm and he was now dead. While at the vet clinic, I did not appreciate the cavalier attitude and asked if the exam the previous Friday, the exam that said Oliver was healthy, maybe, it should be refunded too, and why not refund full cost of Fridays visit. The staff at West Salem Animal Clinic told me that they would need to speak to the vet. The vet told the staff that she did not know me or Oliver. I reminded the staff to remind the vet that we had spoke for long periods of time over the weekend. I was then ushered into a small room and told that someone, the clinic owner was the only one who could issue a refund, approx. $250, and that the owner would be back on Thursday or Friday.

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Kim Darcy

I am so thankful for Dr. Sirianni! My dog had an emergency and I needed to take him to the emergency veterinary clinic. He stayed the night there and basically I was given two choices. Send him to Portland for a $3,000 surgery or put him down. Instead, I told them I was choosing a 3rd option. I was going to pick him up as soon as West Salem Animal Clinic opened in the morning and have Dr. Sirianni take a look at him. Dr. Sirianni was very kind and compassionate with me as I was overcome with tears and emotion. We discussed having my dog put down the next day to allow time to adjust and say goodbye. Dr. Sirianni thoroughly examined the ultrasound and lab reports from the other vet. He determined that the condition that was found at the emergency vet was present but didnt really explain why my dog collapsed. He made the call to treat him for infection with a round of antibiotics, while cautioning me that this was only a hunch, but that a serious infection could explain the collapse. The antibiotics he prescribed did the trick and gave us more time with our sweet boy. The emergency happened in February. It is now October and he is still with us. We are very grateful for his compassion and expertise. There have been many other times that this clinic has impressed me. Dr. Turnbull taught me techniques to calm my dogs fear aggression when we brought him home from the shelter as a 3 year old. He was fearful of men that came to the house and aggressively lunged at my dad one day. After that, we thought we wouldnt be able to keep him. Dr. Turnbull gave me a training protocol that we followed exactly and introduced me to a pheromone spray that worked wonders. He ended up being the best and most loving dog we could ask for and he now truly enjoys our visitors. Dr. Turnbull really seemed to love my dog and seemed genuinely happy to see him every time we came in. I felt so good about going to her. These are some great and caring veterinarians. I have been going there for 13 years and I wouldnt go anywhere else!

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Robyn Gabriel

Having had 9 dogs over 16 years West Salem Animal Clinic feels like my second home! We moved back to West Salem 2 years ago, but even when we lived out towards Aumsville, we brought the dogs over the bridge and back to WSAC. Over these many years our dogs have been treated for many things, both routine and serious medical issues. What has always impressed me is the level of knowledge and care shown to our fur-babies.....when serious illnesses or conditions occur the doctors make sure to go over all options, including referrals to specialists. Since Salem is lacking in specialty vet care, we spend a lot of our time in Portland. Over the years weve had a dermatologist, internist, oncologist, neurologist, orthopedist and a cardiologist! Knowing my veterinarian truly cares about the health and well-being of my dogs, which includes referring them to specialists when needed, gives me peace of mind and confidence in the care my dogs receive. Treatment by specialists has given us extra time with our dogs...sometimes only a couple of months, but in one case we had an additional 6 years with our Gracie because we listened to the vet when she referred us to a Portland specialist. That level of care assures that WSAC will always be our veterinary home! Plus, the staff is great and everyone from the front desk to the vet techs are compassionate animal lovers just like us :-) As long as we live in Salem well never go anywhere else!

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Maria Rothenburger

Down-to-earth, friendly, accommodating, and didnt push services. Dr. Sirianni was wonderful with my dog; gentle and kind. At my old vet, the services I received today wouldve cost approximately $350. At West Salem Animal Clinic? $150. Cant beat the service AND the prices....Thank you!

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Shannon Ann Riggs

Ive been taking our family pets here for 10 years and cant recommend this clinic highly enough. From new puppies and kittens through "eldercare" for our beloved old lab, the vets and office staff are simply amazing. They feel like family.

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