Ludwigs Corner Veterinary Hospital

Reviews 5

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Laura Jarotaa

I highly suggest NOT going to Ludwigs Corner Vet – but if you do, my personal opinion is to NOT see Dr. Hennessy. Here is my experience that I felt was important to share, to keep in mind, and also to share as well. I took my 8 year old Bichon mix Harry in to see Dr. Hennessy 2 weeks ago because he had swollen lumps on either side of his throat, one prominent the other not. She gave me an antibiotic for a week and told me to come back for a follow up to see if that helps. White blood cell count was not off the charts high, it was normal, indicating no serious infection. No other lymph nodes on his body were enlarged and he did not have a temperature. His demeanor was normal, ate normal, pooped normal, etc. After going back for a follow up a week later (Thursday last week), the lumps went down but not significantly. So with that, in a very convoluted way, she told me her opinion was that Harry had cancer. She gave me no reasoning behind her conclusion other than the fact that his blood work did NOT indicate an infection. She offered me no other options other than to give him a powerful steroid twice a day for 2-3 months which would make him ravenous, thirsty, and have to pee every couple of hours. I left there very visibly upset and angry and did not trust her at all. I decided to go to my best friends vet, Dr. Matunis, at Eagle Animal Hospital for another opinion. We just got back from there and wow! He was so great! It turned out, Harry does NOT have cancer. He gave me the details about the various things it could be (something Hennessy did not do and even told me there was no test to determine if it was cancer for sure) and then my options, one being to do a biopsy of the lump (which he could do right then and there and provide results immediately). I went with the biopsy and it was determined that it was not even his lymph nodes that were enlarged, it was an inflammation in the area around his saliva glands because he was leaking saliva out of his gland (which is not uncommon). There is bacteria in there since the muscle area senses the foreign substance and is trying to fight it. Treatment is an antibiotic and a more subtle steroid for only a couple of days. Not only was Dr. Hennessy seriously off on her diagnosis but she was so rude and condescending to both my husband and I. Here is just one example of her ridiculous attitude and approach: When we went back for our follow-up, she was trying to give Harry a steroid shot without even explaining to me symptoms, how long they would last, or the fact that I’d have to give him the steroid pill for a couple of months. My husband and I were trying to ask her these questions as she is holding the needle in her hand, looked at me like I was crazy, and said “You havent let me finish! I want to give him the needle first to get him off the table then I’ll explain everything. I’m trying to make him better!”…as if that was the most important aspect of the situation, him sitting on the exam table! I do not have much experience with Vets but common sense tells me that I should be told the symptoms and the full information on how to proceed BEFORE a shot is given... The most unfortunate part for me is that Dr. Hennessy told me that there was another dog with very similar symptoms as Harry that she treated the same way, but who knows if it was diagnosed properly and if those owners incorrectly believe their dog has cancer too.

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Janice Cope

During the last 12 years and today, Dr. Hennesey at Ludwigs has been and is our go to vet when our dogs need care. She has taken care of our two labs and our 14 year old jack russell. Since a young dog, this little JRT has presented her share of challenging illnesses... including IBS and diabetes. After Dr Hennesey diagnosed diabetes, we struggled to come up with the right dosage of insulin for this 13.5# dog. She made herself available whenever we needed consultation and/or blood glucose testing, and after a few weeks, we had a stable dosage and a stable geriatric little dog. In addition, she successfully moved treatment from prednisone to budesonide, a much less potentially harmful medication. Dr. Hennessey worked with us to give her a quality life for years more than what we could have dreamed of. Our current Labrador, at 10+ years has had 7 operations on 3 of her four limbs. As she aged, arthritis came into the picture and was notably in discomfort until Dr Hennesey came up with the right cocktail of medication and laser treatments to mitigate the symptoms. She is now a happy old dog. We trust Dr. Hennesey implicitly.

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Michael Gilpin

I run a working English Cocker gundog training kennel and LCVH has provided me with all manner of veterinary services since 1998. Since that time the practice has grown substantially but the level and quality of service, both from the veterinarians , the technicians and the administrative staff, has always been and continues to be of the highest standard. As in all medicine, new technologies are forever evolving in the veterinary world and LCVH has embraced those which it can apply to benefit the resolution of the health issues of their clients animals. I speak from personal experience since many of my dogs have been the beneficiaries of these new technologies. Even though it means your furry companion has a health issue (or perhaps just a routine vaccination or check up) the professionalism and friendliness that exists throughout the entire organization means its always a pleasure to take a trip to LCVH.

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Andrew Carpenter

I brought my dog to the vet because I noticed he was sore. The vet said he was completely healthy and that they recommended Rimadyl in case he had arthritis. 12 hrs after giving my dog Rimadyl he died. They claimed that he had tumors and died from internal bleeding, they also claimed Rimadyl had nothing to do with it. After researching adverse affects of Rimadyl I saw that stomach bleeding was common for certain breeds, among other deadly side affects. After I asked the vet about what I read, he said not to believe everything you see on the internet and that it was just a coincidence. He also stated that he had never heard of these side affects before and that plenty of dogs benefit from it daily. I am not blaming them for the death of my dog, but I do wish that I had heard of these "rumors" before giving my dog this "medicine". Research for yourself to come up with your own conclusion.

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Denette Kellogg

I just took my new puppy to LCVH and was extremely impressed by the caring and compassion that even the receptionists showed to my dog and I. I bought a harness and was having a lot of trouble fitting it. Bridget spent quite a bit of time helping me appropriately fit the puppy. I had been to LCVH about 8 years ago with my other dog, and was not at all happy with my visit. I went to another facility, but in recent months, heard so many good things about LCVH, that I decided to give them another try. I am very happy that I did. I receive follow-up calls, and helpful medication information that really goes above and beyond. Dr. Harclerode was very kind to my puppy and extremely gentle in every way. She spent a lot of time talking to me about my puppys health. Thanks LCVH. I am glad I came back!

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