University Veterinary Specialists

Reviews 3

RE

Rene Marasco

My girls and I just took our 7 yo mini aussie (fear aggressive) on Monday night.She returned home to us last night.She had been staying with a friend of mine in OH for just over week due to my work.She was just not herself, vomiting and diarrhea, barely eating, mostly lethargic, some play and attempts at "doing her work."He took her to the vet.She has always been known to be sad when Im not around but only for a day or so and she loves my friend-he couldnt shake the feeling something else was wrong.Even though her vomiting and diarrhea stopped she wouldnt eat and was just not herself.My girls and I ended up with the stomach flu and couldnt get her when we planned to-my friend was getting more worried so he met us halfway.When we picked her up she just had this look in her eyes and the way her ears were flattened, like she was in trouble.She clearly wasnt herself.We hoped once we got her home things would change but they didnt so we took her in to University. Ive had lots of experience with vet hospitals (even out of state) and I was so relieved to see it being built so close to our home-I just didnt expect to need it so soon.They were great.The doctor that saw us was all over a diagnosis of Addisons Disease-which as I understand it is difficult to diagnosis and often overlooked.I am beyond appreciative that they caught it so quickly and began treatment.Im overwhelmed with managing it-really because our girl is a high stress dog and stress is the main issue with this disease but we have her-no horrible level of "crisis" as they call the episodes-now we know and are on the right track to managing her condition and having her with us for many more years. They were great when I called to check on her and when I asked if we could come and see her they said yes.Perhaps just make sure to offer these things-I only know them from past experiences at other hospitals and took it upon myself to initiate.I understand that there doesnt seem to be a system of who is going to take care of you once you enter but I really dont see that as a problem-both people were aware of us and responsive.Its only a problem if no one is responding.When we went to visit it was sad to see some of the pets coming in and what was being dealt with by families.I did have to wait to get her and the tech apologized-I told her no worries because I saw what was going on in the lobby-I wouldnt want one of our fur babies to be in crisis waiting because they were with a family taking their stable loved one home.The doctor that took care of our baby during the day apparently "likes" Addisons-they tell me because it is treatable-I can imagine it has a more positive outcome than many of the things they see there.She did call me day 1 but i missed the call and never connected with her.We visited Tuesday night and they talked to me about discharge Wednesday.I asked if i would get to see and talk with her-it ended up that I didnt. The original doctor who began treatment was there that night and I did speak with her again. To be clear, she was very patient in giving me info as was the tech-still, Im a mommy that worries - and would like to talk to the vet that not only provided care during the days but seems to be the identified expert on the disease.I will say that the tech I spoke with by phone was the same one that checked us out-I had asked for written info from them (vs the internet scariness) and she did have something ready for me when I got there.(Again, some standard handouts would be good to have and offer.Im a former social worker and I agree with reviews that people are overwhelmed and its hard to hear and process everything.)She also checked on some things that the dr. didnt put in discharge summary that shouldve been there.Honestly, I wouldve preferred to see that dr. at discharge but am understanding of the nature of the hospital.The tech said I can review what she gave me and make notes to call in and ask questions.Im not sure if I will get to speak with the dr. or not but Im hopeful.

MA

Mary Ann Johnston

The ONLY choice for emergent care in Pittsburgh, in my opinion. As a bulldog owner, we always need to know where to go and fast. In the past, we used a local competing emergency hospital. We were treated as if we were a nuisance than the reason for their existence. We we welcomed UVS to the South Hills with open arms. UVS is an immaculately clean state of the art facility designed for the delivery of all levels emergent veterinary care using advanced technology. Specifically, they treat less complicated emergencies as well as acute trauma. The support staff is extremely well-trained and showed compassion to our bulldogs and to us. They are very friendly, professional, respectful, and work as quickly as possible to register a newly arriving emergency. They genuinely understood the concern and helplessness that we felt when our dogs were sick. Just like many pet owners, our dogs are our family, not just pets. Our girls (bulldogs) were examined by a fabulous veterinarian. After the exam, a written treatment plan was presented to us, discussed and then approved by us. A question and answer session was held with us. This session included a written estimate for the diagnostics and treatment plan. The selection of resuscitation orders for our dogs in the event of a coronary event during their stay was included on the form. This was a very nice addition to the treatment plan. For us, communication is paramount to any mefical encounter, and it is the cornerstone of the standard of care. We fully understood the diagnostics and treatment needed at the point of care and the costs too. That said, UVS covered all of these points with ease. Time management can be a challenge. Its just like going to an ER for yourself. Sometimes, you can get in and out quickly or spend hours there. Its all dependent upon the emergencies that come through the door that day. I generally dont like to wait, but I dont want the doctor to be in a rush, these procedures can take lots of time. Ive found the services are priced below or at the same as competing emergency hospitals in Pittsburgh. Your pet is worth the investment! In summary, our bulldogs had a high quality emergency vet visit. We now have two bulldogs on the path to recovery. We are very satisfied and happy owners! Be assured that we will select UVS as our emergency veterinary hospital when our bulldogs need emergency care in the future.

AN

Andrea S

Cat went in for urinary blockage. A simple catheter, pain meds and antibiotics is the normal procedure. They told us our cat wouldve died that night if we didnt bring him in. They showed absolutely no compassion. Just went straight into asking how we plan to pay for it because they want 60% down of whatever the estimate is going to be and would not even begin treatment for our cat until they had a financial agreement set into place. Have $2500+ quote and when they called for us to pick our cat up, and they screwed up our financial information. Stood there for an hour waiting to complete the forms they screwed up on and told us that if they couldnt process it, they wouldnt give us our cat back. So, finally get our cat after that ordeal. Didnt return our towel that we brought him in with. Didnt clean him off... he sat (for who knows how long) in a cold metal cage, completely soaked in his own urine. Also, my cat caught kennel cough which is yet another vet bill Im looking at because they obviously only clean the front area where people go not where the animals have to go for the duration of their visit. Oh and they never bothered to provide a follow-up call to see how your pets progress is doing either. Dont expect kindness from this place. If you want to spend triple the amount you would regularly spend at a normal vet, and deal with a coldhearted staff with no real love for animals, then go here. AWFUL experience and will NEVER go there again for anything. Please be sure to research local 24 hour vet hospitals in your area before taking your beloved pet here. SURE the place is huge, looks clean & brand new, and offer free juices & snacks to everyone, but, its because they financially rape everyone who has to go there. They have plenty of money to make it look amazing. The price they charge to save your furbabys life is despicable.