Valley Veterinary Hospital

Reviews 4

A

A Private User

We took our first adopted cat (Gumby) to them in 12/06. That went well. Not too expensive, thorough. I was happy. Adopted another cat 5/07. Took Gem to Valley Vet as well. Very thorough checkup, nice doctors; again, I couldnt be happier. Got yet ANOTHER cat in 6/07. Wrecks had ear mites, but was otherwise healthy. Valley Vet gave us drops to use in all of the cats, rather than bring them all in one-by-one to check for mites. They also did the neuter for Wrecks, and while it was a little pricey, it wasnt as bad as wed thought it couldve been. A month later, Gumby had a cold and stopped eating. Valley Vet was able to take him in right away and kept him overnight for observation. When we went to pick him up the next day, the tech taught us how to administer the medicine. That visit was pricey, but it was warranted. Gumby got better in a week. We were thrilled. In 9/07, Gem had crystals in her urine. The care she received was excellent, though expensive. They recommended feeding her a special food that ran $20 for a 20-ounce bag. We found a cheaper alternative, since our visits to Valley Vet were becoming more and more expensive. A failed adoption on our part caused us to end up with another cat (Skylar) in 1/08. We bought a house in Spring City in 10/08. I was thrilled to be back to the area after moving away for a short time. In December, it was time to take Gumby in for his yearly checkup, and time to get Skylar neutered. Skys checkup and neutering went well, but it was more expensive than Id remembered. Still, it stopped him from spraying all around our new house, so I couldnt complain too much. Gumbys checkup, however... Dr. Shroeder realized hed lost 7 pounds since hed seen him in 07. He wanted to keep Gumby for the afternoon while he did bloodwork and an x-ray. He wanted to get a second opinion from Dr. Shreiber. Seven hours, $600, one ultrasound, bloodwork, and a gastro panel later, we get the possible diagnosis of lymphoma. The only way to be sure was with a biopsy and we had to pass. We didnt have the money, I didnt want to put a senior cat through that if he was already sick. I specifically told Dr. Shreiber that I didnt want Gumby to suffer. We asked him how long Gumby would have before wed have to put him down, and was told it could be anywhere from weeks to months. He told us we could put Gumby on steroids to help the symptoms after the results from the gastro panel came back. We agreed to do that, so long as Gumby wasnt in any pain or suffering. Two weeks later, Gumby stopped eating. I called on Thursday to speak with Dr. Shreiber, and was told he had off on Thursdays, but he would check his messages. I asked if Dr. Shroeder was available, and was told he didnt come in until later that day - "Someone will call you," they told me. No one did. No one called the next three days, either. Finally, after calling TWICE on Monday and getting downright nasty with my second call, Dr. Shreiber was able to call back later that night. He suggested bringing Gumby in and putting him on steroids and IV fluids and trying to "save" him. That may have worked when I first called the previous Thursday, but at that point, I knew it was too late. He told my fiance that Gumbys organs were already shutting down when wed been in two weeks earlier. He also told my fiance that Gumby had "a little bit of pancreatitis." My cat was in pain for the last two weeks of his life. And Dr. Shreiber knew that. We ended up putting Gumby to sleep the next night. Dr. Shreiber was more interested in "fixing" a 15 year old cat with pancreatitis in end-stage renal failure than listening to the wishes of his pet parents. He was more interested in lining his pockets for procedures that didnt need to be done than putting a creature in his care out of his misery. I would NOT recommend this vet to ANYONE unless you have a boatload of cash, your pet is not nearing the end of his life, and you dont really care for a vet that listens to you.

---

RA

raelynn zappulla

If I could give Dr. Shreiber a quality review of "terrible" I think it would be more fitting. I volunteer with a rescue organization and we brought our foster dog in to have a wellness exam and a blood titer to see what shots would be needed. Before he came to us, this dog has not been seen by a vet in 5 years. After waiting 40 minutes in the waiting room (for a 7pm appointment) and an additional 15 in the exam room, Dr. Schreiber entered, didnt even look at our dog and proceeded to criticize us for the records he was given from another vets office, took out his frustrations about the miscommunication within his own office on us, was extremely rude and hostile and would not give our dog the care we requested. After 5-10 of verbal assaulting, we were fed up and left the office without receiving any care for our dog. Since we were coming from a rescue organization, he was extremely concerned about receiving payment which we had already discussed with the office staff. The office staff was very friendly and had a general look of embarrassment when they heard of how we were being treated. I have dealt with many vets in my life and have never been treated so inappropriately and poorly. I would highly recommend going elsewhere, unless you enjoy verbal abuse.

---

ME

Megan Miller

I rate the doctors at 5 stars. Unfortunately, I cannot give the 5 star rating overall because I have a dog who has been fighting meningitis for 2 years. She was having a relapse and when this happens a minute or hour can mean everything. She was initially seen at Valley and ultimately she was in the ICU at UPenn for a week. When the relapse happened after her stay at UPenn, I called Valley because they were so close, I was given an appointment, went right over...and the vet tech came out and said the Doctor couldnt see her. She was sorry For giving me the impression my dog would be seen and that my dog seemed, "fine" (even though she was falling over). I walked out with choice words and drove to UPenn. My dog was having a relapse. And I didnt feel it was the techs place to make the judgment when time is of the essence. Long story short, I did receive an apologetic voicemail from the tech, which I am thankful for; however, doesnt totally rectify the situation. BUT, Overall the practice has been wonderful. I have 3 dogs and a turtle. They saved my oldest dogs life when she was 3 months old and attacked. Aside from, the one bad experience, overall Valley had been amazing.

---

A

A Private User

I am not one to write internet reviews but I feel I need to for Valley Vet. These people care for my dogs as if they are their own. I have a 16 year old pitbull and Dr. Schreiber and staff have cared for him many, many times over the years. There have been emergencies, routine visits, surgeries to remove massive tumors, and he always received the bets of care. I guess it has been about 10 years since Ive been going. I cannot stress enough the trust I have in this place. I am always made aware of what is going on with my dogs. I never have an issue with the price because I simply ask for an estimate and always receive a very accurate one. They do their jobs well and that may come with a price. Dr Schreiber has also been known to call and ask how my old man is doing. He truly cares and is patient with me when I am a spaz. I can safely tell you, without a doubt, that this place does not try to milk you for money or play on your "vunerabilities." I have been vulnerable and Dr Schreiber has often advised me against more aggressive, expensive procedures that he didnt feel were worth it. I love this place and couldnt imagine taking my boys anywhere else.

---

---