Mechanicsville Animal Hospital

Reviews 4

DA

Dana Bolton

If there was an option to give this hospital a rating of no stars I would. My dog had a traumatic surgery out of state and I took her here for follow up care to remove a drain and stitches. The first visit the vet (Dr. Dugan) didnt come anywhere near my dog to examine it. She actually looked fearful. She said looks fine and was sending me home. I ask about follow up and she says she doesnt know, just see how it does in a few days. Took her in a few days later because the wound looked like it was opening up and skin looked necrotic. Vet still refuses to come within 3 ft of her. (my dog has anxiety, is not vicious and has never bit anyone) Vet asks me if theres any gapping on the wound. I say, "I can pick her up and hold her so you can take a closer look." She leans over and says "it looks fine." Meanwhile theres a lot of thick crusted blood that I suggest cleaning and she does not want to. Few days later, my dog uses her back leg to get the stitch of the drain out. Now drain has to be removed. Also, the would now smells and looks infected and has puss coming out. See different vet (Dr. Kaloski) at same practice. Finally a vet examined her and touched her and removed the tube. Is not concerned the wound is splitting open and has puss. I say Im going out of the country in 2 days and this looks like it will need surgery. He replies lets wait and see. Meanwhile I get home, see he left a stitch in her by accident where the tube was being held in place. I come home from work that evening and now theres a gaping hole in the wound and it is very obviously infected. Vet not concerned said theyd see it in 2 days. I kicked up a fuss about that time frame and the girl said shed talk to the doctor and call me back. Never called back. Took her to an emergency vet hospital an hour later and the vet was very concerned about the wound and the infection and did surgery that night to remove dead skin and apply a special bandage that is sutured to the skin for the infection. She cant believe my vet did nothing and was nonchalant. Moral of the story...I guess if your pet just needs vaccines this place is fine. If you actually need a procedure done then they are lazy, uncaring, and give no instruction on what to do next. The only thing the vets had going for them was that they were nice and did listen. Just no action.

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RE

Regina Mulligan

My experience at Mechanicsville Animal Hospital has always been with Dr. Kilgore and Dr. Kaloski over the years and they have taken great care of my pets. Six months ago my Maggie started vomiting and the only opening was an appointment with Dr. Dugan. Maggie needed care and that is exactly what she got with Dr. Dugan. She was diagnosed with pancreatitis - a very painful disease for a dog. I had to leave Maggie there as she required IV fluids and IV pain meds. I was so upset that I could not tell Maggie was in pain but she did not exhibit any of the symptoms associated with that disease. Dr. Dugan kept me informed daily and after a few days Maggie was able to come home and finish her recuperation. This is usually a disease of dogs on a high fat diet which Maggie was not. Just to be on the safe side, I changed her food to a lower fat food. Just recently Maggie was acting a bit weird. There had been a death in the family and stress was in the air so I just assumed she was reacting to her surroundings. To be sure I made an appointment and took her in to see Dr. Dugan again. Without exhibiting any symptoms again, Maggie once again had pancreatitis. Once you have this disease, it can be triggered by stress and with the recent loss of my husband, I was very emotional which obviously affected Maggie. I fell apart in the vets office and Dr. Dugan was wonderful once again with Maggie and me. She kept her there for the IV fluids and IV pain meds and once again kept me updated every step of the way. While I still love Dr. Kilgore and Dr. Kaloski, they may have lost me to Dr. Dugan. I cant thank you enough for taking such good care of my baby girl. Your love for animals is amazing and it shows in how you care for them.

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EV

Evan Novak

After a long struggle during the first year of his life, I took my english bulldog to MAH where I was paired with THE AMAZING DOCTOR DUGAN. She was amazed with his extensive medical record, and asked more than a handful of questions to assess what exactly the issue was with my dog. She suggested Metaclopramide to help with his vomiting (a medication he had taken before), but she explained that it can also be used to help push food through his digestive system. This had never been explained to me before or even suggested outside of the aftercare of his surgery. As a result, his vomiting has reduced to rarely in frequency. As well, she took the time to consider his allergies and suggested changes to his diet (no more chicken ever!) and medications to help with the side effects of his allergies (scratching, sneezing, excessive licking). Dr. Dugan has also taken the time to research concerns Ive brought up if she couldnt immediately answer my extensive questions and is also willing to try new approaches if something doesnt work for my little boy. Trust me, its a mystery with my dog, and she seems to be the only person willing to take the time to figure out how to make him be as comfortable as possible. She checks up on him randomly with a phonecall and goes out of her way if I happen to call MAH and shes booked for the day. Long story short: Shes gone above and beyond anything I could have ever imagined for my little boy and I dont like to think where hed be without her.

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BO

Bob Bowie

My 13-year-old cat, Tigger, has had symptoms of gastrointestinal distress for about 18 months. She was on an oral steroid during that time. Getting a cat to swallow a pill is difficult for the cat and the person. I took her to Mechanicsville Animal Hospital, for an urgent visit. Dr. Carol Dugan spent a long time assessing Tigger and her lab values and physical condition, and counseling me. She recommended improving her diet and watching her. She invited me to call her directly and text at any time, with questions, concerns or to let her know about changes. Tigger did OK for a while. I was in Colorado when my wife called about Tiggers declining health. I texted back and forth with Dr. Dugan, who squeezed her in that day. When I returned a few days later, Tigger was less distressed but still not well and did not appear to have gained weight. Dr. Dugan recommended an antibiotic and a shot every-other-day of a more effective steroid. Dr. Dugan called and texted me numerous times to check in. She not only treats my cat but includes me to be one of my cats caregivers. She doesnt depend on my waiting to schedule an appointment but, rather, checks in and invites me to give updates. I wish my own physicians knew how to treat their patients and their families so well.

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