Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center

Reviews 13

FL

Floyd Hill

I really thought I was getting really good care but it didnt turn out like that in the end. It all started when my poor long-haired Dachshund, Leah, injured her back and had a disc compression on her spine. I took her to the Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center (VESC) and thought I was going to get some great help. The receptionist was nice and she took her back and then she told me to wait on the doctor to come out. Thats when Dr. Veronica Jarvinen came out and informed me of what needs to happen and surgery was the best course of action and it would cost $4500-$6000. I had $2200 in Care Credit, so I assumed that this would start me on getting my dog the needed operation that had just only occurred 2 hours earlier. So you can see, this is a very critical time for my dog walking or not and overall display of health. I told her that I didt have the full amount and was there any kind of payment plan? She told me that there was no payment plan and the full amount would have to be present. Its like she displayed this emotionless expression and looked like it was saying, "if you dont have the money, then your dog gets no operation". So, I tried for the next 30-40 minutes to call around and see what I can come up with, (it was around 5 or 6 am) and had no luck. So, finally I asked here again that I couldnt come up with the rest of the money and is she sure there was nothing else to do? She just looked at me and said, "no". You have to have all the money or talk to the hospital and see what they could do but they dont do payment plans. So, I just asked her to give Leah, an anti-inflammatory shot and Ill take here with me. She thought I said that I wanted to put her to sleep and I told her, again, that I will take her with me and I will look into other options. So, she gave her a shot, gave me some Carprofen and Tramadol and I left to see my local pet doctor the following day and finally found some excellent staff at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg! (These guys are awesome, by the way and yes...I traveled 3 1/2hrs) As of today, 8 January 2015, approximately 4 days after the incident, Leah finally received her operation and she faces a 50-50 chance of recovery. But all of this could have been avoided, if measures could have been in place and payment plans were optional...just like Virginia Tech. Not everyone can afford an expensive operation like that in one pop and it looked to me like VESC did not care at all. I think VESCs motto is "To Forever Nurture and and Enhance the Human Animal Bond". This did not happen at all....

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MA

Marie Winston

There arent a option for NO STARS. I went to them (45 minutes drive one way), then I had to wait a hour, before my son raised his voice, to get some help. The nurse came in, and I asked her to give my puppy an IV... For dehydration, and she told me to wait for the doctor!.... 20 minutes later, my son had to call them AGAIN, cause it looked like my puppy was dying.!! Long story short - the vet never administrate the IV (wich was VERY NECESSARY).. And she gave me a bill of $4000.00 if I leave my puppy there, then she said even then there is no guarantee that she would make it. I didnt have that money, so she suggested to put her out, cause according to the vet, she was DEFINITELY going to die through the night.... I said NO! And I took my puppy , put her in the car pay a bill of $188.00 for what, Im not sure... Cause she didnt get ANY help!! I gave her pedialight through the night... And guess what??!! Shes walking around, and start to drink water on her own . DO NOT TAKE YOUR ANIMALS THERE IF ITS AN EMERGENCY. THE WILL LET THEM DIE WHILE YOU WAITING, OR PUT HER OUT!!

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SA

Samantha St John

I had to make the unfortunate decision to put down my recently adopted lab Saturday morning. I cannot express the pain of having to watch her go when only two weeks before I had promised her a new start and an end to her year in the shelter. The staff at this clinic were incredible and wonderfully empathic. They all answered my questions and listened patiently as I talked incoherently through my crying. Thank you for making a heartbreaking situation far more bearable with your compassion.

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A

A Private User

Really helped with my friends Chihuahua giving birth. The Chihuahua had one on its own but the second got stuck so we had to rush her there. Unfortunately the second but was dead when we arrived. Third came out healthy but when the fourth came out it Also got stuck but they stepped in immediately and helped the mom get it out. Great people and great service. On a side note people shouldnt expect vet bills to be cheap. Never have been so Im not basing my review on money.

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AS

Ashley Holder

The service was great and my cat was well taken care of. They didnt try to get me to pay for unnecessary procedures like I feel like some vet offices do. It wasnt all about money, they just wanted my cat to feel better. The vet tech was also so sweet to her. The veterinarian, Dr Barnes, was very intelligent and definitely knew her stuff. I would take any of my animals back there. And honestly the price wasnt bad at all for an emergency visit!

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A

A Private User

This organization should be listed under sales and marketing! They seem to capitalize on our emotional attachments to our pets and our concerns for their well being They seem most interested in the 90 dollar visit fee. This fee does NOT include services rendered by the vet, lab fees, medicinal costs or other expenses. Their response to every comment is, "youll have to bring her in for a visit" or "well have to see her."

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EV

Everswallower Recordings

Very nice and friendly and good with my cat. A little overpriced and although they prescribed me 5 days worth of medicine, the bottle had enough for 4 days (they have me liquid in a pill bottle) and when I called to say something, they told me I could buy some more.

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CA

Carl Wells

Thank you for your excellent service. Everyone was great and services provided at a fair price. The doctor displayed a caring attitude for pet and owner by choosing not to engage in unnecessary procedures and medications.

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MI

Mimi Cook

Over 30 minutes in an exam room just sitting there waiting for them to finally pull us back into the lobby to discharge our cat. They discharge our cat with an open wound no cone no bandage.

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DA

Dana Hatton

We recently had to put our beloved Rottweiler down and they were so kind and loving. They allowed all of us in the room and gave us all the time we needed with him. Great group of people!

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JA

Jackson Hightower

Dr. Almon and staff were awesome! Very informative and helped us stay calm as our dog was in surgery. We just moved to VA and couldnt be happier with the service received.

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CO

Corene Jarchow

Dr. Almon and staff were awesome! Very informative and helped us stay calm as our dog was in surgery. We just moved to VA and couldnt be happier with the service received.

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J

J Kenney

Came on short notice with an ailing dog. They were very fast, and they were up-front about costs and benefits, before performing any expensive diagnostics or procedures.

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