Acredale Animal Hospital

Reviews 3

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Chris Ram

My experience here could have been the death of my dog and as a result, I will not be coming back. I took my highly active competition dog into Acredale with the symptoms of lethargy, a mild fever, joint swelling, all over stiffness, swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite, hind end weakness, instability while walking and the explanation that he has been exposed to ticks since we track competitively and he is in the woods or fields numerous times per week practicing for trials. All signs pointed to a tick borne disease. A 4dx test tested negative, but I told the doctor that I knew this didnt mean much. There are many reasons why the test can provide a false negative and I asked for doxycycline to treat my dog based on clinical symptoms. For anyone who isnt aware, all research suggests treating aggressively with antibiotics if clinical signs point to a tick borne disease. Failure to do so can result in organ failure and death. The vet said NO, even after I pleaded with her several times. She suggested a full blood panel to be our next approach. Assuming she might prescribe doxy if the results pointed towards tick borne or infection, I agreed and went home to wait. Two days later, I received a call and was told that the blood panel was normal. At this time, the vet suggested several other diagnostic tests, numbering in the hundreds of dollars, and a few off the wall suggestions of possible causes (hip dysplasia among them, for a dog who was presented with fever, swollen lymph nodes, and all over joint pain ... plus OFA Good not even 2 years prior). As it turns out, I asked to see the results of the blood panel for myself, a few days later. As you can imagine, I was shocked to see that the panel was NOT normal and had several high and low results. Albumin, lipase, ALT, a to g ratio, and lymphocytes were all low. Globulin was high. If you do a little research, you will see these suggest possible kidney issues and possible tick borne disease as being the culprit. After speaking with two other vets, they both agreed that the dog should have been started on antibiotics immediately, due to clinical symptoms. Luckily, with the help and advise of another vet, I started my dog on doxycycline and within 3 days he is already getting back to normal. If I had listened to the vet at Acredale, my dog would very likely have started to have kidney failure or kidney damage (at the least). He could easily have died, all the while Acredale would have happily charged me hundreds, if not thousands, to test for everything else under the sun. I would never recommend Acredale to anyone that has a serious problem. Go elsewhere, or risk a misdiagnosis.

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Susanne Howell

We have been taking our puppy here since we got her and were pleased with the first doctor we saw and felt confident this was the place for us. Unfortunately as time passed there were small "triggers" that left us feeling uneasy about this facility. First, when we called to set up a f/u appt we were told that Dr Bell no longer worked there and they recommended another one of their doctors on staff. We used them for some very short board stays as well and the last time we did my husband saw the area In which our baby was "boarded" in and we said NEVER AGAIN. We tried to have continued faith in the veterinary services and utilized them once after and felt pleased with the visit (a dr we have never seen prior but was lovely). We added yet another little furry pup to our family and went for our first puppy visit. The visit was "okay" but upon leaving I requested the records for our older pup and the front desk tried to convince me that all we need is the print out of current vaccines but I stated I wanted the entire medical record. When we arrived home I read through all the notes and was absolutely appalled by what was "recorded" for not only our visits, but also boarding notes. In the boarding notes it stated that our dog had some health issues that were noticed by staff and we were NEVER told. Also, I read about fecal findings that were never brought to our attention as well in our regular "check-ups". It was also stated that we REQUESTED a specific doctor once we found out Dr Bell was no longer on staff, but that would be impossible since we had ONLY ever seen her and did NOT know any of the other doctors. Im not sure what kind of facilty they are running but it certainly IS NOT the one they try to portray to the general population. Very sad and heartbreaking. We will NEVER bring our pups back to this establishment and I recommend you seek care for your loved and cherished pets elsewhere. I also recommend you always request your pets entire records so you can see everything that is written/noted and might not have been brought to your attention. I am still in shock but I know for certain our pups will be treated elsewhere from here on out.

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Deonaha Conlin

After a horrible experience with a tech at another vet clinic, I asked a friend who her vet was. "Acredale Animal Hospital". The year was 1987, and I have never looked back. We are now on our eighth Chow Chow, three of which were delivered at AAH, and I cannot imagine anyone caring for them the way these folks do. They dont just care for the pets. They care for the pet parents as well. When my first Chow had to be pts, Dr. Evans explained everything to us, and we were with her when she passed. The day several years back when I rushed my now-13-year-old Chow in with a suspected problem, all I got out of my mouth was the word "BLOAT", and she was whisked away to be checked whilst I checked her in. They shepherded me through my first infant puppy and his issues. They helped me get my second litter through that first rough ten days they had. Several years later (1/9/2017), when the smaller of the two puppies developed a horribly aggressive cancer, Dr. Alex was just amazing and compassionate, and reminded me that our little Z was a my way or the highway little dog. When, true to form, she checked out oh her terms, Dr. Alex returned my call, asking what was going on with Z? I blurted out that she was gone, and Dr. Alex sounded so stricken, I almost cried. They truly form a bond and relationship with their animals. They respect the knowledge and insight I bring to the table with my breed, and I am awed by their level of care and feeling for their clients. This is not one-size-fits-all, corporate veterinary medicine. This is family medicine. I wish I could address those that had less than stellar reviews. Oh, hey, I can... Look, if you encounter a staff member you have a problem with, SPEAK UP. The owners wont know unless you do. Be interested enough to do so *in person*. As for long waits - Appointments are seen before walk-ins, and emergencies are seen before either one. Another thought - your pet has gone from her home, to the lobby of a vet clinic, with all the smells and sounds of other animals. From there, she is taken into a new room. Wouldnt you like your pet to get settled before someone else comes in to poke and prod your pet?