VCA Alpine Animal Hospital

Reviews 5

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Anita Beatty

I have just returned from a visit to Alpine Animal Hospital with two kittens, $750 poorer. (It would have been $820, but I caught a $70 duplicate billing, so was refunded that amount). My impression is that they are all about making the maximum amount of money. Had I gone to another cat clinic in town, I would have saved $48 (3 vaccines for each cat). I just checked prices. In addition to needing preventive services for both (immunizations only since the cats were already neutered), one kitten is limping. The vet appeared to be very inexperienced and was unable to diagnose the limp, so said the leg/foot would have to be x-rayed ($218). She could see nothing on the x-ray, so there was an additional $70 charge to send the x-ray out to a radiologist. She indicated that the x-ray was a necessity, as was sending it out. I felt pressured to OK the radiology--and on reflection feel that I should have asked what treatment there would be for a hairline fracture that the radiologist might catch? Probably no additional treatment. Was an x-ray even necessary? No treatment was given; only instruction to keep the cat indoors--rather obvious advice. I did not want the cat to have pain medication, as he is perfectly comfortable and relaxed when reclining or even walking. He only complains when the joint is touched. The vet argued with me, and administered one dose of pain killer by mouth--another $20. She wanted to charge me $50 more to send additional amounts of the drug home with me; I refused. The cat is now running around on the bad leg, just as I feared, because he is not feeling the pain. I was pressured to have an identification chip implanted, although I indicated repeatedly that I did not want to have that done. ($40 for each cat). If I want to come in later and have it done, I will have to pay $60 for another exam plus the $40. I felt very talked-down-to and pressured, although I am well educated and communicate clearly. Perhaps that was because I indicated that we are not wealthy, and I was anxious to keep costs down as much as possible. Although in the past, this clinic has done a great job, we will not be returning.

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Lynn Dillon

I just got home from putting down our 13 year old lab, Bubba. He had quickly gone into liver failure and although I had an appointment set for 11 am tomorrow morning for our wonderful mobile vet to come to the house to euthanize Bubba, I really felt he was suffering and keeping him overnight would be cruel. So I drove him to Issaquah to Alpine Animal Hospital which has an emergency department. I called ahead to let them know I was coming and would need a gurney because could no longer walk but upon arriving and ringing the bell, the vet tech told me that she was just coming back from break and she knew nothing about it. I wont go into the entire story but what I will tell you is that 1 hour and 20 minutes after I got there, I lay on the floor comforting my distressed and suffering dog and after 3 attempts on the part of the vet techs to place a catheter in Bubbas leg, the vet finally showed up, tried to give me some apology about being the only vet on staff and that there were more important cases than mine, she stuck a needle in Bubbas leg and in about 30 seconds he was gone. She comforted me with a heartfelt, "Im sorry for your loss and hes in a better place". No one there ever mentioned his name, asked me anything about him, and the vet tech called him a her. Bubba gave 13 years to our family, chased elk and bear away, slept with my children, barked incessantly, drove us crazy and loved us deeply. I am so incredibly heartbroken at his sudden departure but more saddened by the fact that I let his last moments be with people who couldnt have cared less about him. Rest in peace Bubbles. We will miss you.

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Donna Rice

Thank You all staff at Alpine...for your upmost care and compassion for the loss of our family lab Sable of 19yrs. My dog was in respiratory distress...I called around 7p on tuesday noc, they said they had several emergencies but to bring her in. It was time to have her put to sleep and we knew it. We were greeted at our truck with a gurney, which they carefully placed her on. She was wisked off to be examined by the vet so we could have her put to sleep asap..she was suffering. They brought her in to us, asked if wed like to spend some alone time with her, which we did and when I just felt I couldnt take her distress any longer the vet came in. I was assured we were doing the right thing..she had lived a longer life than most labs and quality of life for me is the most important factor! We said our goodbyes many times and the injection was instantaneous. I am having her cremated. Yesterday I received a personalized sympathy card in the mail which included her footprint stamp..wow that helped me feel I hadnt totally lost her and that she will always be with us in spirit. THANK YOU all again...and for those of you with negative comments...I also had a dog put to sleep after a long life at ALPINE ANIMAL HOSPITAL 20 years ago and they were equally as wonderful soooo...treat your Vet and the staff with the upmost respect, they obviously love animals and you might need them someday!

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Imimi Ababa

Took the cat in for severe constipation, possibly bowel obstruction. The cat had not pooped for days, been squatting and passing drops of liquid with blood, and vomitted. All of these are classical symptoms of constipation, Ive checked. The vet was not sure whether the cat has constipation or diarrhea! Say what?? How can you confuse constipation with diarrhea?? The whole visit was rushed, as the vet saw us while in the middle of an emergency surgery. Emergencies happen, I totally understand, but why did not they call us to tell us the doc is busy and refer us elsewhere? They had 3 people at the reception desk! The vet suggested a course of tests, depending on my budget, but had not suggested laxative, suppositories, or enema. Did sell me laxative after I asked for it, but with hesitation, because "if its diarrhea, the laxative will only make it worse". Well, I gave the cat the laxative, and he still has not pooped. They did palpate and took vitals (which were nearly normal), but other than that, did not really help. Not going there again.

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Barry Morgan

2 year old cat got out of the house over night and came back with a swollen mouth, so we took our cat there after hours with a huge swelling on his throat, they thought it was an cat bite abscess but offered tail to nose xrays and blood work as a way to figure out what it might be. We declined as it would be silly to do that for an abscess. After visits to 2 other vets turns out was something much worse, he had severe damage to the veins his neck and esophagus plus the bite area by his throat has now turned to rotting flesh. This was a difficult thing to diagnose but I trusted these experts to point me in the right direction. Being nice and telling me the wrong thing that kills my cat is not acceptable. $277 spent here for bad DX. The right answer probably wouldnt have saved his life but sure would have not had him in agony for 5 more days. Plus we confined the cat they blamed for the bite, which now is a sore point as well... There is better near here do your research first before using these people in a emergency.

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