Columbia River Veterinary Specialists

Reviews 4

A

A Private User

I cannot in good conscience recommend the services of the Columbia River Veterinary Specialists. Before helping our critically ill dog that was suffering from a blocked urethra and internal hemorrhaging, Dr. Elliott insisted on rerunning several very expensive tests that had just been done days before by our regular veterinarian -- despite holding the results of those recent tests in his hands. Some of these new tests were ostensibly inconclusive, so were run yet again, resulting in a recommendation of (expensive) surgery. I told Dr. Elliott that I faced what appeared to be a dismal choice: I could lose my dog or lose a few thousand dollars and my dog. Regrettably, euthanasia seemed the best option. After much discussion, Dr. Elliott estimated that with the surgery, the dog had about a 70% chance of enjoying another six to twelve good, happy months. My wife and I were thus induced to assent to the surgery. Much to our horror, within hours of Dr. Novos surgery, the poor creature began suffering from seizures. Acutely concerned about the dogs immediate and long term welfare, we went to CRVS, where we dealt with Dr. Lanaux, the fourth veterinarian in two days. Apparently oblivious to the dogs wretched state, he suggested that we begin a regimen of chemotherapy. Shocked, I asked if that would relieve the seizures. Dr. Lanaux admitted it would not and that nothing likely would. The only real option would be to keep the dog heavily sedated indefinitely. Further, the surgery had not stanched the hemorrhaging. Sadly, the poor creature, now more miserable than ever, had to be euthanized. Despite the nearly $5,000 we had spent over the previous 48 hours for what was clearly a failed therapy, we paid yet another $50 for the euthanasia -- and then not inexpensive options for disposing of the body were proferred. I declined and buried the dog at home. There were neither apologies nor expressions of sympathy. I do not believe that the veterinarians at CRVS are malicious; however, it is clear that they are primarily driven by a business model designed to maximize profits while secondarily serving animals medical needs.

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Ryan Casch

My wife and Is 3 year old miniature chihuahua Gunner started having seizures about a month ago. We went to another veterinary clinic that prescribed twice daily phenobarbital. He got a little bit better... and then his got progressively worse over the course of the next month. The medication made him extremely lethargic. When he wasnt laying in his bed, he constantly walked in circles. He wouldnt eat, he couldnt drink. Then he lost his vision and could no longer recognize my wife or I. The morning before we took him to CRVS, he had 4 of the most violent seizures he ever had, each lasting about 3 minutes. After these seizures, he did not come out of the postictal phase. We took him to CRVS and they were very accommodating from the moment we got there. They put a catheter in his leg just in case he had another seizure while he was in the back. They gave us every option for Gunner and expressed concern because he was having seizures at such a young age and having other symptoms that were not indicative of epilepsy.. He had not been himself since he started having seizures. In the end, my wife and I decided we would only be poking and prodding him to keep him around for us, not in the best interest of his health. Our dogs look up to us to make the right decisions for them, and in the end the right decision was to let go. I am so grateful that CRVS was here for us through this time. The Dr. was extremely helpful and empathetic for the difficult decision we had to make. They let us be there when it happened, to comfort Gunner. They gave us our space when we needed it, and when we were ready they let us know the next steps. Thank you CRVS for your amazing service and helpfulness. Thank you for not treating Gunner as another patient, or another accounts receivable. You treated him like your own, and you treated us like family as well. Thank you.

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Jenny Morse

My 8 month puppy ingested over 100 fish oil pills. I had a friend who lost her dog to overdose of vitamins. I called CRV to ask if contents were toxic I was told no one could answer my question at CRV and to call poison control. I took him to CRV, (to induce vomiting). At CRV I sat in waiting room while they saw other animals first. When I complained this was a poisoning, they told me other people came first and would be served first. No one even looked at the ingredients on pill bottle. I called poison control from waiting room at CRV and was put on hold for 30 minutes. CRV technician finally took him back to induce vomiting, but came back 20 minutes later, I needed to authorize $191 before they would induce vomiting. I was shocked, THIS WAS A POTENTIAL POISONING!! I asked to see my dog, they brought my vomiting puppy into the waiting room. I insisted on a private room. I finally got through to poison control. The ingredients were OK but (poison control) said if there had been vitamin D in the fish oil (a common ingredient) there would be Kidney damage. First time I saw the vet was at discharge. She told me she was the only vet there. The technicians diagnosed GI upset without looking at the vitamin bottle. If there had been vitamin D, my puppies kidneys could have been damaged!! Everyone is very nice, but the technicians are diagnosing and not supervised by the vets closely. I will never go there again, as I may have lost my dear puppy, due to their negligence, and poorly trained technicians.

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Carmen Lukowski

I cannot thank them enough for their kindness and expert care of my dog. My small dog was recently hit by a car after she got off of her leash during a walk and we rushed her in here for care. They were busy, but they immediately took her into the back so that she could be seen by a vet because of the nature of her injuries. I was very shaken up and they kind ladies at the desk noticed that I was very flushed and gave me a glass of water while I filled out paperwork. Yes, they are not cheap but that should be said for any emergency vet. However, you get what you pay for. Also, they do parter with CareCredit for financing if it is necessary. My dog was seen by Dr. Seifert who was very thorough and went line by line through the estimate. They even let me said goodnight to her while she was being treated in the back. He called me throughout the middle of the night with updates on how my dog was doing and the results from the testing. In the morning, Dr. Paskowski called me with more updates and information on how her treatment was going. They took fantastic care of her and she is making a great recovery due to their care! They called me the day after I picked her up to check and see how she is recovering and to let me know that they are there if I have any questions or concerns regarding her condition. I feel very lucky that everything turned out so well. Thanks again to the team!

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