When I first moved to Gosport I registered my dog here, she had check ups with a female vet and they were brilliant. I later discovered a lump on under her skin and took her in again to the female vet and she measured it informed me to keep an eye on it and if it became any bigger or changes to come in, no charge for this.
A couple of months later the lump had gotten bigger so I took her in again, this time with a different vet, Male. He measured it and it had gotten bigger, this time I was charged for this, I found it strange but didn't really question it. A couple of weeks later the lump appeared aggressive so again took Sasha to the vets and he stated that he could do a biopsy.
He then stated (in an abrupt and insensitive manner) "if it's turns out to be cancerous will you actually pay for surgery? Do you have insurance?" I stated I didn't have insurance as I was unsure of her background and age due to her being a rescue, but I would be willing to pay. He gave me a very cold look and tutted. I paid for the biopsy.
I got the results back and he informed me that the test was inclusive and I would have to pay for another biopsy, which is not cheap. I was then later informed that it was in fact a mass cell tumor and I started putting plans in place to pay for the lump removal surgery, which my mum was going to help pay for. At first he quoted me £700, when my mum phoned up to confirm everything with him he quoted her £800. I started to get a bit frustrated due to constant changing of cost, this was already a difficult time due to finding out my best friend may have cancer.
I requested her notes and almost everything contradicted its self. They stated that the surgery (the lump was only 6mm) would cost £1000, £300 more then what he initially quoted me. The test result never back inconclusive the first time and was in fact a mass cell tumor, and then it stated in the notes "advise diabetes insipidis." She had never been tested for diabetes, nor has she shown any signs and symptoms of having it so I have no idea what that was about.
I ended up getting in touch with a vet back in Lincolnshire "where I'm originally from" they stated that from looking at the notes and the account I gave them the vet at alver did not have my dogs best interest at heart and was going through this whole ordeal just to get more money out of me. In the end Sasha had the surgery In Lincolnshire, it cost me £375 in total for everything, including aftercare and pain relief. 6 months down the line she continues to be a happy and healthy dog. After this whole issue I spoke to a friend who had gone through the same thing, however went through with the surgery at Alver after being quoted £500, they ended up charging her £1500, they're not in it for the care only the profit, I strongly recommend taking your fur babies to an independent vet. Never again will I step foot in this veterinary practice. read more
