I brought my cat in as an emergency for a severe open fracture/shattered back leg. What should have…read morebeen a professional, supportive experience during one of the most distressing moments for any pet owner became a deeply traumatic ordeal for both my pet and our family due to negligence, inadequate information, poor discharge practices, and shocking insensitivity.
Critically, before any care was provided or paperwork signed, we were not properly informed about the realistic level of pain and suffering our cat would likely endure even with pain medications once sent home in a splint. We explicitly emphasized that we wanted what was best for our cat and trusted the staff to guide us. Had we been clearly told upfront about the expected ongoing agony with conservative management for such a serious open fracture and shattered leg, we would have immediately chosen the most humane option right then--before incurring any costs or putting her through additional suffering. Instead, we were sent home unprepared, our cat continued to writhe in pain despite medication, and we only later realized this was not in her best interest. This lack of transparency forced our cat to suffer unnecessarily and left us financially burdened for services that did not align with the compassionate outcome we sought.
On top of this, the discharge process was dangerously inadequate. They handed my injured cat back to us in a half carrier with no top. She immediately jumped out before we could leave--unacceptable for an animal with a full-leg splint and shattered bone WITH a open fracture. We had to insist on a proper carrier and were given a cardboard one so small her splinted leg barely fit. She writhed in agony inside the confined space, unable to relax or lie down. Witnessing her unnecessary pain and distress during transport was heartbreaking and entirely preventable.
Financially, we were already struggling with the cost of the emergency visit. Despite explaining I was not working and could not responsibly apply, staff aggressively pushed their credit card knowing i just had a baby and clarified i am no longer working or returning to work. and even suggested I fraudulently use my boyfriend's income and information (we are not married) under my application. My boyfriend then pursued their financial assistance option, but the pressure tactics felt predatory. i know we couldnt afford this visit but we were trying to figure out what was best outside of applying for credit and but didnt have enough in our accounts to fully cover the costs so i understand their frustration as well.
Throughout the entire experience, there was a glaring lack of sympathy and empathy--for our cat's immense suffering and for us as devoted owners facing an emotional crisis. In an emergency veterinary setting, clear informed consent, realistic expectations about pain management, safe discharge protocols, and genuine compassion are the absolute minimum standard. Old Growth failed on every level.
This visit was traumatic and fell far short of responsible, high-quality care. We felt rushed, uninformed, unsupported, and dismissed when we most needed guidance and kindness. Potential clients should know about these serious issues before trusting this clinic with a true emergency. I would not recommend Old Growth Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care based on our experience, and I strongly urge them to improve transparency around treatment outcomes, patient handoff procedures, staff empathy training, and financial practices so other families and pets do not endure the same preventable harm.
