A Difficult Experience During a Painful Time…read more
Losing a pet is incredibly hard, and when we faced the sudden decline of our beloved four-legged family member a year ago, we were emotionally vulnerable. Our regular vet recommended NVS when our senior dog suddenly couldn't move and was in obvious distress. We share this backstory to highlight our state of mind during our visit.
After the initial exam, we were told our dog's condition could be terminal cancer or something else entirely, requiring surgery and tests for a definitive diagnosis. When we pressed for a prognosis, we received vague answers: days or weeks if it was terminal cancer, possibly years if it was something else. Given her advanced age, we questioned if putting her through surgery was truly in her best interest, and even asked about euthanasia, but received little guidance.
The most jarring moment came when the surgeon, called in specially, told us, "I can give you five minutes to decide on the surgery. Then I leave" This comment, more than anything, shifted our focus from our pet's well-being to the surgeon's impatience. It left a lasting negative impression during an already agonizing decision-making process.
Despite the uncertainty, and given less than ten minutes total to decide, we opted for surgery. The outcome was the worst-case scenario: terminal cancer. She might have weeks, maybe a few months. Ironically, the same surgeon who showed little empathy earlier offered the most poignant advice: "Be as present with her as you can." This, too, has stayed with us.
During this stressful time, the discussion of costs arose. Over the phone, we were quoted upwards of $7,000, with an itemized breakdown including the initial exam, surgeon's consult, and surgical costs. We painstakingly confirmed the grand total multiple times, even writing it down for our records, as we were not at our best. We were told complications might make this go higher, but we would be called beforehand.
At the end ended up around 10 thousand plus.
There was no call. However, upon picking up our dog post-op, the bill was significantly higher. We were told we had "misheard" or "misunderstood," which we firmly disagreed with. They claimed the calls were recorded and they would listen back, leading us to believe the discrepancy would be resolved. We paid the inflated amount to take our dog home, but despite numerous follow-up calls, we never received a response or resolution regarding the overcharge.
Our precious and loyal furbaby passed away just three weeks after the surgery. Now, with some distance, we can reflect on our experience. While we cannot blame NVS for her terminal condition, the overall lack of empathy and care shown towards both our pet and us during such a vulnerable time, coupled with the billing issue and subsequent unresponsiveness, lack oh empathy makes it impossible for us to recommend their services.
One more thing the people at the front desk are just rude and cold with no c
We still not hear from anyone to do a follow up on Torry and this means they don't care and just to hear their name make me sick.
At the end of the day this place could and should be more understanding, emphatetic of the hard time when we deal with the health of our family members but for them is only money signs and like my grandmother used to say " actions speak Lauder then words? in this case no word nor actions.
