We had the most delightful experience at Katonah Bedford VCA! To codify the visit as such says a…read morelot, given that we'd schlepped there regarding an unresolved, terribly worrisome medical issue (recurrent ear infections causing vestibular issues) experienced by my otherwise purrfect, sweet, ebullient albeit occasional douchebag of miracle of a cat, Faunti (little Lord Fauntleroy, AKA Homeslice). We drove from Brooklyn to see DR. TIM CHAN, THE DERMATOLOGIST, because the excellent ER vet we saw at VERG, the best ER in Brooklyn, recommended him (he was a resident at Tufts when she was a grad student there). Hot tip: Dr. Chan is newish to the practice so at present you can get in with this brilliant, research-oriented yet utterly humanistic, thorough AF, compassionate, personable dermatologist much quicker than you can at NYC specialist clinics like Blue Pearl (obviously if you're local, even better!).
It took us an hour and 15 minutes to get to VCA from Park Slope, Brooklyn (it would taken us an hour to get to the Upper East Side after parking so it's not that much of a further schlep after all). After going to Dr. Chan, I wouldn't feel comfortable going to anyone else for my animal's dermatological care (who knew that veterinary derms were ear specialists)?
We'd been through the wringer when we got to VCA. Three generalist vet appointments and two ER visits and I felt nothing was resolved prior to the visit. Initially, there had been just a clear discharge and some head shaking but when the ear infection recurred, our little bunny of a pussycat was suffering from vestibular issues (extreme dizziness causing constant falls, bugged out eyes, and a head tilt) and the ER doc at VERG had strongly recommended we visit Dr Chan given that every time he went off an antibiotic, he'd immediately become symptomatic again.
Dr. Chan went over pros and cons of different treatment options. He detailed the condition of Faunti's ears so throughly. He used a video otoscope to examine Faunti's ears. Generalists don't have this equipment and they were repeatedly unable to detect the state of one of Faunti's eardrums (whether it was in tact or completely ruptured) and Chan was able to determine its condition (if the eardrum is ruptured, ear cleaning at home isn't possible) and to get more literal insight into what was informing the recurrences.
Chan has a delightful bedside manner and he conveys things cogently and intelligibly to dumbasses like myself. He knew so much about the anatomy of the ear of course and took into account every last variable of the backstory to make his recommendations. I was so so impressed by this doctor! I kind of wish he also practiced general veterinary medicine cause I'd schlep up to VCA for my little strudel's general vet care.
A great thing about VCA is that they have an on-site CT scan should one be needed. I'd discovered that not every dermatologist I was considering had a CT scan on-site. If they don't, the animal has to go under anesthesia twice at two separate facilities should a CT scan and then a deep ear flush be warranted. VCA is a one-stop shop, as they have all diagnostic radiological equipment on-site.
The nursing/vet tech, and front desk staff at the practice are absurdly wonderful. The place is also spotless. Shout out to Adriana and Kristina (nursing/vet techs) who are GEMS. They made our elderly cat feel like he was the belle of the ball, even while he was undergoing a fairly uncomfortable ear-cleaning. By the end, I felt hurt and embarrassed that Faunti didn't seem to want to stop hugging Kristina in order to go home with us! I'm like, "Bitch, make it seem like you love us as much as we love you!" But seriously, Adriana did a very comprehensive intake with us (sorry I babbled, you were so patient and asked such great questions) and was so gentle with Faunti. Kristina gave us great pointers on how to best dose, clean ears, and clip nails at home.
VCA manages your expectations regarding billing (they send you an estimate, which includes a high and low of what you can expect to pay) and I was not shamed when I asked if there was a less expensive treatment option. Regarding cost, I didn't feel like anything was tacked on to pad the bill (and I have felt that way at times at other veterinary offices). What we were charged was totally fair if not on the low end of what I was expecting to pay given the quality of care and Chan's technical capabilities. We also have a very detailed estimate of what the next possible procedure will cost if Faunti suffers another recurrence. We've been in a two and half month nightmare with this situation and we finally found someone who could guide the ship to safer waters and for that we are infinitely grateful! Sorry for this dreadfully boring and meandering review if you read this far. I think it's safe to say I'm a fangirl of this doctor and his practice.