Walker Road Animal Hospital Review…read more
I recently visited Walker Road Animal Hospital due to a medical emergency with my 8-year-old cat. Over the course of two days, he had been vomiting, not eating or drinking, had no bowel movements, displayed a distended abdomen, and appeared increasingly lethargic. Concerned for his health, I contacted the clinic, and after being advised to bring him in, I made the hour-long drive, as they were the only facility available on the weekend.
Upon arrival, I was impressed with the professionalism and kindness of the front desk staff, particularly Leanne, who was welcoming and compassionate. The veterinary technicians were equally courteous and attentive during the intake process and while preparing my cat for diagnostic procedures.
My cat was sedated for X-rays and blood work, and I was prepared for the associated costs, knowing the nature of emergency care. However, my consultation with the attending veterinarian (I believe his name was Dr. Bawaja) left me quite concerned. While he was polite, his clinical approach raised several red flags. He suggested that a foreign body bowel obstruction was likely, based on gas distribution seen in the X-rays, though he acknowledged uncertainty. When I inquired about alternative diagnoses--such as pancreatitis--he dismissed them as difficult to confirm.
At that point, I was presented with two options: a $9,998 exploratory surgery or euthanasia. I was taken aback by the limited scope of options and the lack of a more conservative, stepwise approach. When I questioned the surgery further, the vet confirmed that it would be exploratory in nature, as there was no definitive evidence of an obstruction. Despite this uncertainty, he strongly recommended proceeding with the operation. I explained that the cost made surgery unfeasible for us, and that I wished to explore less invasive options before considering euthanasia.
I requested an overnight stay for IV fluids and supportive care, hoping this might improve his condition. Initially, the vet was skeptical, stating he did not expect this to change the outcome, but ultimately agreed after my insistence. I was told I would receive text updates overnight, but none were provided. I called at 8:00 a.m. the next day for an update and was told the vet would call me within two hours. I had to follow up again at 11:30 a.m. before finally receiving a call from a different veterinarian, who also suspected an obstruction. I picked up my cat that afternoon, and while still uncomfortable, he had eaten a small amount and was urinating normally.
Upon returning home, I continued monitoring him and scheduled an appointment with my regular veterinarian in Chatham the following morning. My vet was very reassuring, noting his improved energy levels and appetite. She administered a steroid injection and prescribed high-energy, easily digestible food. She suspected irritable bowel syndrome rather than an obstruction. Within hours, my cat had a normal bowel movement and began recovering rapidly. He is now back to his normal, healthy self.
I'm sharing this experience because I believe that, had I not had a medical background or trusted my instincts, my cat might not have survived. I am grateful that I insisted on supportive care and sought a second opinion. While I appreciate the efforts of the front-line staff and veterinary technicians at Walker Road Animal Hospital, I was deeply disappointed by the limited treatment options presented and the pressure placed on me to make a life-or-death decision without clearer diagnostic certainty.
The overnight stay at Walker Road cost $2,095. The follow-up visit and treatment at my regular vet cost $305--and ultimately saved my cat's life.
Please advocate for your pets. Ask questions. Trust your instincts.