For 20 years I have used Dr. Gurtman for all of my pets. From the time he was with Commack Animal Hospital to his practice now at Towne Line Veterinary. I always trusted all of my animals care to him. Until about a year ago. In November of 2017, I had to make the very hard decision to put my beloved Lab of 13 years to sleep. If that wasn't difficult enough, just 11 days later, my other Lab became suddenly ill. Long story short, she passed as well, supposedly during surgery. When I arrived at the vet to say my goodbyes, I stated to Dr. Urgo that I didn't understand what had happened. My dog showed no signs of illness 24 hours prior. Her response was very curt and sarcastic, "Oh really?" There was never any explanation of what had really happened. A few months later, another of my dogs required surgery to remove a tumor. When I picked up my dog and got her in the car, she reeked of urine. I called the office when I got home and their response was to give her a bath. Most recently, I brought my 9 year old lab in because he just didn't seem right. The doctor never took his temperature, never listened to his heart or lungs and immediately stated it was a dental problem. He drew blood and told us we would have the results the next day. 5 phone calls later and we still never received a call back from anyone. We then took him to another vet and sadly, he was diagnosed with cancer of the jaw. I then sent an email directly to Dr. Gurtman, and never received a reply. A copy of the email sent is below. A once excellent practice has now deteriorated and I truly believe it has all become about the almighty dollar. Several people that I had recommended to Towne Line have also expressed their disappointment with their experiences. If your truly love your pets, take them somewhere else.
Dear Marc:
After 20 plus years of trusting my beloved pets to you and your practice, I find it very difficult to write this email. I have been waiting since yesterday morning for a call back from Dr. Sibley or anyone else for that matter who can provide me the results of Dunkin's bloodwork. So far, 3 messages left and not one returned phone call. I brought Dunkin in on Monday because he is not acting right, drinking very little water and lethargic. Dr. Sibley never listened to his heart, his stomach or even took his temperature. He looked in his mouth and stated he might need dental work. I do not believe that is the case. $260 dollars later.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time in the past year that I feel that the practice has lost it's personal touch. Back in November of 2017, I lost both my beloved Labs, Holly and Honey just 11 days apart. Holly was expected, and we did the right thing by euthanizing her. You were there and were extremely kind and compassionate and for that I thank you. Just 11 days later, Honey became ill literally overnight and required emergency surgery. Unfortunately, she passed. When Dr. Urgo contacted me that morning, she was extremely cold and actually made me feel like I had done something that caused Honey's death. She was very skeptical when I told her that Honey had shown no signs of illness the night before. To this day, I am still not sure what really happened, as Dr. Urgo never really took the time to explain. I still carry guilt with me for Honey's death.
I think that what I am trying to say is, after 20 years of being a loyal client and countless referrals( I never could say enough about you) I feel compelled to look for another veterinary practice. I believe part of the problem lies with your reception staff. They have become very curt and impatient and several times I have been left on hold for over 15 minutes and when they get back on the phone, they have completely forgotten who they had been speaking to. As I write this, I still have not received a call back in regards to Dunkin's bloodwork. 36 plus hours seems a bit ridiculous to have to wait for results. I just wanted you to know how the practice is now appearing and what I have experienced over the last year. To me, you will always be an amazing, compassionate vet. I appreciate you taking the time to read this and wish you all the best.
Regards,
Allison Pellerito read more