If I had followed the guidance I was given during this visit, I truly believe the outcome for my…read morecat could have been very different. I am sharing this so other pet owners know how important it is to trust their instincts.
My first experience with Florida Veterinary Referral Center (May 2024) was outstanding. Dr. Glander provided exceptional care during my cat's CHF diagnosis--thorough, compassionate, and highly communicative. Because of that experience, I trusted this facility without hesitation.
My most recent emergency visit was completely different and deeply concerning.
I was referred urgently for sudden hind leg weakness, with concern for a possible saddle thrombus. The initial ER veterinarian, Dr. Tucker, recognized the severity immediately and recommended urgent diagnostics.
After a shift change, care was transferred to Dr. Dinah Fuelling, and this is where my concerns escalated.
There was a delay of several hours before basic diagnostics were completed, despite the urgency of his condition. During that time, my cat had clear hind leg weakness, instability, and was repeatedly falling--something observed by my family and acknowledged by staff. Despite this, I was told no abnormalities were observed.
Equally concerning were the overall communication and bedside interaction. I was visibly distressed and emotional throughout portions of this visit while trying to advocate for my cat. I asked multiple detailed questions regarding his condition and treatment plan. My experience was that these concerns were met with limited engagement, and at times I perceived frustration and dismissiveness in the responses I received from Dr. Feulling.
I was also told that his lab work--including kidney function and electrolytes--was normal.
That did not align with what I was seeing.
Because of that, I made the decision to seek care at another emergency hospital.
At the second facility, his condition was immediately recognized as serious. Imaging confirmed acute congestive heart failure exacerbation and cardiac thrombosis requiring oxygen, IV medications, and hospitalization. I was also informed that his creatinine was elevated and that he was showing signs of impaired kidney function--something that is critically important in managing cardiac patients.
This was not a subtle difference in opinion--it was a completely different clinical picture. The second ER team listened, explained, validated concerns, and treated both my cat and me with compassion and respect--exactly what any pet owner should expect in a crisis.
I understand emergency medicine is complex and fast-paced. However, what I experienced--from Dr. Fuelling-- was a deeply concerning disconnect including the combination of delayed diagnostics, dismissal of observable symptoms, and the overall lack of alignment between my cat's condition and the care decisions being made.
In this case, I experienced what I believe to be a combination of poor clinical judgment, delayed care, dismissal of clear symptoms, and unprofessional communication under Dr. Fuelling's care.
Given the significant difference between my first and second experiences, I cannot confidently recommend this facility based on my most recent visit. My intention in sharing this is simply to provide an honest account so that others can advocate for their pets and seek additional opinions when needed.
For transparency, I have included portions of the cardiology discharge summary and lab results referenced above.