I have used VSS for multiple services over the last 15 years. Emergency situations plus specialist services.
In 2016 my then 6 year old dog was very ill, many tests were performed, but no diagnosis. Slowly my dog improved on her own. The testing and appointments were extensive, I spent at least 5000$ in a three month period. I accepted the cost as saving my dog was my only priority. I was happy with the care provided.
In 2019, the same dog was seen by Dr. Marshall (cardiologist). This was a completely different experience. Dr. Marshall was rude, criticized the care that my primary care veterinarian had provided. She barely looked at my dog and then immediately did extensive testing. She told me my dog had 6 months to live at most.
One year later I brought my dog back to VSS and Dr. Marshall to have her yearly check up. Dr. Marshall repeated all the same tests and added a medication. This was during Covid, I was unable to go in with my dog. Instead they took her, called me to approve testing and then brought her back out with new medication. I had to call to get feedback. This appointment was around 1500$, just like my first appointment with Dr. Marshall. Dr Marshall did not listen to me, I explained the sensitive nature of my dogs physically and that I was pretty sure she could not handle a third medication.
Once again, my interaction with Dr. Marshall was lacking personal care, she did not listen to me and she was pretty rude. I compare veterinarians to pediatricians. A good pediatrician listens to the mother, knowing that science is not everything. A good vet should do the same, trust the human caring for the animal who can't speak for themselves. After all, my dog had survived three years post diagnosis, certainly my family and our care has been part of the successful equation. At this time vetmedin ( a heart medication used to treat MVD heart disease) was really hard to get. Dr. Marshall criticized my primary vet, (a new vet, not my original vet) and told me they had no business switching her medication. She was put on a generic version, there was no change in her status on the generic form) Again, this was during Covid when Vetmedin was almost impossible to find.
Recently I brought my dog in for yet another yearly check up. Honestly, I have no idea why I thought this visit would be any different than the prior visits. Since Dr. Marshall was the prescribing doctor and the specialist who diagnosed my dog, ethically the right thing to do is follow up yearly with her. My dog has survived three plus years since the diagnosis was made by Dr. Marshall. I have learned how to adjust medication and she is thriving.
She walks at least a mile a day and is asymptomatic, she shows zero signs of MVD heart disease.
Once again, I had to wait in my car until the appointment desk called. At this time I shared my dogs good news. I was put on hold and then told by the receptionist that my dog needed 1800$ worth of testing.
I asked why, mind you this was before I had even brought my dog in from the car. I shared with the receptionist that based on my dogs status, I felt it was only necessary to do an xray and blood work. The reason I felt this way is because she is thriving, and even if her disease had progressed (which it had been a year, she is 13, I am sure it has progressed) I would not change how I am treating her. More information from testing would not change her care. I would totally understand doing additional testing if she were not thriving or was symptomatic. This was not the case. I offered to sign a waiver for refusal of recommended testing. This is standard practice even for humans. Dr. Marshall refused to see her. She denied my dog care despite my dog having been an established patient with her for three years. The receptionist who delivered this information was snarky and rude. She made me feel like a bad dog owner. Like I was denying my dog life saving procedures. I could never put a price tag on my dogs life. I love her like a child and I will do anything for her.
VSS is unethical, Dr. Marshall is the absolute worst doctor I have ever encountered in my life. She is financially motivated and unethical. It is illegal for her to deny care to an established patient. This is what she did because she only wanted to treat my dog if she could run unnecessary and expensive testing. I am fortunate that I can afford specialty vet services, but I am not a fool and at the end of the day it is my decision to have testing. I can only imagine how many people VSS prey on that can not afford extra services. It is actually sickening.
Animals are innocent, loving creatures who depend on our care and judgement. I guess I always believed Veterinarians were special people who chose the field for the love of animals. There is nothing loving about Dr. Marshall. Beware if you need a cardiologist. I recommend driving to Mizzou. I have had my other dog to Mizzou for specialty services and they are incredible. read more