Our experience with Veterinary Surgical Solutions on September 15 raised serious concerns about communication, professionalism, and the process for obtaining a reasonable surgical consultation.
My dog had recently been diagnosed with a torn ACL, and I contacted the practice to explore surgical options. I completed their online intake, submitted veterinary records and X-rays, and called with a few basic questions because my dog was unable to walk and I wanted to understand what to expect when bringing him in.
When an employee returned my call, she immediately stated that she was very busy and asked what I needed. I explained that I had completed the intake process and was seeking a surgical consultation. Before I could fully explain my questions, I was told that their process did not involve meeting with the veterinarian before surgery and that consultations were handled through veterinary technicians. I was also told Techs had not yet reviewed the X-rays I had submitted.
I explained that, before scheduling a major orthopedic procedure such as a TPLO, I wanted my dog evaluated and wanted the opportunity to meet with the veterinarian who would be responsible for his care. I made it clear that I was completely willing to pay for a consultation.
The conversation deteriorated quickly and this tech was now yelling and rude. She became increasingly agitated, told me that I did not sound like a "good fit," and repeatedly emphasized that I would speak with a veterinary technician rather than the doctor. She then sharply asked whether I was prepared to schedule the surgery for my dog today or the call was over!
What concerned me most was being told that I would not meet the veterinarian until after the surgery. I repeatedly clarified that I was not asking for free medical advice--I was asking to have my dog evaluated by a licensed veterinarian and to discuss the proposed procedure before committing to any surgery.
I was also told during the conversation that the practice had experienced high turnover and that veterinary technicians were very experienced at handling surgical consultations. I respect the important role veterinary technicians play, but for me, that does not replace speaking directly with a licenced veterinarian before consenting to a major orthopedic procedure involving anesthesia, significant expense, and weeks or months of recovery.
Equally concerning was the tone of the interaction. If communication was this difficult before becoming a patient, it left me questioning how concerns would be handled if my dog experienced a post-operative complication such as significant pain, infection, swelling, bleeding, or another urgent issue. Compassionate and accessible communication is crucial if my dog is undergoing major surgery.
Since this interaction, I have consulted with two orthopedic surgical practices in Austin. In both cases, I was able to meet with a veterinarian, had my dog evaluated, review the imaging, discuss surgical options, ask questions, and understand the risks and recovery process before making my decision. Those experiences were dramatically different and reinforced why I was uncomfortable with the way I was treated at Veterinary Surgical Solution on Burnet Rd.
I cannot speak to the quality of surgery performed by this practice because I was treated so poorly and the tech/ receptionist hung up on me. I also cannot verify whether the process described to me during this call represents every patient's experience. I can only describe what I was specifically told and how I was treated. It's a major red flag that surgeries are occurring here and licensed veterinarian seem to be uninvolved before surgery is preformed.
For anyone considering a major orthopedic procedure here, I would strongly encourage asking very clear questions in advance about when your dog will be examined by the veterinarian, when you will personally speak with the surgeon, who is making the clinical recommendations, and who will be available if complications arise after surgery. Tolerating a highly unconventional and unprofessional surgical process on your precious pup may not be the value they present. The cost could be much higher and you may regret picking on price if this is the way they treat patients.
I will also be reporting this practice to Texas Board of Veterinary Medicine as the person calling me stated their vet techs make surgical calls and I had zero confidence my dogs procedure would be handled by a medical professional here. Based on my interaction, I did not feel comfortable booking my dog's surgical care to Veterinary Surgical Solutions and there are way too many red flags that this could be disastrous if we moved forward here. read more