To be fair, I left a 5 star review years ago, when it was warranted. I'm not one of those ppl to just write negative reviews... I think really great experiences deserve reviews just the same. That being said, Dr. B is retired and no longer at VRC.
This current 1 star review is for the horribly traumatic experience I had this past Friday evening at VRC with staff and with Dr. Paul J. McGough.
My beloved 18 yr old 2 lb maltese was diagnosed with lots of tiny, inoperable liver shunts by Dr. Shelling (radiologist) when she was only 2 years old. We were told she would probably not live long. With great care, and with annual prophies with Dr. B, we got her through a wonderful 18 years. Three months ago, she was dx'd w/liver tumor / cancer and started a steady downward decline. For 3 months, we had more great days than bad while I gave her SQ fluids and syringe feedings of Hills A/D prescription diet.
On Friday evening, my sweet Pixel had her first seizure, and after coming out of it, let me know that she did not wish to go through that again. I called over to the VRC and spoke with a very nice receptionist. I gave her the details of medical history, let her know that I still wasn't sure I'd like to come right in, but just in case, wanted to proactively let them know my wishes for a peaceful euthanasia using Iso or Sevoflurane to let her sleep before inserting the needle to administer the B-euthanasia drug. I let them know her heart is really strong, and that we would need a solid dose... probably a little more than typically recommended for her weight. I also let them know my wishes to remain with her THE ENTIRE TIME, with her in my arms, and that afterwards, I would like the vet to collect her tissues samples so that I could bank them with Viagen, in the chance that I decide to have them produce a clone puppy in the future. (please don't judge... you have no idea how very special my little dog has been to me and the bond we shared.) I do completely realize that this would not be to replace her, but to honor her and carry on her DNA, and that her clone / "puppy", which is how I like to think of it, would have it's very own personality and character and soul, but would be a little piece of her in same tiny package and with same health history, although would possibly live even longer since we knew and understood Pixel's medical hx and could manage liver issues even better. Plus 18 years is a very good long life for a tiny 2 lb dog!!!) I had my kit from Viagen and was ready.
Anyway, the girl I spoke with checked with vet (Dr. Paul McGough) and came back to report that yes, they could do everything as I wished, and would not charge for DNA biopsy collection b/c it's something they've never done before and don't even have a charge in their system for. She said that he was the only vet there, and that they would both be there throughout the night if I needed them.
At around 2 am, my precious girl had another small seizure. So we warmed up the car and headed over. On my way, I called just to let them know we were heading in, and that I had given her some melatonin, so she was resting quietly and there would be NO RUSH. I wanted this to be as peaceful and calm as possible for her.
This is where things started to go horribly wrong. The person that answered the phone was not the same girl I had spoken with earlier. I asked for her by name, but the girl on the phone pushed back and insisted I tell her the whole story again. I asked again for the other girl. I was then told that she was not there. So I told her that the vet on that night was also aware, and just to let him know that we were on our way in for euthanasia. I asked how busy they were, and was met with "it doesn't matter... when it's a euthanasia, we rush you right on in as soon as you get here". I told her there is NO rush, and I don't want to be rushed! This is NOT a dire emergency... my dog is resting peacefully on my chest and I need CALM.
She reiterated that they work quickly when it's for a euthanasia. UGH. DID YOU NOT HEAR ME??? Maybe learn to LISTEN to your patients... it goes a long way. Trust me. That's one skill I have really learned to hone in over the years in my own practice.
So she runs back to get the vet, then takes us to a tx room. Vet walks in already really full of attitude. (It's HIS responsibility to defuse the situation, be the bigger person, show staff how to properly handle things calmly and to LISTEN and hear the client out first.) But instead, he told me what I was asking for (and had already proactively prearranged with earlier phone conversation) was "not protocol", they MUST take her away from me to insert a cath, and furthermore, administration of Iso or Sevo to make her more comfortable was completely unethical. WOW. (TWO other vets were fine with that... mine and one other.)
Needless to say, I turned around and walked out. Thanks for no help and for a horrible experience in stressful times, VRC. read more