BK
Barbara Klysz-Bojaruniec
Aug 10, 2026
Extremely disappointing and, in my opinion, seriously concerning veterinary care. I am absolutely furious about the way my dog was treated at Animal Choice. What happened over those few days was not simply a case of a “bad tummy”. He was seriously ill, and I feel that the severity of his condition was repeatedly underestimated. On Tuesday, I brought him in after he had started vomiting and passing stools containing a significant amount of blood. I showed the vet both the vomit and the bloody stool. I was told that it could potentially be poisoning, but that if the symptoms continued, I should collect stool samples so they could be tested for parasites.
I followed that advice. I started collecting samples immediately after that first appointment. He was given medication, including an injection for pain and inflammation, and we took him home. Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated significantly overnight.
The following day, I brought him back. He had lost approximately 500 grams in one night, which is an enormous amount for a dog who normally weighs only around 3.5–4 kg. We were seen by another vet, Natalia, who suggested blood tests because she was concerned there could be a problem with his pancreas. I agreed to the tests. The results showed significant inflammation, but fortunately no pancreatic problem. What I found extremely frustrating was that, despite everything I was telling them and despite the fact that I had already collected stool samples as I had been instructed to do, the stool was not tested. I had literally brought them the samples! I had shown them photographs of the blood. I explained that he was repeatedly asking to go outside, sometimes every few minutes, straining without producing anything, and that his condition was visibly deteriorating. Yet I was told that the amount of stool I had collected was insufficient and they did not investigate it further. Instead, I was sent home with wet food and a syringe and told to force-feed him if he would not eat.
At this point I was extremely worried that something serious was being missed. I cancelled the appointment we had booked with Animal Choice for the following morning and took him to another veterinary practice recommended to us.
That decision ultimately saved his life.
The new veterinary team immediately took his condition extremely seriously. He was eventually diagnosed with Giardia, severe gastrointestinal disease, profound dehydration and other serious complications. His condition became critical. He required IV fluids, medication, nutritional support and ultimately an emergency transfer by ambulance to Referral Centre, where he is currently receiving specialist intensive care.
Thankfully, he is now responding to treatment and, for the first time since this nightmare began, we are receiving positive updates from the specialist team.
I am not writing this review because I expect a vet to predict every diagnosis immediately. I understand that medicine is not always straightforward and that Giardia can initially look like other gastrointestinal illnesses.
What I cannot understand is why the obvious warning signs were not investigated further when he was visibly deteriorating, passing blood, losing an enormous amount of weight and I had already brought the stool samples I had specifically been told to collect.
The part that makes me most angry is knowing that I followed the instructions I was given, collected the samples and brought them back — and they were effectively dismissed.
I am incredibly grateful that we sought a second opinion before it was too late.
I would strongly encourage anyone whose dog is seriously deteriorating despite treatment to seek another opinion rather than simply assuming that it is “just a bad tummy”.
1 star only because Google does not allow me to give zero!