TF
Tyler Fowler
Feb 17, 2026
The two star rating is only for the simple fact that my cat is still alive. The Doctors were great, for the most part, and the general staff was helpful. However after spending just under $19k in surprise vet bills I think the whole experience could have gone better.
Initial visit was for urinary obstruction; paid the $5,700 and went on with life. However less than twelve hours after receiving the cat back I had a feeling the that the issue may still be there. I was ensured by the vet and staff that this was normal, but keep an eye out and do not bring him back in unless absolutely necessary. Following day after phone call, the vet wrote a script for the pain (now Sunday evening) I administer the dosage, however, come Monday evening the cat seems to be doing terrible. I bring him back in, he has re-obstructed we learn. They ask if we would like to do the same surgery as last week, so the same repeat cost of $5,700. Obviously flustered, we ask how could this have happened so soon after? We understood the risks, but all weekend long we were assured that this was normal recovery. The liaison, Teddy, initially sympathetic with his own story of his cats, tells us it is "go big or go home" due to my reluctance to pay for the same surgery without the assurance of the preventive surgery being apart of the recovery. He becomes flustered, as do I, and asks me why I came to the South Shore hospital, rather than Angell in Boston; then storms out of the room. To answer his question now, I had no idea there was so many animal hospitals this was essentially the second time I had to rush to an ER. After him leaving, I do speak to a wonderful doctor and decide to do the surgery again with the penile one done after the obstruction is cleared. Things begin to move in the right direction, except the cat now has a blood clot within his bladder. Okay, we agree to do both surgeries as the cat is only two and a half years old with no prior issues, other than one visit in August due to stress. However, before the surgery can go forward the cat re-obstructed within a matter of hours while at the hospital; now his third in less than a week. Now in hindsight, I think the cat had likely re-obstructed, for the second time, likely hours after picking him up the first time. The risk of re-obstructing was always there per in the initial surgery, but was not stated that it could happen within a matter of hours. While I do thank the doctor's for their care, I also cannot help but wonder if the initial blockage, and potentially the second fell on them having him leave the hospital prematurely and not taking my concerns in the following hours serious enough, but serious enough to eventually write a prescription 36 hours later. Between being dismissed, being told "go big or go home" and then questioned why I ever brought him to the VCA by their own staff I must admit I ask myself the same thing. The cat is alive and well and that does mean a lot, but he is alive and well because I brought him back in and the doctor's were able to save him twice... however the bills, follow ups and meds, pushed the overall costs well into the $18,000-$19,000 range. Overall I would only recommend if it is your last resort, as even their staff will tell you to go elsewhere. Attached are initial messages, call logs and bills. I have still yet to hear back from the staff on possible remedies, and asked to speak to multiple higher ups regarding the situation.
I am only giving 4 stars due to the Veterinarian, Meghan O'Toole, because if it weren’t for her I’d give one star.
I had to bring my dog in for an emergency Wednesday the 11 around 1:30am and I had called the front desk ahead of time. I was clearly distraught and was asking for information/ explaining my financial situation. The man I spoke to on the phone met me in the LEAST compassionate tone and demeanor. He said to apply for care credit and when I explained I had been denied he told me to ask someone else involved in my life to apply.
Without any other choice I had to still come here as my dog was suffering.
This is when I met Meghan. She was SO lovely and caring, compassionate and knowledgeable. Even having to face making the choice to let my best friend go, she continuously gave me all the information I needed and support. There are truly no words sufficient enough to praise her.
However, when I did make the decision to lay my dog to rest, I met the man from the desk I had previously spoken to. His attitude through the whole process was the same I was greeted with over the phone. Unhelpful, inconsiderate, no compassion, and transactional.
People who have to say their goodbyes to their best friends deserve warmth and support, like Meghan gave us.