We started taking our dog Apollo to VCA Wrightsville Beach when he was a puppy and always loved Dr. Smith and the vet techs. Recently, Apollo started showing alarming symptoms like lethargy, pawing at his mouth, and bleeding gums. When we called VCA, they couldn't see him for two days, so we took him to East Carolina Vet Referral. The vet there was wonderful, ran diagnostics, and prescribed medication, advising us to follow up with our regular vet.
We went to VCA Wrightsville Beach for the follow-up on June 26th. That morning, I received two calls from the office asking if I still wanted to come in or reschedule, but I insisted Apollo needed to be seen for his recent illness as well as to receive a vaccine. We arrived at 3:45 for our 4 pm appointment but weren't seen until 4:20. The vet assistant, Ruth, asked about Apollo’s symptoms but didn’t seem concerned.
Once seen, the new vet was incredibly rude and unprofessional. She didn’t greet us or acknowledge Apollo and immediately started scooping peanut butter to distract him. When Apollo didn’t shake on command, she sarcastically commented that he needed to learn more tricks. She then made a half-hearted attempt to check his heart rate, but gave up the moment he backed away, flatly refusing my offer to help hold him still. She then handed me the peanut butter and administered his shot without properly examining him.
What shocked me the most was her completely inappropriate remark about Apollo, saying, "If we were to do an x-ray of your head, there would be nothing in it." I was appalled by this unprofessional and disrespectful behavior from someone who is supposed to care for animals.
Neither the vet assistant nor the vet actually checked his mouth or heart rate. They both left the room without addressing any of my concerns or even walking us to the front desk.
Thankfully, the Hospital Manager, Camar, was kind and helpful. She checked us out and asked about Apollo’s teeth. When I explained the situation, she offered to have Apollo’s mouth checked in another room, but I had to leave for work and truthfully, I felt extremely uncomfortable taking him back to be seen by this vet. Camar did not charge me for the visit and offered to reschedule at a time that was convenient for me. While her offer was extremely generous and I am very appreciative, I will not be taking Apollo back to VCA Wrightsville Beach - we will be going to a different vet for his follow up