I brought my pug to VCA Advanced Veterinary Care Center because he had a very high fever, wasn’t eating, was weak, and was becoming dehydrated. Earlier that day, he had already been seen by my regular veterinarian, where bloodwork was done Since they couldn’t determine the cause of his illness, they recommended I take him to an urgent care facility. The only reason they referred me was because they did not have the equipment to perform X-rays or an ultrasound. They had already done everything they could at their clinic and wanted my dog to receive the advanced imaging he needed.
When I arrived around 12:00 PM, the receptionist told me the wait would be about two hours. I completely understood because it’s an urgent care, and I appreciated that they took my dog into the treatment area. I assumed he would at least receive IV fluids to keep him hydrated while we waited, especially because I specifically told the receptionist he wasn’t eating, was weak, and needed an IV. I was willing to pay for whatever treatment he needed.
As the hours passed, I repeatedly asked for updates. Around 3:00 PM, then again at 5:00 PM, I was told my dog was doing fine and that I would be seen soon. Finally, at about 7:00 PM, we were taken into an exam room.
The veterinarian came in and immediately asked what was wrong with my dog. I was surprised because it seemed she hadn’t been briefed on why we were there. I had to explain everything from the beginning while feeling overwhelmed after waiting seven hours. When I asked if my dog had been receiving IV fluids during that time, I was shocked to learn that he had not received any IV treatment at all. That was extremely upsetting because I believed he was at least being kept hydrated while waiting.
After briefly reviewing the bloodwork from my regular veterinarian, the doctor told me my dog “might have leukemia (CANCER)” before performing any imaging, such as X-rays or an ultrasound. Hearing that was heartbreaking. She then recommended additional testing, including more bloodwork, X-rays, ultrasound, and other diagnostics, with an estimated cost of around $12,000 just to determine what was wrong.😑
I understand that diagnostics are important and that emergency veterinary medicine is expensive. However, after the lack of communication, the seven-hour wait without IV fluids, and hearing such a serious possibility mentioned before additional testing was done, I no longer felt confident continuing care there.
I decided to take my dog home. Over the next two days, I focused on keeping him hydrated, monitored him closely, gently massaged his abdomen, and followed supportive care at home. Thankfully, he eventually passed a large mango pit in his stool. Once it came out, he quickly improved and made a full recovery. He did NOT have cancer.
What scares me the most is thinking about how many pet owners may feel pressured into making heartbreaking decisions because of an initial possible diagnosis or because they simply can’t afford the recommended costs. I kept thinking that could have been me. If I had accepted that my dog might have cancer without seeking another opinion or waiting for additional answers, I might have made a decision I would have regretted forever. Thankfully, in my dog’s case, that wasn’t what was wrong.
Looking back, I understand that an X-ray may have helped identify the obstruction, and that is exactly why my regular veterinarian referred me there—they did not have the equipment to perform those tests. However, my experience left me feeling that communication was poor, my concerns were not taken seriously, and my dog waited far too long without the supportive care I believed he would receive.
This was my personal experience, and unfortunately, I cannot recommend this facility based on how my dog and I were treated. I truly hope no other family has to go through what we experienced.💔😢
This place sucks. Walked in at 8pm with my 6 month old kitten, the tech weighed him, took his temperature told me it was high and they were going to take him in back, retake his temp in 15 min and let me know. 1.5 hrs later- nothing, no communication of any kind, asked for the tech and 20 mins later still nothing. I was repeatedly told how busy they were, maybe there was a lot going on in back but I didn't see it, and only 1 person out of the 5 or 6 people working there moved with any urgency. After 2.5 hrs the dr comes in for the first time. She recommends bloodwork, pain meds and clean his wound. At this point i have no confidence in this facility and the idea of paying over $800 seems ridiculous. 3 hrs later i walk out $200 poorer and my cat no better off than when i walked in.