VCA Lakewood Animal Hospital

I have two beautiful baby doggies who have alway gotten along. Tyson, my older one, is twice the size of Chanel, my puppy of 10 months. Chanel is not yet spayed so she tends to get possesive of toys, food, etc. On March 25th of 2009, she snapped at Tyson over a toy, and she came out with terrible wounds. Tyson looked untouched, but poor Chanel had at least 3 major gashes, and I had 4 dog bites on my arm (I tried to be a hero in breaking up their fight; not a good idea if you value your own life more than your dog's) and I still had to rush her to the hospital. I chose to take her first, she was crying and obviously in pain and i couldnt bare to see like that. The VCA was the firsat hospital we chose to go to since it was down the street from my house, and because they have a huge sign that reads 24 HOUR EMERGENCY. I was obviously in a rush and forgot my purse (I.D., money, etc.) When we got inside there were 4 people working behind the counter and the one who helped me must have been the worst. Not only was she completely rude, but before she even asked for mine or my dog's name, she asked me for the E.R. fee of $74. I of course said "Not a problem, I just have to go back to my house to get my-""I'm sorry we can't help you." She interrupted befor i could tell her I'd be right back. My puppy needed immediate attention! An older couple in the waiting room offerred to pay for me (probably bacause they felt bad for me; my arm was dripping blood all over the floor) I was so mad that i didn't even want to give them my money anymore! Although the doctors did examine Chanel, they said "We can't give you an estimate of how much it will cost to fix her until we recieve the ER fee." I know nothing is free, and I spare no expense when it comes to the life of my babies. Where's the COMPASSION? Where's the LOVE for animals? I can tell you where it's NOT, & that is at LAKEWOOD VCA

Posted 03/31/09 | Report Abuse

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Well, I've been fortunate enough not to have experienced the emergency portion of the hospital, but when I take my dog in, I've had very good experiences. I've been going to VCA Lakewood for 8 years.

Posted 01/16/09 | Report Abuse

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My german shepherd was post operative from intestinal blockage major surgery performed elsewhere. She had complications from the surgery and fluid was located in her chest cavity. She also had severe upper respiratory congestion. When she was stable enough, I brought her home. Early in the morning on the third day home (4am), my shepherd was experiencing very noisy breathing and acted very anxious. It appeared her airway was compromised and possibly a critical situation. I took her to Lakewood VCA. After waiting for the desk person to teach someone to enter her information into the computer (approx. 15-20 minutes), I was eventually placed into an examination room, where I waited another 20+ minutes until the technician came back in and said they were trying to wake up the doctor. I communicated my disgust and dissatisfaction of the unnecessary wait (I was the only person in the hospital besides the workers). I then waited another 10 minutes and the doctor still did not show.I left the hospital when my dog had not been examined after I arrived approximately 45 minutes - 1 hour prior. I located another doctor that treated my dog with the concern and attention she should have been given, in her vulnerable post op status. Why do they have a doctor on duty 24 hours, if they can't get out of bed to see a patient in need?

Posted 12/19/08 | Report Abuse

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The following is from a letter I have sent to the VCA Lakewood Aminal Hospital.

On Friday June 6th at approximately 2:30 am I brought my 6 year old West Highland Terrier into your emergency animal hospital. She had been bleeding from a cut or bite on her tongue since 9:00pm that evening, June 5th. At the time I brought her tongue was a pale pink and her body had begun somewhat shacking and convulsing as well. I signed the release papers supplied to me by the technician and gave him a run down of her activities that day which included a gentle dental at our Veterinarian, Belmont Shore Animal Hospital. The technician took her from me to a room in the back, escorted me to another room and told me he would go upstairs to get the veterinarian on duty. About 5 minutes later he returned and handed my dog, Sophie, to me telling me that it appeared the bleeding was stopping and to give her ice water to drink. I was surprised that the vet had not come in to talk with me. The technician told me that there was no charge as they had not done anything. Believe me I would and have paid anything to keep her in good health. I had signed the authorization for treatment so that was never an issue. As the technician was escorting me out the front door I ask about her obvious labored breathing and questioned if she should have a pill for pain. He seemed disinterested so I did not purse it further. And, as it turned out any pain medicine would have had no effect at all on her condition. The report from the technician erroneously states that I refused to have an exam. This is obviously not true and clearly an attempt to cover up neglect on their part.
I took Sophie home and gave her ice water as prescribed. By this time it was about 4:30am, at 7:30am I called my veterinarian office and was told to bring her in immediately. We arrived at 8:00am and, although they tried valiantly to save her, by 11:00am she was dead. The diagnosis was a Gallbladder mucocele rupture. There was no clotting factor and her little body had been filling with blood. Up until that time she was a healthy and happy dog who was loved by all who knew her.
I do not know if, when I had brought her to your office, she could have been saved. Unfortunately we will never know. What I do know is that she did not receive a proper exam or any treatment at VCA Lakewood. I went there for help and received none. If someone had cared enough to take her vitals perhaps they would have been able to determine that something was very wrong other than a bleeding tongue. As I am not a medical person I had no idea that it is not normal for a dog to bled from their tongue for hours. Your medical stall should have known that. With that knowledge and the visible fact her body was in distress should have triggered some concerns from the veterinarian and staff.
It is my hope that this letter will make a difference as to how your animal hospital treats emergency patients. In the future if I have an emergency situation your facility will never be considered as a place to receive treatment. Be assured that I will make certain everyone I know is aware of your poor practices. Apparently I am not alone in that belief, as there are many complaints about VCA Lakewood on the Internet. I only wish I had checked it before I come to you for help.

Posted 08/06/08 | Report Abuse

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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