Insider Pages Reviews for Emergency Veterinary Clinic

5 Stars: Cannot Say Enough (by Becky S.)

Becky S. — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 05:37:00 GMT

When my cat did not respond to the treatment my regular vet prescribed and my vet could not see her for another couple of hours, I called Catonsville Emergency who told me to bring her right in. I cannot say enough wonderful things about how professional and compassionate every member of the staff that we encountered was. From the receptionist who admitted us and then introduced us to all the live-in kitties who are blood donors to both technicians and both doctors and every receptionist we spoke with (and after 5 days of hospitalization, we spoke to a couple of different ones) - everyone was wonderful. I was encouraged to call when ever I wanted to and even told one of the receptionists that I was just checking in and didn't neccessarily need to speak to the doctor on duty. I was promptly told "Oh no, all patient updates are only given by the doctor." DANG- I don't get that treatment from my personal physician! I was even allowed to come "visit" my Isabelle while she was still a patient. Upon realease, a technician painstakingly and patiently spent time with us to show us how to continue her treatments of injecting fluids and was told over and over that if I had any concerns or questions to please feel free to call at any time (24-7). Dr Williams and Dr Kurtz were both fantastic! I wish they were my regular Vets!

4 Stars: Good place, in spite of bad experience (by Megan R.)

Megan R. — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 01:03:00 GMT

I took my 8-year-old cat here about 10:30 one night because she seemed listless and dehydrated. She was seen very quickly, all of the staff was caring and competent. My cat unfortunately died the morning after I brought her in, but I do not think she could have gotten better care. I got several calls with updates after I had left her there under treatment, and an urgent call when it appeared she was not going to make it. The vet explained her findings in detail, neither talking down to me nor using overly confusing jargon. Ultimately they weren't able to stabilize my cat, she just went downhill too quickly, and the staff was very compassionate and didn't try to rush my decisions, and gave me plenty of kleenex. I felt they and I did everything that could have been done - and that's worth what I paid.

I've seen some complaints that they talk about how much it costs too much. I actually appreciated this. Every pet owner is different in terms of what they are willing and able to pay for. Their services are expensive, and I want to be able to make an informed decision. I appreciated having a written estimate of what costs would be for various courses of action. I ultimately didn't turn down any of the recommended diagnostics, it's just that my cat was kind of a quick and mysterious case.

I recommend this place whole-heartedly.

4 Stars: Good Experience (by Peter C.)

Peter C. — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 21:44:00 GMT

Brought in a male cat sick late in late August 2010. He was only 3 and had what I feared, a urinary blockage.

Was about 95.00 just to be seen, and total care over two days with medicine and food wad about 1K. He was OK after that for about 2 months and then got blocked again. I took him to my regular vet and now he is on a 90% wet food diet and there have been no more issues to date.

Nice place, good staff, and got good good results. Had to rush him there since it was a Saturday night and I am thrilled that I still have Pepper with me.

It is expensive but it is an emergency hospital. You pay for primary and fast care. If I had an emergency while living in Baltimore, I would go there again.

5 Stars: cat vs. pitbull, cat saved! (by Katie H.)

Katie H. — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 23:09:00 GMT

I have a two year old cat that wandered into my next door neighbor's backyard. Piper, their four year old pitbull, grabbed her up before she could get away. We have a big black labrador that leaves her alone, so she wasn't afraid when a big black pitbull came rushing in. When Yigi, our cat, bit Piper's front paw, Piper finally let go. It was only about a minute and a half, and my neighbor was banging on my front door shaking and scratched up. I rushed my cat in as quick as I could, just wrapped in a towel. She was in so much pain. When I took her in they grabbed her right away and rushed her in the back. They updated me constantly on her status and understood how important this was to us. The doctors called me every morning and afternoon for the 6 days that she was in the ICU. I honestly thought that she needed to be put down, that she had to have so much damage internally, but these brilliant, passionate, amazing doctors brought my little girl back to life. I truly appreciate everything they did for me and my family.

They could use some more comfortable chairs in the waiting room ;)

It was expensive, but she was an extreme case. Considering the 24 hour monitoring, the status updates, accessibly to visit our cat at least once a day, the detail they gave about her condition that was always fully explained in terms that I absolutely understood, and the fact that they brought her back from the brink of death, it really wasn't what I expected, it was much less. about $2200.00

1 Stars: These people ARE HORRIBLE! Do not go there! (by James E.)

James E. — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:21:00 GMT

I took my son out for lunch today at a Restuarant in Catonsville and parked in this huge lot where there were many spaces open. I did not realize that the Animal Hospital owned this lot because I was focused on getting 3 kids out of the car and to the restuarant to meet my wife. I wasn't in the restuarant for 10 mins and a waitress says that a car like mine is being towed.

Somoneone from the clinic saw me park there and instead of warning me they called the tow man.

I paid the tow man and visited the clinic and after I nicely asked them if they could at least warn someone next time, I was given a "tough luck" speech.

It was not like I got out and ran to the restuarant. I was getting kid stuff out of the trunk and they had plenty of time to just open the door and kindly ask me to move.

It makes me think that they would care less about their customers. Not nice people.

1 Stars: I losed my little handsome and don't know why.... (by R K.)

R K. — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 23:34:00 GMT

I have very mixed feeling - I am very angry right now with how my wonderful family member has passed on (from what) - I still don't know - I am completely pissed - I am still looking for answers - No know on staff could tell me - what was my baby dying from - my sweetie passed away on Thursday, Aug 19th @ 12:17 pm - what a losted for me - I was unprepared for this event - I am so saddend by this unchangable outcome - for me the facility did and did not do what I was expecting - to save my dearest friend of the last 9 nine years. I am so disappointed with this outcome. I am crying as I write this review how sad!!!! I miss my Pee-Wee

5 Stars: Very helpful and professional (by Ana S.)

Ana S. — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 19:43:00 GMT

Very good experience. We took our golden retriever in at 2am because she was dehydrated after a few days of having her first litter and the staff was very nice how they handled her. They were very informative and willing to listen to the concerns. Good bedside manner. Recommend this clinic highly.

4 Stars: A solid emergency clinic. (by lawrence p.)

lawrence p. — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 18:21:00 GMT

I had extensive dealings with the clinic over the course of a week because the virus my cat developed (the always deadly FIP) can initially be very difficult to diagnose. While it is true that a small few at the front desk may be a bit rough around the edges, overall they were kind and compassionate. The various vets (i dealt with 4) were professional, informative, and friendly. It is, i know, difficult to be coldy objective in the wake of an injury or death of a beloved pet. And many people are super-sensitive at stressful times like these--myself included. But, when you get down to brass tacks, this clinic is, i believe, above average in taking care of animal emergencies.

5 Stars: our 16 year old cat with heart disease developed Saddle Thrombis (by j n.)

j n. — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:14:00 GMT

We brought in our 15 year old cat Thomas on Saturday night in the middle of the night, his hind leges were paralyzed. The vet Dr. Williams, and the techs Regina and Elena, were so very kind and patient w/ us as we deliberated on what to do next, and agonized over the treatment options vs the projected outcomes. We initially chose treatment, but he rapidly deteriorated and we drove home only to get a call the moment we walked in the house to come back he had really taken a bad turn and we rushed back to make the final decision to euthanize him. The entire time all the staff were so very compassionate and patient w/ us. Offering all the treatment options as well as the projected statistics of these treatment options being sucessful. Ultimately Thomas made the decision for us, but the staff there was very cognizant of my desire to be there w/ him when he died, so he wouldn't be alone. We are very grateful they were there for us in our time of need, and treated us so respectfully. I would recommend this clinic highly especially in an emergency situation.

5 Stars: Positive Experience/ Would Return Again (by Quality Review P.)

Quality Review P. — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 02:44:00 GMT

The triage tech was incredibly compassionate and knowledgeable. I was told that I could leave while the bloodwork was being run. (Unlike a review below, I was not made to wait.) The vet did not have the same level of bedside manner as triage; however, she was clear, concise, experienced, and did not try to upcharge me.

1 Stars: get the message! (by Quality Q.)

Quality Q. — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 16:02:00 GMT

Good vets....terrible staff!!!!!!!!!! Get the message!
My advice is to drive a bit further and get better overall care. These people are the first thing you see when they hit the front door...not a good first, second or third impression.

2 Stars: They wouldn't give updates on my cat's condition.....and worse.... (by Mia W.)

Mia W. — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:40:00 GMT

Sadly, our cat sustained a bad throat injury in our home in the early morning and we were forced to find the closest, open emergency vet clinic last week. My husband took her to Catonsville because he had used them before. They immediately took x-rays and found air leaking into her throat region. Even though their surgeons were booked for the day, they kept her there all day for "observation". They were unable to start an IV line, so the only treatment she received was a dose of prednisone for the swelling and subcutaneously fluids so she didn't dehydrate. She struggled to breathe for over 11 hours. The worst part is that when I called in the morning to find out medical details, I was told by the receptionist "your husband has the information...you can call back after 6pm"!!! I don't know if she could have been saved or not, but if they had told us that they weren't going to be able to treat or even diagnose her that day, we would have certainly moved her to a better-equipped facility right away. My heart is breaking because we did end up losing her, even after having surgery the next day. I will always wonder if she might've been saved if she hadn't spent a whole day gasping for air in Catonsville. She deserved much better.

5 Stars: Possibly the best staff ever. (by Megan M.)

Megan M. — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:28:00 GMT

My experience with this clinic was over the phone, so I can't talk about their skill as veterinarians, but what I can tell you is that the people on the staff are genuine, caring animal lovers. One person in particular offered to take a stray I had found into her own home after I had found out that my dogs would not tolerate her in my small apartment for the night. Every other place that might be able to help me had closed, and I thought I was completely out of options. I called the hospital for advice and to beg for a place to leave her until the morning, but they did better than that and this person was all set to take the dog home for the night.

I drove the dog through the neighborhood I had found her in one last time and actually located the owners, which is the best possible ending, but these people stepped up to help when no one else could, and I think that says a lot for the business as a whole.

I have two dogs and a cat and I hope I never need emergency vet services, but if I do, I will take them straight to this hospital, and it will be a comfort to know that I'm going to see people who care.

5 Stars: Friendly and caring... (by Katie T.)

Katie T. — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:37:00 GMT

When my regular vet refused to see my 18 year old cat that had a stroke and was having seizures, I took her to the emergency vet. I knew she had to be put to sleep, and the employees here were understanding and sympathetic. They made a very difficult time so much easier with their kindness and consideration for my family and my pet.

3 Stars: our cat died and his response was "its a thing thats in the past... "! (by M. M.)

M. M. — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:36:00 GMT

On a Saturday night our 18yr old cat was showing signs of distress from a mouth issue. We took her to EVC in Catonsville, where else could we go, we live here and she needed help. Luckily the service was decent. The doctor was very nice and caring, the receptionist was, well she was at least articulate. We were told that Paradise would get the visit information by fax before Monday am. Unfortunately our cat only became worse on Sunday and we had to make that most difficult decision. The same doctor kindly spent some time on the phone discussing the issues with me and we made the decision. After the receptionist (same from Saturday) told me Paradise would receive the fax letting them know by Monday am but I should call to follow up. I did just that. I called Paradise at 11:00am on Monday. NEVER RECEIVED ANY FAXES from EVC regarding our cat and the issues over the weekend. On Tuesday I find out that Paradise has only JUST received the fax regarding Saturdays visit and nothing on Sundays visit. When I called EVC Tuesday and spoke to Carrol about the information not being passed only his first responses were simply, "ok" and then when I expressed a little dismay at the lack of professionalism and how disconcerting the whole situation was his response to me and I quote, "its a thing thats in the past so whats the problem". Blindsided by this person who works at an animal hospital... this is his response... why should I care now since my cat died two days prior! The doctors are good and you have to remember its an emergency hospital so it might take a while depending on the situation but the support staff, they seem to be there simply for the paycheck and where they are working doesn't seem to come into play. That is a name we will always remember for the future should, God forbid any of our other pets need the service.

5 Stars: Saved my dog's life-- BLOAT (by Suzanne L.)

Suzanne L. — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 19:27:00 GMT

Our dog's stomach had bloated and had already twisted by the time we realized what was happening. We called, the vet immediately recognized the situations from my description on the phone, and he insisted we get there ASAP. He was ready to go when we arrived. It wasn't cheap, but he saved our dog (and three others that weekend) from one of the most serious emergencies a dog can face. Our dog was home by the next evening and had no side effects thanks to the quick and decisive intervention by the vet. The surgery was done perfectly and we are forever grateful. Everyone there treated our pet-- and us-- well.

3 Stars: rude receptionist (by Lea J.)

Lea J. — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:47:00 GMT

The vet that saved my cat's life will always have my deep gratitude. However, over the period of several days that my cat had to be there, I found several members (young) to be inconsiderate and rude. I witnessed a tech abuse an orange tabby because the cat was a little on the grouchy side (could you blame it?). This young woman meanly stuffed the poor cat into it's cage muttering obscenities at it! I was scared that they would take it out on my cat if I said anything, so I kept quiet. I'm glad I can use this forum to make my complaint, although it occurs to me that they might still be able to locate me through the info from the log in, and I have cats that might need to go there in an emergency. I told a friend who is a vet tech at another facility about the incident and she said that, unfortunately, she had also witnessed techs abusing animals that they didn't "like". That is sick!! How low can you get?

The receptionist at the front desk (a young woman with long, dark hair) was extremely rude to me on two occasions when I came to visit and sit quietly with my very sick kitty. I felt that I had to endure her attitude or they might treat my cat badly when I left. I cannot tell you how sickened I was by this awful experience. I was worried half to death that my cat was going to die and there is this nasty, fire-breathing girl to deal with on top of it all.

The vet treated me with respect and did save my cat, but she also did nothing to stop the poor treatment of both the animals and myself when I was there. I will add that I was very quiet and docile, as polite as I could possibly be every minute I was there. It's a sad statement about some people in our society that there are those who take advantage of the sick and broken hearted as an opportunity to vent their emotional baggage on.

I hope that others will speak up if they are treated badly or see an animal treated poorly. People with personality disorders should not be working around sick animals or stressed pet owners.

Shocked pet lover

5 Stars: Spendy...but if you want your pet 100% healed, you bring them here! (by dayle t.)

dayle t. — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 06:30:00 GMT

You will bring them here. My own foot surgery with a 2 day hospital stay did not have as much diagnostics as this hospital offers. My cat was literally checked every 30 minutes for vitals,. and hand fed in glass enclosure that was pumped with pure oxygen. WHO DOES THIS? they do~
Their vets are like a hodge podge of tree huggers to high techies. You can either get a hug or a lecture... But its that MIX of personalities and specialties that will give your pet the only chance of survival. Trust me, I know~! I once saw a dog come into this hospital who was put into a pickup truck bed and flew out at 30 mph. The owner (jerk) said "put him down". Those vets took this 120 pound rottie out of his truck in a stretcher with compound fractures on all 4 legs. (sidebar: When you come to this hospital you will wait out your diagnosis,. so you DO see alot!).
Anyway,. everyone in the waiting room was in tears. Most of us wanted to kick this idiot in the head who brought this magestic dog in (who was not even wimpering).
When I returned 4 days later to pick up my cat and sign over my house note to them, I glimpsed a room with a rottie laying on a cot with steel pins in his back legs. 'NO WAY! THIS WAS NOT THAT SAME DOG???".
and indeed it was! Someone in the office decided to adopt this beautiful dog and rebuild him~!
THIS IS THE TYPE of people you want caring for your beloved pet!!
Don't forget to call when you are on the way to bring your pet in. And bring a soda, cell phone, magazine and a sleeping bag because this is NOT a drop off zone. You sweat it out minute by minute until you get a diagnosis! Oh yes, bring a visa card too!
HEY ITS YOUR PET!! There is no price tag here! The good part is that your pet will go home healthier than they have ever been in their life~~ Something special happens behind that wall...
Maybe one day I will admit myself...just to get a little of that special mojo!
Dayle Thrasher
Life member of the catonsville animal hospital.

4 Stars: Excellent Care (by Dana O.)

Dana O. — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 04:53:00 GMT

I have had to , unfortunately, bring my dog here on several occasions. I say unfortunately because you never want to have to bring your pet to the ER. They did extremely well in the emergency situations and even in the times I've brought him there for just precautionary measures. A couple times we went there when my dog was attacked when I was walking him by Pitbulls who were off the leash (I live in the city) and they were great calming my nerves because I was very shaken. Another time when my dog was younger he bit into an inhaler I had. I brought him there because he seemed sleepy, and sure enough he was poisoned. He was touch and go for 3 days and I credit them for bringing him back. I will continue to use and recommend this clinic!

5 Stars: Great clinic (by Christine L.)

Christine L. — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 12:58:00 GMT

I highly recommend this clinic. My cat was seen immediately. All the staff were professional, efficient and calm. My cat was having her '15 minutes of lame' (couldn't even manage to decent limp once we were at the office) but I feel sure if she'd been having a real emergency this would have been the place to be.

4 Stars: Good Vet! (by Renee F.)

Renee F. — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 12:07:00 GMT

I think the poor ratings on EVC are unfair. First, it takes money to take care of a pet. This is an emergency veterinary clinic not your regular vet! I have used them several times and always find them to be helpful and professional. They have taken very good care of my animals in the past and are presently treating my dog. They are very good at what they do -- they are not gods!

1 Stars: Very Sick Cat (by Tam B.)

Tam B. — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 02:24:00 GMT

I brought my cat to this clinic and was told on 2 different occasion that she was eating and doing fine. When I picked her up on Saturday (she was brought to them on friday), she couldnt walk (she was walking slowly when she went in)and she was worse than when I dropped her off. My cat had an infection and had to be put to sleep. Now she didnot get the infection at this hospital but BEWARE I dont think they gave her the care that she needed. She spent 1 night there and the bill was $600. Just to be seen its $88 and the receptionist will gladly tell you they dont bill so make sure you have money in hand as you walk through the door. I took my precious cat to another hospital on Monday, where they actually cared! My beloved cat infection was so bad that she had to be put to sleep. Couldn't EVCI tell me that when she was there NO. Just pay your bill & call your regular vet on Monday. How sad!!

PROS:
CONS: No one showed compassion, "its just a job"

1 Stars: I was told he was fine- but dog had fractured tailbone & dislocated tail. (by Lola S.)

Lola S. — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 05:57:00 GMT

I recently moved to Catonsville, MD. and one day while at the river playing and running and jumping- my dog became injured. I called Paradise Animal Clinic for a same-day appt. & I was told that because I was a new client they couldn't see me for 5 days.

They gave me the number to Emergency Veterinary Clinic Inc. (ECVI)

I called EVCI and told them something was wrong with my dog- He wasn't raising or wagging his tail and he would whimper when we touched the middle vertebras of his tail.

The female that answered the phone said "You're calling because your dog isn't wagging his tail? Maybe he's just not happy!"

I explained that dogs can easily dislocate their tails and if not treated quickly it can fuse leading to disfiguration and life-long discomfort.

The person answering said "How do you know it's dislocated? - there might not be anything wrong."

Any owner that truly loves and cares for their dog KNOWS when something is wrong because they can sense the pet's mood and see its behavioral changes.

The woman seemed completely unqualified to be answering phone calls. She advised that she doubted anything was wrong, and said- "You can bring him in, but you still have to pay $80 even if there is nothing wrong."

Our dog is part of our family. Our dog is a major part of our life. Money is not an object when it comes to his health.

I hung up with EVCI and decided to drive my dog 65 miles to my old vet.
It turns out he had a fractured tailbone and a dislocated tail.

The vets at EVCI maybe qualified individuals, but I was never given the chance to evaluate them due to the incompetence of the receptionist.

EVCI- the person answering the phone for you has a very important job to do. They are the forefront of your business and the health of your clients depends on their knowledge and judgment.

I will never bring my animal to this clinic- no matter the emergency. If they hire idiots- then they're idiots themselves in my book.

PROS:
CONS: uneducated staff making bad decisions that should be left to the Dr.s

4 Stars: Emergency services for your pet (by Chris C.)

Chris C. — Fri, 11 Nov 2005 19:03:00 GMT

We got to know these folks very well after my cat developed very bad asthma. The doctors and staff are excellent. They respond to anxious owners so wonderfully. Vet services aren't cheap and they don't get any cheaper after midnight. They provide very competent care when your regular vet is not available.