Complaint Review: Animal Medical and Surgical Center

I started going to Animal Medical and Surgical in July-09. They were recommended by a rescue group. It was an urgent visit, and I was glad they had an opening. We got Dr. Mack, and $200 later, she confirmed that my dog was in heat (the rescue thought she was fixed). Dr. Mack is quite the saleswoman and is great about upcharging. I almost fainted when I received the estimate for my 15lb dog's spay-- $500.

I felt uneasy about the visit, especially after I saw a complaint about Dr. Mack on this site. From that point on, I saw only Dr. Martin. She's much more genuine, a total straight shooter.

In April, my dogs got into a fight, and one had some bites that I was very concerned about. I wanted to get in right away, and the office told me "she" had openings in a few hours. I thought they meant Dr. Martin, instead I got Dr. Mack.

Dr. Mack convinced me to that my dog would need x-rays, anesthesia, and stitches. They also got me to agree to dental cleaning for his mild tartar. They came back with an estimate of $1000 (and please note this is with a 15% "rescue" discount). I agreed to $800 of charges.

I got a call from Dr. Mack that afternoon that my dog was vomiting and having diarrhea after coming out of anesthesia. She suggested he be monitored overnight; I told her I would be more comfortable monitoring him at home. She told me she would add some medications for his stomach so I expected the bill to be more than the original estimate.

When I paid, I was told the bill would be over $1000. Sure enough, they used the original estimate plus the new charges. Once that was corrected, I also made them take off some OTC meds that they were charging 4-5x the normal price on. I work in a drugstore, so I caught that right away.

I was mad about the money spent, but I figured it was a lesson well-learned. I vowed only to see Dr. Martin, otherwise I would go to the emergency vet.

I became absolutely livid when the same thing happened a few months later, only this time the fight happened at night. The bites looked worse than last time so I went straight to the ER vet. This vet explained that puncture wounds should never be stitched so that they can drain properly. He washed the wounds, shaved the dog's leg, and we were sent on our way. What a difference!

It makes me sick to think what I put my dog through at the hands of Dr. Mack. I cannot believe a vet would place profit above an animal's well-being. I will NEVER go back to this office.