Complaint Review: Family Veterinary Services-Dr. S. Talbot-Valerio And Dr. Zaccone - Montague New Jersey

In defense of Family Veterinary Services, I think you are being unfair. I have had a lot of experience with Family Veterinary Services and know that when you examine a dog and he/she may have 1 problem and when they undergo surgery, that sometimes, they find more than what they may have thought. I had 2 dogs go under to have to teeth pulled and on one dog they pulled more because once the dog was under they could see more in his mouth and pulled what was considered problem teeth. I could not pick him up until they considered he was safe to take home. He was dopey, but was fine in a day.

I have never known Dr. Talbot not to return a call. I think you might have been very emotional or hostile. Further more... why did you wait so long if you thought you had a problem? Why did you not take him to the Newton Animal Hospital if this dog was so ill?
I think you depended too much on them and not enough on your own good sense to save the pet. If your dog was so ill you should have acted better on his behalf and sought out other professional help.

Veterinary practice as in all medical treatment is a practice. There are no assurances, they are not infallible and your good sense needs to kick in and take over when you see something is not right.

I have a dog that has Addison's disease, which is very hard to diagnose. Family Vets had tried several things and they were not working. I had to take him to the Newton Hospital for several days to keep him alive over a holiday weekend. Again I took him back to FVS to be diagnosed. They were perplexed by all the test they had done with no solution. So they researched and thought this was an outside chance and ran another test and found out it was addisons. They worked very hard, did not rest until they found out what it was. He is fine now and living a happy life. But he was on deaths door and it was MY responsibility to seek the right help for him.
Maybe you are at fault for waiting so long to act.

This in regards to the comments of Karen & Martin. Martin you can say all you want about this Vet but the fact is she made a mistake avery bad mistake and it KILLED a family pet. Vets are human they make mistakes to. Why is it so hard for you to believe that? Karen if you have read on down you would have seen that the Board found this Vet in the wrong and she was fined. To me not enough! Rimadyl kills and I hope & pray that you don't ever have to go through what us Rimadyl victims had to go through. Do you home work first. It's so easy for you to lash out at Anna because she didn't take this sitting down and you just don't want to believe this Vet was so stupid, but it happens. So go to srdogs online and read all about this medicine also Pfizer has been sued over this drug. So Karen & Martin I won't be surprised if I see you on this web site for the same thing. Just remember you had it all in front of you. Becky In Memory of Bonzi a Rimadyl victim.

In Oct. 1997 my beloved chocolate lab, George, had to be euthanizedd because of irreversible adverse side effects of carprofen (Rimadyl). I had no idea there were side effects that could prove fatal. I am appalled at the number of veterinarians who do not warn their clients about adverse side effects; do not do pre-testing before they give the drug; and who seem not to care at all whether or not they follow the drug manufacturer's and the FDA CVM Guidelines. I am so sorry for the loss of your dog, Anna. You have my deepest sympathy and understanding. I am so glad you filed a complaint with your State's Veterinary Medical Board. While I did not file one with regards to my lab, George, I have filed one recently with regards to a Veterinary Clinic in the Charleston,S.c. area. Jean Johns Island, SC (Always for George - Always for the Rimadyl Dogs) B.A.R.K.S. Be Aware of Rimadyl's Known Side Effects Be informed of animal drug dangers CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.

Anna, My deepest sympathies on the loss of your dog. I have a number of dogs and cats myself and each and every one of them is like a member of my family. I have had two collies over the years myself and I remember the pain and anguish when I had to finally put one down due to bad hips that we could no longer let him suffer from (he was too old and a poor risk for surgery). I applaud you for pursuing your complaint against this vet and while the fine was a minimal amount this will be a part of that vet's permanent public record. You have done all you can do in making sure that people know what has happened to your poor Winston and hopefully they will know to avoid that vet. I hope that you have found yourself a new puppy/ family member - you sound to me like a wonderful pet owner and any animal would be lucky to have you as a mom.

I think that we no just where you work so I would guess that you are on the Vet's side. I'm so glad that I don't take my pet to you and if I was Anna I sure would get an attorney because there truley is something funny about what went on with her pet.

Disciplinary action was taken on the vet who killed my 9-yr. old collie, Winston. It took the vet board 2 years to make a final decision as they conveniently exhausted my 2-yr. statute of limitations, but in the end they fined the vet $2,000. Small price to pay for taking my dog's life, but the job of the vet boards is to protect the vet rather than the consumer. This disciplinary action is now public record. No, my dog did not die because he was "old." He was given a Rimadyl injection prior to dental surgery, was not given IV fluids while under anesthesia, and was given an injectable steroid (dexamethasone) within the same 24 hrs of the Rimadyl...against the recommendations of Pfizer, the makers of Rimadyl. NSAIDs should never be given in conjunction w/ steroids, as it increases the risk for an adverse reaction (i.e. kidney/liver failure, GI ulceration). A more appropriate term as to the cause of his death is DIC. This was determined by my current veterinarian, a Cornell graduate, after reviewing my dog's records. In memory of my Rimadyl dog, "Winston."

I Read Anna's report on the Veterinarian. Family Veterinary Services-Dr. S. Talbot-Valerio, And Dr. Zaccone Imcompetent Veterinarian Killed My Beloved Collie Montague New Jersey. This was submitted 11/22/2003. Then there are no posts until April of 2005. There are suddenly five defenders of the Vet. All had misinformation of their own as they politely slammed Anna whose only problem was to ever trust that vet with her beloved dog. The first 2 responders said no bloodwork was done and that usually it is suggested to the owner but people don't want to pay. Learn how to read, she did have the bloodwork done! I could go on and on, but I did want to comment on all the surgeries you put your animals through Barbara. You must have Munchousen's syndrome. An amputation. No wonder the good Doctor likes you so much . I'm sure poor Anna's case was rejected by the NJ Vet Board. It must have been right after that these crappy people got together to save the business. Think about this. Anna was told that the dog needed two teeth pulled. Not seven teeth. She spared no expense but was also compassionate enough to put her dog down when there was no other choice. The fact that her dog was old is irrelevant although one of you brought that up. This fact does remain. The Veterinarian profited from the suffering of this dog and I think that is deplorable. You can't fool us even though you like to act like you're sympathetic. Dear Anna, I believe you told the truth and I'm so sorry about your Winston.

Dr. Talbot-Valerio has treated my family's variety of pets for many years and is an outstanding vet. I have been a client of hers since before she became associated with Family Veterinary Services and have been immensely pleased with her medical skills, her vast knowledge, as well as the care and sincerity with which she has treated our pets and my family. I used to live in the Montague area but moved away six years ago. I continue to travel an hour and a half (one way) to Dr. Talbot-Valerio's office because she has provided such wonderful care to our pets. I presently own a handicapped dog and two healthy cats. My 6-year old dog requires on-going, regular treatment for her detached retinas (both eyes are blind), cataracts, glaucoma, and degenerative bone disease. She has undergone tests, surgery, and medications and lives a full, happy life thanks to Dr. Talbot-Valerio's excellent care. Through the years, it has been necessary for her to treat our other family pets for various ailments, some easily diagnosable and others more challenging. Our pets have had illnesses that she has cured by way of her diagnostic skills and medications, and others by successful surgeries for such things as hip and joint replacements, an amputation, sports injuries, wounds, and dental care, as well as more common surgeries such as spaying and minor procedures. I can say without reservation that she has done so with complete professionalism and has performed all of the necessary bloodwork and pre-op testing, not to mention her skilled surgical techniques. In my experience, she was always careful to explain the procedure and the possible outcome (good or bad) and the risk of putting an animal (young or old) under anesthesia. There are no guarantees in life, especially with an aged dog such Anna's. I can only guess that Winston was not in a very healthy condition if he needed to have 7 teeth removed. I am sure that Dr. Talbot-Valerio discussed with Winston's owner the contingencies surrounding his surgery. Having owned large dogs throughout my entire life, I know that the average life span of a large breed such as a collie can range anywhere from 8 to 12 years. It seems to me that Winston lived a full life and died of the complications that beset many aging dogs, complications that can be exacerbated by surgery and anesthesia. I, too, would like to hear the results of Anna's complaint to the N.J. State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. Was it dismissed? Her ripoff report was posted in November 2003, almost two years ago. I am a legal professional and have worked closely with the State of N.J. Office of Attorney Ethics where numerous complaints are filed against attorneys in our state. Many of these grievances are administratively dismissed after an initial review because they rise to nothing more than a disgruntled client rather than unethical practices by the attorney. I suspect Anna's allegations that Dr. Talbot-Valerio "killed" her beloved dog falls within that same realm and are medically unfounded.

Dr. Talbot-Valerio has treated my family's variety of pets for many years and is an outstanding vet. I have been a client of hers since before she became associated with Family Veterinary Services and have been immensely pleased with her medical skills, her vast knowledge, as well as the care and sincerity with which she has treated our pets and my family. I used to live in the Montague area but moved away six years ago. I continue to travel an hour and a half (one way) to Dr. Talbot-Valerio's office because she has provided such wonderful care to our pets. I presently own a handicapped dog and two healthy cats. My 6-year old dog requires on-going, regular treatment for her detached retinas (both eyes are blind), cataracts, glaucoma, and degenerative bone disease. She has undergone tests, surgery, and medications and lives a full, happy life thanks to Dr. Talbot-Valerio's excellent care. Through the years, it has been necessary for her to treat our other family pets for various ailments, some easily diagnosable and others more challenging. Our pets have had illnesses that she has cured by way of her diagnostic skills and medications, and others by successful surgeries for such things as hip and joint replacements, an amputation, sports injuries, wounds, and dental care, as well as more common surgeries such as spaying and minor procedures. I can say without reservation that she has done so with complete professionalism and has performed all of the necessary bloodwork and pre-op testing, not to mention her skilled surgical techniques. In my experience, she was always careful to explain the procedure and the possible outcome (good or bad) and the risk of putting an animal (young or old) under anesthesia. There are no guarantees in life, especially with an aged dog such Anna's. I can only guess that Winston was not in a very healthy condition if he needed to have 7 teeth removed. I am sure that Dr. Talbot-Valerio discussed with Winston's owner the contingencies surrounding his surgery. Having owned large dogs throughout my entire life, I know that the average life span of a large breed such as a collie can range anywhere from 8 to 12 years. It seems to me that Winston lived a full life and died of the complications that beset many aging dogs, complications that can be exacerbated by surgery and anesthesia. I, too, would like to hear the results of Anna's complaint to the N.J. State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. Was it dismissed? Her ripoff report was posted in November 2003, almost two years ago. I am a legal professional and have worked closely with the State of N.J. Office of Attorney Ethics where numerous complaints are filed against attorneys in our state. Many of these grievances are administratively dismissed after an initial review because they rise to nothing more than a disgruntled client rather than unethical practices by the attorney. I suspect Anna's allegations that Dr. Talbot-Valerio "killed" her beloved dog falls within that same realm and are medically unfounded.

As a former vet tech and present client of Family Veterinary Services, I refuse to trust my animals care to anyone BUT Family Veterinary Services. Both Drs Talbot-Valerio and Zaccone are caring, competent vets who give 100% of themselves to every animal that goes there. I've known both vets for many years and found Anna's almost slanderous remarks to be offensive and completley untrue. From reading Anna's story, I have to suspect there were details that she left out. What ever came of your complaints to the Board? Anything? Anna, having two dogs of my own, I sympathize with your loss. But could your grief perhaps be clouding your perception of what really occured? I hope that someday you'll be able to find the closure that you seem to need with this.

I am surprised and shocked to read about Family Vet Services, DVM Dr. Talbot-Valerio. In my experiences with her, who for the last eight years, has cared for my cats and dogs. She has always been a caring, knowledgeable,and sympathetic professional. She is always going out of her way to care for her animal patients and their owners! As far as it goes, she is the only DVM for our family. I am sorry for the loss of your beloved pet, Ann. Could it be possible that there is more to your story than you are telling?

I am surprised and shocked to read about Family Vet Services, DVM Dr. Talbot-Valerio. In my experiences with her, who for the last eight years, has cared for my cats and dogs. She has always been a caring, knowledgeable,and sympathetic professional. She is always going out of her way to care for her animal patients and their owners! As far as it goes, she is the only DVM for our family. I am sorry for the loss of your beloved pet, Ann. Could it be possible that there is more to your story than you are telling?

I am surprised and shocked to read about Family Vet Services, DVM Dr. Talbot-Valerio. In my experiences with her, who for the last eight years, has cared for my cats and dogs. She has always been a caring, knowledgeable,and sympathetic professional. She is always going out of her way to care for her animal patients and their owners! As far as it goes, she is the only DVM for our family. I am sorry for the loss of your beloved pet, Ann. Could it be possible that there is more to your story than you are telling?

I am surprised and shocked to read about Family Vet Services, DVM Dr. Talbot-Valerio. In my experiences with her, who for the last eight years, has cared for my cats and dogs. She has always been a caring, knowledgeable,and sympathetic professional. She is always going out of her way to care for her animal patients and their owners! As far as it goes, she is the only DVM for our family. I am sorry for the loss of your beloved pet, Ann. Could it be possible that there is more to your story than you are telling?

I am also a Veterinary Technician, I know for a fact that before every procedure pre-anesthetic bloodwork is always offered to the client. More times than not the client doesn't want it done. I know we always offer it and highly suggest it especially with our older patients. Most times than not the client doesn't listen. As far as the other blood work taken, there are ranges from low to high, I'm sure the Vet in this case knows how to read her ranges, and they weren't that bad to worry about them. Do you know how to read bloodwork reports Ann? I'm sure you've reported her to the New Jersey Veternarian board. What were their findings? I'm sure since this case took place back in 2003 , there has already been a ruling.What was that ruling? I'm sorry for your loss, but to slander someone by calling them names in a public forum without both sides being heard is in poor taste.

Senior dog with no bloodwork with those symptoms and history??? I am a tech and have worked with several vets, and almost all recommend yearly bloodwork on senior pets regardless of pending anesthesia or even troublesome symptoms. I can understand the duration of anesthesia due the the number of teeth pulled and the size of the dog, but I am curious as to why the vet even risked putting him under instead of monthly antibiotic treatments to prevent the bacteria from the mouth spreading to the other organs. Were there any dental radiographs taken to prove the abcess, or was even a simple second opinion with a specialist offered? I sympathize with you over the loss of your beloved pet. I know I don't have my DVM (yet), but many of these things are simply common sense.

Senior dog with no bloodwork with those symptoms and history??? I am a tech and have worked with several vets, and almost all recommend yearly bloodwork on senior pets regardless of pending anesthesia or even troublesome symptoms. I can understand the duration of anesthesia due the the number of teeth pulled and the size of the dog, but I am curious as to why the vet even risked putting him under instead of monthly antibiotic treatments to prevent the bacteria from the mouth spreading to the other organs. Were there any dental radiographs taken to prove the abcess, or was even a simple second opinion with a specialist offered? I sympathize with you over the loss of your beloved pet. I know I don't have my DVM (yet), but many of these things are simply common sense.

Senior dog with no bloodwork with those symptoms and history??? I am a tech and have worked with several vets, and almost all recommend yearly bloodwork on senior pets regardless of pending anesthesia or even troublesome symptoms. I can understand the duration of anesthesia due the the number of teeth pulled and the size of the dog, but I am curious as to why the vet even risked putting him under instead of monthly antibiotic treatments to prevent the bacteria from the mouth spreading to the other organs. Were there any dental radiographs taken to prove the abcess, or was even a simple second opinion with a specialist offered? I sympathize with you over the loss of your beloved pet. I know I don't have my DVM (yet), but many of these things are simply common sense.

Senior dog with no bloodwork with those symptoms and history??? I am a tech and have worked with several vets, and almost all recommend yearly bloodwork on senior pets regardless of pending anesthesia or even troublesome symptoms. I can understand the duration of anesthesia due the the number of teeth pulled and the size of the dog, but I am curious as to why the vet even risked putting him under instead of monthly antibiotic treatments to prevent the bacteria from the mouth spreading to the other organs. Were there any dental radiographs taken to prove the abcess, or was even a simple second opinion with a specialist offered? I sympathize with you over the loss of your beloved pet. I know I don't have my DVM (yet), but many of these things are simply common sense.