Alta Buffalo Animal Hospital

12/14/10

BUFFALO ANIMAL HOSPITAL "WAY OVER PRICED"

by Buffalo Alta Animal Hospi at Citysearch

My 7 yrs. old Yorkie Poo, had a tiny Pea size cyst under his tail, above his anus and he was also Itchy from his usual allergies. Being a Senior, Retired Widow, I was trying to find a reasonable priced Vet, here in the North West part of the Valley. I found this Vet's office Buffalo Alta Animal Hospital on Google. Called up the receptionist, explained quite clearly my Pets problem and the fact that I was looking for a reasonable priced Vet. She assured me, their prices were reasonable and said the Vet could see my Dog in one hour or sooner. Upon my arrival there, i immediately realized, how very quiet the place was and no phones were even ringing. This Vet charged me 43.00 for a Comprehensive Physical Exam, which is alright, but he did not do it. He spent most of the time trying to Sell me very expensive allergy treatments, steroid shots etc., etc., When he finally realized, I was not going to buy any of that form of treatment and simply wanted Hydroxyzine tablets, which he charged 30.80. He then focused his attention on that tiny pea size cyst, under my dog's tail, with a Sales Pitch, that its a growth, which is probably Cancerous and the only way for him to really know, is by him immediately doing a Fine Needle Aspiration for 35.00 and Cytology for 117.00. This Vet definetly knew, from experience, that this type of tiny cyst was benign. But, here again, he continued to sell me the idea, that it was probably a cancerous growth. Then he left the office and his Wife came in with the bill for me to sign in agreement. I again questioned her about that Cytology Price of 117.00 . She claimed that was all Lab Fees and they were not making any money on that. I asked for a Senior discount and even reminded her, I do have another little Shih Tzu Pet, that would have to be brought in for a Physical and Ear Exam. Unfortunately, I agreed and paid all their ridiculous prices. I was then told, they would call me with the results the next day.

However, a couple hours after arriving home with my Pet. I suddenly noticed, blood was all over my white kitchen tiles and on my new biege carpeting in the family room. Upon examination of my Pet Yorkie Poo, I realized the blood was flowing from the cyst. I immediately called up the office of Buffalo Alta Animal Hospital and explained to the receptionist, what was now happening. To my surprise, she simply said to me, the Vet was gone and he would not be in until tomorrow morning. Please call back in the morning at 8. I was shocked and upset. I questioned her, what Am I supposed to do, if this bleeding continues during the night, take him to another Vets Emergency Hospital? I asked her to Please get a message to the Vet and let him know exactly what is now happening. Which she eventually did. Then in 15 minutes his wife/assistant called me and suggested that I put pressure on the area to try to stop the bleeding. Which helped.

The following evening she called me up with the "Good News" that the results from the Lab showed it was not cancerous. And she once again, immediately got into trying to Sell me "A Bill Of Goods" exactly like her husband did. Telling me I need to consider bringing the Pet in for Surgery, as soon as possible. Because, that type of Growth, when it is left to grow it will become Cancerous. I asked, Now how much will all this cost me. Her answer was only 486.00. I again reminded her, I am a Senior, Retired Widow, now living on a Budget and I also do realize, they have to make money to stay in business. I'm not asking for something for nothing. It's just that I'm now looking for a reasonable price. Then I said I'll have to think about it.

I took my Pet in for a second opinion with another Vet.

I also showed this Vet, the Bill which I received and payed to Buffalo Alta Animal Hospital . He was quite surprised & continued to shake his head, by this type of unecessary treatment and price gouging .

06/13/08

WELL RECOMMENDED VET - FRIENDLY AND INFORMATIVE

by WEIMSRULE at Citysearch

The staff at this vet is sooo nice. I feel like I am part of their family. Also, they explain everything in detail so that I understand what they are talking about. I have learned a lot from them...I never second guess anything they explain to me. It is a small business so their pricing are just a tiny bit more than other bigger vets but the customer service and experience is always pleasant.

• Pros: FRIENDLY AND INFORMATIVE, KIND AND ALWAYS REMEMBER US
• Cons: a little bit more expensive but worth it.