VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital

04/01/11

BUTCHER SHOP

by viollett at Citysearch

This is the WORST, most UNCOMPASSIONATE facility to take your pet.

I so wish I had read the other reviews, before I'd taken my baby, my dog there.

I went to the West L.A., Sepulveda location--------you know, the one that has the fancy digital billboard, only because they GAUGE everyone for money and unneeded services, thus they can afford such fripperies.

My doggy had a paw that was maybe scratched and bleeding, so in my worry, I took him there. I used the "free exam" coupon. Absolute B.S.

There is no such thing as "free" in that hell hole.

"Free", to them, is code for bait and switch and upsell and lies and money-gauging.

Doctor Rizzitano immediatly tried to sell me ear cleaner, breath strips, and more.

When he finally got around to examining his paw----along with his hippie-era assistant, Mary, he only said that he needed his nails trimmed.

I specifically asked the price.

He quoted me some inflated price. I still agreed to the trim ONLY, because I wanted my dog to be okay.

But after he and Mary took my dog away, and about three hours later, he came out and told me that they had not only trimmed his nails, but they had REMOVED his entire nail on his right paw and performed other procedures----all without previously informing me or asking for my consent!!!!!!!!!

And yes, I was charged for the removal---which I NEVER consented to-----anesthesia, bandage placement, antibiotics, and a slew of other "associated" costs.

When I expressed my shock and inability to pay all those things---that I'd never consented to-----the receptionist( some rude little ugly snot: Desiree) informed me that I'd " not be allowed to exit until and only until" I paid in full.

In misery---and out of two weeks salary----I paid. I hoped that, at least, my dear baby would be okay.

Oh, but NOOOOO. The next time I returned to have the bandage removed, Rizzitano then informedme---but never showed me----that he now had a huge new wound that would require regular bandage changes three times per week, for the next several weeks. What the EFF?!

For weeks and weeks , we returned for bandage changes, at some over-the-top price for EACH change.

Just when I thought I'd never overcome the costs, anothedoctor, Dr. Musser, informed me that I'd have to let them perform a procedure, due to that wound not healing correctly. The reception staff and vets made me feel soooo guilty, that I let them go ahead-----another seven-hindred or dollars, and MORE antibiotics------ALL OF WHICH I LATER DISCOVERED WERE TOTALLY UNNECCESSARY AND DID NOTHING TO HELP HIS WOUND HEAL1111

When I again tried asking the help of the office manager: Reina, some vagina( replace that with a word that begins with a C), almost cussed me out, and said that she'd not give any discount, because I should not have bought a dog/rescued a dog, if I could not afford to pay for the vet costs. Oh my God....

I have been stuck with guilt and hurt for my doggy, eversince.

Later, Rizzitano set an appointment for me with a different doctor----never ever telling me that that would cost an additional 150.00 dollars( in-house referral).

I walked right into that one, totally unknowing.

AFTER and only AFTER that appointment with the other doctor, I was struck with the added 150.00 dollars PLUS another 145.00 dollars( 290.00 total) for a splint and other costs.

I asked to speak with REINA again-----she refused to come speak to me. She was "too busy" for the likes of me. Most likely being senslessly unhelpful to another pet-owner.

I phoned her and left her messeges. No response or courtesy of any call back to me. Instead, she had one of her lackeys call me to inform me that there would still be NO discount( so there, you pet-owner).

Now I am beside myself, trying to figure out where to go and what to do about my baby's wound that just won't heal.

PLEASE do not go to this corporate chop-house, run by some dick-headed, uncompassionate A-holes.

06/23/09

FANTASTIC DOCTORS, COMPASSIONATE STAFF

by sheilajgw at Citysearch

1. Doctors and staff: A+. Compassionate staff and doctors are conscientious, professional, highly skilled – this is a teaching hospital --the UCLA (or maybe LA County Hospital) of vet hospitals. My golden retriever needed major emergency surgery --he had inhaled a foxtail which formed an abscess between his lungs that attached to the lining of his heart. He was in pain, had fluid in his lungs -- the abscess had to be removed. Dr. Tina Owen performed the surgery -- she is a Diplomate, Board Certified DVM --I couldn't have asked for a better surgeon anywhere -- she was skilled, professional, compassionate, an A+. Dr. Owen's assistant, Tina Martinez is also an A+ --she was extremely knowledgeable, professional and warm. Dr. Cabrerra -also excellent -- - professional and compassionate – she provided some of the post-op care. Further, the front office staff was always extremely courteous, as were the surgery techs that were taking care of the hospitalized animals.

Be aware, however that the night staff for hospitalized pets are veterinary interns (have finished vet school, but are still in training) and vet techs -- there is a supervising DVM on call but not on the premises. While they all seemed quite competent, however, my mind was not completely at ease after hours in the post-surgical area.

2. The Facility: This is the downside, and why I gave VCA WLA three stars instead of 5. This facility is in desperate need of remodeling - old and run down -- the front waiting area is kept very clean -- however, the hallways upstairs and the back elevators (used to visit the hospitalized pets) didn't feel clean -- white power in elevator and in hallways from construction to create an office for a veterinary cardiologist. Post surgical area is small and cramped, Small cages for large animals: my golden had just enough room to stand up, lie down (without stretching out). There is no place close by to take the sickest animals to relieve themselves. The techs walk them up and down the hallways --my golden is not used to relieving himself in the house so on some days he held his urine and bowel movement -- was leaking urine into his cage. Very depressing.

3. The cost -- This facility is expensive -- my total charge was $13,000 for major surgery + 5 1/2 days of hospitalization -- However – they do have a plan which allows you to pay the bill in one year without interest. I don’t know what other hospitals charge, and at the end of the day: THEY SAVED MY DOG! This experience is a great argument for pet insurance -- which I will surely investigate in the next few weeks.

*** Highly recommend that if your pet is hospitalized at this (or any!) facility for any length of time, that you have your regular veterinarian stay in close touch with the supervising DVMs. I was in constant communication with my wonderful vet, Dr. Phil Caldwell, from Szanto Vet Center in Sherman Oaks -- Dr. Caldwell spoke several times with the surgeons, and even went to visit my golden one evening to check medications and his condition....I do feel (they may dispute this, but it is my strong instinct ) that an intervention from a qualified professional (DVM) will only enhance the quality of care you receive for your pet.

• Pros: Highly trained DVMs, compassionate staff
• Cons: old, run down facility for hospitalized animals

07/13/05

unreliable

by lustforfood at Citysearch

Went to this animal hospital for several years. Found the veterinarians changing often, so do not know the animal. Will not return calls. Uses assistants for veterinarian jobs.

06/27/02

For Peace of Mind

by JenBoyd_Citysearch at Citysearch

This office is open 24 hours--which is something that I require in a vet, not only because making an appointment after work is usually not as difficult at 24-hour clinics, but also because I have accident-prone pets who tend to fall off the bed/eat half a sock/poke themselves in the eye/etc. at midnight. This VCA also offers low-cost vaccination clinics in the evening during the week (1/2 off!) which is great.