Banfield Pet Hospital

"I have been taking my toy poodle Willow to the Banfield vet in Smyrna for several years. This location is closest to where I live in Antioch. Vets Dr. Costilla and Dr. De Martin at this Banfield have significantly contributed to the decline in my dog Willow's health. Below are key events demonstrating substandard care from these vets: ISSUES WITH DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF CUSHING’S DISEASE - Willow diagnosed with Cushing's disease in 2021 after bloodwork showed elevated liver enzymes, but Banfield did not recommend treatment despite ultrasound showing disease - Over next year, Willow experienced periodic 1-2 minute episodes where she would stumble, tilt her head, then recover. Banfield vets labeled these as "nausea" but did not relate to Cushing's diagnosis - Following months of taking Willow to the Smyrna location, Franklin’s Banfield vet said episodes sounded like strokes and to see a neurologist if happened again. When next episode occurred, Smyrna Banfield vet made no mention of strokes. - Next episode was severe - couldn't walk for 4 days, permanent limp. Neurologist put her on blood thinners, stopping episodes- evident Smyrna Banfield vets failed to recognize condition and adjust treatment FAILURE TO COMMUNICATE KEY DIAGNOSTICS RESULTS - July 5th records show Banfield vet recognized Willow had suffered "another" stroke but did not inform me, refer to neurologist, or express urgency - Willow rapidly losing weight over 18 months but vets insisted weight loss was because not enough calories, not because of conditions. Said would refer to specialist if kept losing weight - Weight declining but vets insisted she was gaining weight, despite clear documentation of 7 lb weight loss over 18 months - Dr. De Martin became impatient when I questioned the inaccurate weight gain claim and refused to refer me to an internal medicine specialist. - the next day I made an appointment and took Willow to Franklin’s Banfield where vet expressed alarm at weight loss and immediate need for internal medicine workup. Willow was 5.8 pounds - Specialty vet found inflammatory bowel disease, gallbladder disease, heart murmur that Banfield records showed existed earlier but owner was never informed and Willow was never treated for the murmur. Murmur documented and went from 2/6 to 5/6. INTERACTIONS WITH BANFIELD DIRECTOR - Director admitted numerous missed signs by staff and doctors, said they would reeducate Smyrna location staff - Declined to provide corporate contact info when asked -Never offered any type of restitution, no real accountability -This call was recorded SUMMARY - I have spent thousands on Wellness Plan, but neglect by Smyrna staff resulted in weight/quality of life loss, avoidable health declines - Care disparities: Franklin location more patient, thorough, better quality of doctors; Smyrna rushed, impatient, lack of knowledge, socioeconomic differences in care quality. - Concerns that Smyrna Banfield provides lower quality care compared to Franklin’s location in more affluent area Smyrna services primarily Smyrna and South Nashville/Antioch residents."

"My pet has been going there for a couple years. She has allergy’s and need Apoquel. I called for a refill, the vet that called me which was NOT the vet that prescribed Apoquel, was asking questions that should already been known, the hung up one me. Worst service ever! They just want money. They want you to pay an office visit before they will give my poor pet the meds she needs. Smyrna location, is the worst! Please consider another vet service. These folks here are awful! Dr. Doran is the only one that is great. The other vets there are the worst! Looking for another vet!"

"DO NOT GO HERE. we brought our dog in last week for a physical and his shots; when I got home, I noticed his belly had a red rash on it and I had no idea the cause nor did they tell me this when I picked him up. I called them and asked them to email me his paperwork; his paperwork said “coat condition- excellent “ and “skin condition-excellent “ we are now one week out from his visit to find out he has mange; which is deadly in dogs and THEY DID NOT TELL ME ANYTHING. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT take your fur babies here."

"They've been taking care of our fur baby since we got him when he was teeny and put him on the puppy plan! He got his microchip there as a baby and goes in for his semi annual checkups. They clean his teeth, clip his nails, help ensure none of his cysts are cancerous, and have been wonderful working with us to find a solution to his allergies - he used to scratch himself so hard he'd bleed in the fall and spring. The staff is so kind and gentle and even though he returns sleepy and a little out of it after his yearly anesthesia for a deep tooth clean, our boy is not afraid of the vets and surprisingly walked himself right back into the room with the nurse last time he went!"

"They took amazing care of my kitty, Beignet. He was close to death but, now, he is back to his old self! Thank you! During treatment and after treatment pics."