Veterinary Specialty Hospital - North County

"I spent approximately $30,000 at this hospital over a period of 6 months after a diagnosis of lymphoma for my 6 year old golden retriever, Bruce. My regret is not the expense, but the decision to trust this facility with my dog’s care. I was sold on the idea that I would gain a few extra months with Bruce, and that his quality of life would be good if I were to proceed with chemotherapy. While there were some issues during chemotherapy over the next few months, I maintained a belief that Bruce was getting adequate care and monitoring. Unfortunately, in November, after noticing behavioral changes that concerned me, I brought Bruce into the ER after making multiple calls to the oncologist. She refused to return those calls, though I was told by the desk that I could utilize the ER. After a late evening ER visit the ER doctor, Dr. Chau, released Bruce WITHOUT a single blood test and provided an explanation that Bruce was reacting negatively to his chemotherapy. (This was a miss) I returned home and within 12 hours Bruce was unable to walk on his own. I once again returned to the ER and this time it was determined that Bruce was in need of a different chemotherapy drug to control his extremely high calcium levels. Bruce was released within a day by ER Dr. Collins with a reduction in calcium and considered to be in remission. Unfortunately, I was NOT told that Bruce’s kidney levels were extremely high. (Another miss) After returning home, Bruce went into kidney failure over the next few days while I was clueless as to why he was becoming worse. Once again, I returned Bruce to the ER. This time they realized that his kidney values were critical. . It was at THIS point that I was informed about his dangerously high kidney values from the PREVIOUS ER visit. At this point Bruce was finally treated for his high kidney levels, but unfortunately, it was too late.. I was able to get Bruce home and forced to put him down on 12/18 exactly 6 months to the day after his lymphoma diagnosis. His last 2 weeks were miserable. My belief that close monitoring and continuity of care at one hospital would be beneficial, was entirely unfounded, and needless, to say,, the reoccurring visits in these final few weeks quickly reached in excess of $10,000. If I had taken Bruce to ANY other walk in clinic he would have been provided bloodwork that would have recognized his high calcium and kidney levels weeks ahead. Instead, assumptions were made, and dangerously high kidney levels were ignored while my dog slowly perished from kidney failure while technically in remission from his lymphoma.."

"I came in last night 2/24 around midnight and was given excellent care for my pet! Was quoted that the wait time was 4 hrs for non critical emergencies. My dog was brought in for an exam and within 15 minutes we were out the door! She had a broken nail and they were able to remove it and FREE OF CHARGE! Jordan and Rachael were very sweet people and also helpful! Thank you for making me feel at ease!"

"This place was a godsend. We were so scared for our Honey when she got into ibuprofen. This is our second dog we've brought here as panicking parents. Each time we come here, we are comforted and such good care is taken of our babies. Dr. Ruffoni was so gentle and informative and did everything to make sure our Honey pulled through. I felt so supported and Honey sends a big THANK YOU!!!!!!"

"They were amazing when we brought our cat into emergency with an eye injury. They were very caring with both us and our pet. We were able to schedule a follow-up with Dr Kayla Banks, their ophthalmologist. She was very thorough in making sure our cat's vision was good and he had healed well. I was amazed it didn't cost anymore than a visit to the regular vet, although we weren't concerned about the cost, since we have pet insurance. Here are before and after pictures."