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8/31/24 |
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I wish I had read these reviews before I trusted them with my pet. Too expensive, rude staff, uninformed technicians, and vets who do not communicate with owners. The VEC vets a poor diagnosticians, your pet's true health condition is never disclosed before going into surgery. They don't discuss details of the surgery with the owners, so you're always shocked to find out after the surgery that they performed procedures without checking with you. Then they charge you for those "unexpected" procedures. And they charge a lot! They don't bother obtaining informed consent from the owner, and that's a issue with the College of Veterinarians of Ontario. I know because I called the College to ask. The care about your credit card, not your pet. GO ANYWHERE ELSE!
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11/8/23 |
2 |
1 |
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I would be giving this place zero or minus stars. Years ago the experience I and another person had with this place was the worst any pet owner could imagine. I had hoped that, over the years, it would have changed for the better. Not the case. Do your research in advance of any emergency so you know what options are and can call other places. If your own vet refers you to this place, there are other good specialists and other emergency clinics perhaps they could refer you to those or you can make an informed decision as to what is best for your pet.
Staff might be less than happy with how things are but might not have any choice as to what the priorities are.
Would be difficult working with animals which are suffering and have to avoid expressions of love or compassion, when your nature is to do the exact opposite, but have to avoid so as to not waste any time on such types of things. With love, in memory of our beloved family members who cannot speak for themselves.
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5/4/23 |
3 |
3 |
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1 |
I do not recommend bringing your pets here. Dr Doug Mason, I don't think he's knowledgeable of what he is doing. And also, if they suggested they have to do some test on your pets, ask to see the results of the test to make sure they did the tests. These test are not cheap.
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8/3/22 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
My dog was a client of Dr. Heather Gray at E. Oshawa Animal Hospital. Seemed to disappear during COVID. Con't. with eye drops. Sight diminished. I as well as my vet called VEC and urgently requested appt. NO CALL BACK. Nearing total blindness sought help elsewhere. Unprofessional and uncaring!
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7/14/21 |
1 |
3 |
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I honestly don’t comment a lot but I had the worst experience here with A doctor mentioned here. The clinic kept asking for more and more money down upfront saying our dog’s life was in danger, do more procedures, and to keep him hospitalized. I was terrified and asked a few questions and the attitude I got was extremely curt and lacked compassion. After thousands of dollars we took our dog home because we honestly couldn’t afford it anymore and he told me that he wanted me to know if our dog died it would be on me. I cried my eyes out and took our dog home. Miraculously he did fine at home and is alive and well today. I would never take my dog here again, regardless of the medical abilities their attitude towards their patients just makes the whole experience honestly kind of traumatic.
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8/11/20 |
2 |
4 |
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GOD, I hate Dr. Doug Mason. I've had pets why whole life, so I've dealt with a lot of vets. Dr. Mason has THE WORST bedside manor I've ever encountered. Over the course of my time with him, he chronically gave me conflicting information (eg. the most important thing is to recover from fatty liver, so let the cat eat whatever it wants ... a year later he was yelling at me about how much weight the cat had put on. I put the cat on a diet, and a year later he was yelling at me about how much weight she had LOST, despite her being perfectly healthy!!). He also gave me NOT ENOUGH information. When my pet became diabetic, he did a blood test and then dumped me outside with a vet tech who showed me ONCE how to do an insulin shot. Absolutely NO time was taken to explain the complications of diabetes, symptoms to watch out for, nothing. And the worst part of it all is that he hated when I asked questions, and yelled, actually raised his voice at me, when he thought I did something wron
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4/11/20 |
3 |
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We had the worst experience with Dr. Doug Mason! First of all he is a money hungry rude pompus A-hole. Atleast if he healed my dog I would not be writing this. He just kept transfusing my dog and not giving him the appropriate dosage of drugs to control his IMHA disease. They did a $2000 biopsy and couldn’t get an accurate bone marrow sample, then they “forgot” about my dog overnight and over transfused him leaving him with an RBC OF 60+. Mason was rude every time we spoke and didn’t like that I questioned anything. All of his reports he even called my dog female instead of male , that’s how much care and attention he will give to your pet. They’ll take your money , ALOT of it $10K and make the problem worse and just keep saying see you in 2 weeks and not fix anything. Not an ounce of care or skill with this sh muck of a doctor. He Just keeps your dog sick enough to keep doing blood transfusions. Luckily I switched vets to MOVEH and my dog is thriving! I love my new Vet in Oakville.
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2/18/20 |
1 |
3 |
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VEC on Yonge is a shameless money making machine at the expense of your pet’s life. They take full advantage of you. Money aside, the business process is organized in a way that there is never an assigned doctor to your pet. Every day their shifts change (doctors, nurses, technicians). Your pet is not supervised by any doctor in particular for longer than 12 hours. VEC on Yonge is a shameless money making machine at the expense of your pet’s life. They take full advantage of you. Money aside, the business process is organized in a way that there is never an assigned doctor to your pet. Every day their shifts change (doctors, nurses, technicians). Your pet is not supervised by any doctor in particular for longer than 12 hours.
My dog was grossly misdiagnosed at first by Dr. Rajdeep Multani on Feb 1st, 2020 (she had a full obstruction in her intestinal tract, but was treated for gastroenteritis for the first FOUR days!). And then (four days later!!!), on Feb 5th, 2020, she was taken to
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9/24/19 |
1 |
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The vet techs that work in the back room where pets are crated are extremely unprofessional and rude. My pet was in the hospital there recently and I was spending the day with her. A dog was lying in the area whining and seemed very scared and anxious. One of the vet techs actually told the dog to shut up. Another vet tech who had an Ariana Grande type hairstyle went up to another dog who was crated and whining and started barking in its face. Then she said "Oh he's really gonna hate me now". I heard the vet techs tell dogs numerous times to shut up, call them stinky, and take water away from them because the dogs were so anxious and pacing that they accidentally spilled their water and the vet techs did not want to clean it up. Their behaviour was disgusting. I ended up spending all day every day with my pet to make sure that none of the vet techs behaved inappropriately. It is scary to think of how they abuse animals behind the owners' backs.
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6/7/19 |
1 |
1 |
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Honestly, my review is more of a reflection on Dr. Ringwood than anyone else. The other people who work there were kind to us and supportive.
For years, I'd been to multiple veterinary hospitals to correctly diagnose my cat Jones. I was told he had asthma, so I administered a puffer twice daily which never really fully helped. One evening, I noticed him really struggling to breathe, so I brought him to the VEC. They diagnosed him quickly, and found out he had a diaphragmatic hernia. Surgery was performed, he came through it okay, and we kept him crated with low activity for 2 weeks, per Dr. Ringwood's instructions. We brought Jones in for a follow up and were told he could resume normal activity. I asked if tall cat trees were okay, and Dr. Ringwood said yes.
2 Years after the surgery, Jones' hernia opened up again, and I was told that DR. RINGWOOD left a small hole. There was no explanation WHY, and we had to do the surgery AGAIN.
Jones made it through the second surgery, or s
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11/24/18 |
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The younger reception staff need training. Toxicity in office? Oncologist can be unpredictable in demeanor.
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8/12/18 |
1 |
1 |
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I regret taking my dog there, thousands of dollars later I had to have my beloved dog euthanized. ??Waited for hours on our first visit to see a Dr.Definitely not the place for me I'm not happy with my experience.
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3/13/18 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Dr. Doug Mason is an exceptional internal medicine specialist, the best in the country. He saved my dog's life more than once, when two other IMS's at another facility had given up. He and his staff have been excellent. Dr. Brendon Ringwood is again, an exceptional surgeon. I've unfortunately had very negative encounters with his staff, which is the only reason I downgraded the staff to a 3 rating. I've also dealt with the ICU staff numerous times when my dog had to be under their care and found them excellent. I'm also grateful that they allow you to visit your dog anytime and for as long as you want when they have to stay there. Equipment is top notch and this is clearly a great pet hospital. It's unfortunate that some of the staff can ruin the experience for pet owners.
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5/22/17 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
I had a terrible experience at this clinic with my pet. It was an owner's worst nightmare and resulted in the loss of my pet. I have learned a lot about this place since then through research and finding things out. There are better places to take your pet even for an emergency. Do yourself and your pet a favour and go elsewhere. Could improve on diligence, compassion, care, knowledge and facility management. But they are aware of that and have not made any changes in that regard from what I can tell in seeing the responses people post. Money definitely seems to be a priority from my experience and from what I can tell. Would not have believed it if I had not had the experience myself since I think highly of the veterinary profession and vets. I think there is something wrong at this place maybe priority being money and not the pets, but am not sure. I know another owner who had a terrible experience who is not here anymore to write about it but who had wanted it known too.
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1/29/17 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I consider myself lucky to have found such great vets to look after my fur-kids. I don't have a pile of money and I am not well off, but I never feel pressured here, Dr. Mason and Dr. Kilburn previously have taken care of my dog Maggie and both vets have been lovely, making sure she is taken care of and still running around being her hound dog self. Recently she has been diagnosed with several concurrent diseases, treatments weren't pushed neither were drugs, I am able to get them at the regular pharmacy to save a few dollars. Overall great vets, I will continue to use them over the other emerg vet in Toronto.
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11/4/16 |
3 |
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4 |
1 |
charges are a scandal. dispense drugs as well! more gouging profits!!
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8/27/15 |
1 |
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The first time I went to the VEC south was because my dog had bloody diarrhea and would not eat.It was the middle of the night and I believed this place was my only option.I rushed him there, with a stool sample.After waiting, for an hour, they began into their worst case scenario prognosis that I know them for.They did X-Rays,put him on an IV and held him overnight, claiming he had something lodged in his stomach.I stayed overnight in the waiting room, refusing to leave.They told me we could wait to see if he could pass it naturally, but recommended immediate surgery.As it was getting closer to my vets regular hours I opted to wait to speak with him.Shortly after I said that they said he had passed it and I could take him home if he could keep down food, which he did.After paying them $3600 he continued to have bloody diarrhea at home. I went directly to my vet, who actually did a stool test, proving it to be parasites. I doubt he ever had anything lodged in his stomach at all!
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2/18/15 |
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Today Our beautiful cat died in this VEC clinic. We brought him in on February 14 and for 3 days he was in emergency care unit where Dr. Evelyn Mahar lied that our cat is eating, have poo -in reality he did not eat at all and no POO for 3 days. Dr. Evelyn increased his IV fluid to max value knowing that cat has ascities in belly. We did wait for over 3 days for Dr.Mason paying over $3,500 bill and no specialist was attending our cat with heart and kidney problems. HORRIBLE clinic .Only care about $$$. RUN away from VEC clinic South .Never leave your pet treated by Dr. Mason or Dr. Evelyn Mahar. Horrible experience. I was giving to Dr. Mason in December 2nd opinion from USA Vet that Pursh has heart problems as he got over 500 ml fluid in his belly after 4 hr dental surgery and Dr. Mason reply that cat has LYMPHOMA and he does not care if cat gain belly fluid after dental anastesia in 4 hrs. Dr. Mason insisted that cat has Lymphoma and we need to treat him with CHEMO drugs
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8/27/14 |
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Avoid ophthalmologist Dr. Heather Gray and her vet tech Alex. Dr. Gray has the worst bedside manner of any vet I've ever encountered. She has zero people skills, she is rude, condescending, and infuriating when trying to ask her questions. I may have no medical background but I also don't need to be spoken to like a petulant child. I tolerated her for years because I thought I had no other options. Turns out, I do! As for her vet tech Alex, he should not be allowed contact with people or animals. I have never seen a vet tech be so rough as he was with my gentle, sweet, calm Golden. She was shaking while he was holding her down and she even yelped in pain. Even my young son said afterward he didn't like how "that man was squeezing (my dog's) mouth so hard". He is horrid and creepy. I have had nothing but unpleasant exchanges with the staff there, particularly at the south clinic where they are consistently rude. I will never go there again. Stay away.
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"Residents-pets-flee-smoke-filled-yonge -st-building" - http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto... |
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10/23/13 |
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1 |
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I brought my healthy dog in for knee surgery two weeks ago and he died 9 days later from severe pneumonia. He also suffered abrasions and cuts to 3 of his 4 paws from being at this "clinic" as well. The staff were basically negligent in providing pre and post care after the operation or conduct thorough and accurate diagnosis of complications that developed. They falied to take proper measures that could have saved him. They were more interested in releasing him to make room for more business. Please avoid this place at all costs (speaking of costs, its absurdly high, especially when your pet dies from their care, or lack of.)
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5/22/13 |
4 |
4 |
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4 |
SHEPPARD: friendly, caring staff treated the stray cat I brought in, after it was hit by a car. I fully expected to pay, but was told the city would. Later rec'd an invoice, indicating I owed VEC. I went to the clinic, and was told the letter was in error. A month later, I rec'd an angry call, demanding money. I said, "I'll just come in and pay," to which the woman replied, "Finally!" Annoyed, I told her how unprofessional admin. had been, at which point she realized I was telling the truth, & said I didn't need to pay. ROSEDALE: (years later) my dog in for osteosarcoma diagnosis & treatment, I was asked if I had an outstanding balance. (eye roll) $10,000 later, my dog had her leg amputated and contracted pneumonia while in the hospital. She never recovered from surgery. Another $2,000 in tests to diagnose pneumonia, etc., and we had to euthanize her. ($12,000 in 2 weeks) Care was generally excellent (I demand to stay with my pet for all tests/treatment), but it is expensive.
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2/19/13 |
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I took my dog to the sheppard location when he had a swollen anal gland due to anal impaction. Rather than explaining to us what needed to be done or discussing the costs, they simply took our dog into the back and cut a hole in his bum. No anesthetics no numbing, nothing to relieve the pain and we could hear him yelping in the back as they did this procedure. 5 minutes later they brought him out and told us it was $650. We left the VEC very distressed as did our dog. The hole never healed up and became infected and cancerous which resulted in us having to put him down. Over 6 years later I am still traumatized and refuse to ever go back to any of the VEC locations with my new dog.
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11/1/12 |
1 |
1 |
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This Veterinary Emergency Clinic is the worst.The doctor's I had to deal with - the oncologist (cancer specialist) and one of the internal medicine vets, their attitudes were absolutely disgusting. They should learn to treat people with respect. I gave them thousands and thousands of dollars for their services and I received nothing but disrespect from both the doctors and most of the employees.
If you can find another vet clinic with the specialities you need I would advise you to go elsewhere. (I decided to go to the University of Guelph).
After sharing my experience with other people, I learned I was not the only one who went through a horrible experience with this clinic. Please be warned.
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10/5/12 |
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9/7/12 |
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We had an emergency in the middle of night with our dog that required surgery. Quite simply the hospital was fantastic! The receptionist was so caring and thoughtful and was quick to react to our emergency. Thanks to the Dr. our dog was taken into surgery within an hour but not before the procedure and costs were clearly explained. We are so thankful to have such a professional and caring facility available to us.
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1/23/12 |
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I brought my rabbit here in an emergency because my vet's was closed. The intake was quick and efficient; the staff polite, straightforward, and respectful. The exam room, however, had blood on the walls and floor and fur everywhere. It was disgusting. After examining my rabbit and discussing treatment, the vet left with my rabbit saying "I just have to weigh him." I was left alone for 45 minutes! I had no idea what was going on and nothing to do but look at the blood on the walls. I poked my head out at one point but no one was around. Finally we left, but not before paying a massive bill. Also, they wouldn't dispense any drugs. My rabbit needed pain meds, gut motility meds, and hydration to tide him over before seeing the vet in the morning, so my options were to leave him at the VEC overnight (at a MASSIVE cost, and lots of stress for my bunny), or take him home after a single dose of each med. I took him home but this is far from ideal. I hope I never have to go here again!
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1/10/12 |
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3 |
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Like many Toronto vets, this group cares about $$ first and foremost. My cat had her teeth out, which I now think was unnecessary. They conned me into doing an ultrasound even though my own vet had never heard a heart murmur. Of course it was just stress. After and extra 500$ for 2min scan I am the one with the heart prob. Op was supposed to cost $1,300 to 1,500 and they claimed it took much longer to remove some teeth and charges over $2,500 even though she had already had a number of teeth out. The doc actually told me she had extracted all the teeth from a 20 yr old cat. That cat only lived one more year. Seems irresponsible to me to put an elderly cat through that when they can treat with steroids. My cat isn't any better even though the doctor claimed the success rate is around 80%. I have researched more on the internet and now have read it is more like 30% success. I guess if they admitted that I wouldn't have done it.
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1/1/12 |
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WE REMEMBER BACK IN 2008 IN THE MONTH OF OCTOBER, THE TERRIBLE TRAGEDY THAT OUR FAMILY EXPERIENCED AT THE VEC WITH THE OVERNIGHT VET BY THE NAME OF DR. JOHN WILLIAMSON. THOUGH HE IS NO LONGER THERE AT THE VEC...STILL IT LEFT A PERMANENT SCAR IN OUR HEARTS, WHEN OUR BUNNY WAS LEFT TO DIE, SEIZURING AND BLEEDING AWAY IN THE VEC WAITING ROOM. THIS SPECIFIC VET WAS ALREADY INFORMED OF THE SEVERE URGENCY OF OUR BUNNY'S CASE, AND HE CHOSE TO IGNORE THIS EMERGENCY FORCING US PET OWNERS TO ENDURE SEEING OUR TENDERLY LOVED PET DIE THE MOST AGONIZING DEATH IN OUR ARMS! HE FORCED OUR SEIZURING BUNNY TO WAIT FOR MORE THAN TWO HOURS, WHILE WE WERE FORCED TO WATCH OUR TENDERLY LOVED PET GO INTO SHOCK WITHOUT ANY PAIN MEDICATION, BLEEDING & MELTING AWAY IN OUR VERY OWN ARMS! THE MOST CRUEL AND HEARTLESS VET EVER...WHILE, I BROKE DOWN IN TEARS, THIS VET COLDLY SUGGESTED TO "GET OVER IT, YOU CAN ALWAYS GET ANOTHER RABBIT." NEEDLESS TO SAY, WE NEVER RETURNED TO THAT VEC... HOPEFULLY YOU WON'T EITHER.
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SYSTEM: 2 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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10/6/11 |
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They definitely play the emotion cards with the pet owners. We were pressured to spend more than $5000 on tests as the specialist told us that she could not treat the seizure of our pet without a diagnosis. After all the stressful and costly testing, the cause remains unknown which apparently is a very common outcome anyway. The specialist started to become disengaged (probably because she could not milk us anymore with more tests). The receptionist turned into gatekeeper to screen out our calls for help. The receptionist literally told us that the specialist could not be interrupted by non paying clients' phone calls. They are unethical and unprofessional. The horrendous stories from the others about asking for money first then treating the patients later are sadly true. They are in it for the money as opposed to any love/compassion for the animals. One must wonder how these people live with themselves by preying off innocent animals and their distressed owners/parents.
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9/22/11 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
I had a horrible experience with this clinic. In fact, I made a formal complaint to the College of Veterinarians, which more people should do(They were not found negligent by the college). I brought my cat in to remove a few teeth, which I was reassured was a simple procedure. She had problems breathing when I brought her home. They told me to bring her back. They ran test after test making me think it was necessary to find out. They really take advantage of your emotional situation. Well after $3000 and they couldn't determine the reason, my cat recovered on her own. Looks like it was the tracheal tube that they used during the surgery had caused irritation. Couldn't they had offered that as a possibility, instead strongly suggesting that I go ahead with $500+ tests. I really felt like I had been taken advantage of.
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9/5/11 |
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I took in a friends cat because she was puking up blood overnight. She was dying though at the time we hoped for the best. We took her in and they took her in to the back but then the vet talked and talked and talked...way too much. Then after he examined her he said it was too far gone and she needed to be put down. Then more talking. We asked to see her. She was dead. They were still talking about putting her down and we had to point out she was in fact dead! $500 for that! And if we didn't demand to see the cat they would have added another fee on for the meds to put her down. What a racket. Totally taking advantage of people during an emerg and worst not doing the job for the cat...it had to die on it's own without anything to ease the pain. I can not recommend this place after that one. Scary that this is one of the only places in TO for emerg work!
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2/26/11 |
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We took our six month old kitten to the south clinic for her spay and a liver biopsy, she was referred here because she had a bad reaction to the anesthetic. $150 just for consultation. Then the estimate for this procedure was going to be anywhere from $3500 to 5000. Thank Gods we have insurance. Or at least I thought. As soon as front of house staff heard that we didn't have the cash for a full deposit its like they stopped listening. Despite having pre approval, we were treated like crap, never getting anyone who knew their job, with the exception of one girl who worked in the back. The front of house staff are a bunch of idiots. The doctors are great as far as we could tell. But if you've got insurance be prepared for a headache with these twits. The only notes on our file happened when we asked them to file another claim to cover the meds they gave us, and that was to NOT file the claim until they received full payment.Unless you have the cash, don't take your pet here.
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2/14/11 |
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5 |
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I went to VEC last year for a CT on my dog. He was treated for a fungal infection. Cost = $3000. I was told that from then on I have to see my reg. vet & my dog will need occasional antibiotics. I called VEC a month later to let them know that my dog was still showing symptoms. I received a rude call telling me to go see my reg. vet. An email to the vet stating my concern was ignored. According to instructions, my dog was on occasional antibiotics. Ten months later, he started bleeding from his nose & was rushed to an emergency clinic. $1000 to stabilise. The next day was transferred to VEC. I was told (different vet) I never should have taken him elsewhere for this problem. I admitted him for a CT. He suffered V-Tach, and another bleed and required a blood transfusion. Vet couldn't tell me anything from the CT. He examined the CT, grinning! "I don't have time to got through scenarios" he said. $7100. Dog didn't survive. The vet was extremely rude to me! No compassion!
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1/23/11 |
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I had a terrible experience with the South Clinic. Do not bring your pets here. I brought my 18 week old kitten there with seizures on a Sunday. I didn't see a vet for over two hours although my kitten was continuing to seizure while we waited. I admitted my kitten and was forced to pay a $ 1,300 estimate before leaving. I heard nothing back from the vet despite repeated phone messages for 27 hours! Even then my cat was continuing to seizure but the vet who called said she couldn't tell me whether he would recover or should be euthanized until after a neurologist saw him. The neurologist didn't see my cat until 6:00 pm Monday. Even then, the kitten was failing and they were still talking to us about doing a CT scan and MRI although they couldn't guarantee that he would survive the procedures. We finally decided to euthanize him but he suffered needlessly waiting to see a specialist. This place is only interested in getting your money. They are not concerned about your pet.
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1/19/11 |
3 |
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Brought my small dog in for a broken foot, left with a $5600 bill. This really makes me question their billing. This is exceptionally high for a small procedure, however, I just wanted my dog to feel better as soon as possible so coughed up the 85% deposit. That's right, you need to make a 85% deposit. Also, despite them informing you that you can call to check up on your dog whenever you like..that is incorrect. Because they'll just tell you someone is unavailable and that they'll call you back whenever they please. Also, must note that there are 2 VECs. One in the north and the other in the south. I've been to both. The North one is incompetent as they couldn't even take proper x-ray's of my dog's broken foot. And the North is extremely expensive. Really wish there were pricing standards and quality standards for veterinarian practices.
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1/18/11 |
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After having two experiences with VEC, I have to question the ethics and it's pricing. My first experience the vet was able to diagnose my older dying cat with lymphoma and that the cancer had moved into his brain. Though it was clear he was too far gone to proceed with chemo, I felt pressured by the vet to put my already suffering cat through expensive and painful chemo, even though I was told if he managed to survive it would come back anyway in a year maybe two. Does this make any ethical sense? My second experience with a young cat is after breaking it's leg and needing 5000.00 dollar surgery from VEC, to repair it I was told my other option was to amputate the leg with any regular vet. On my own I found a vet willing and more then able for less then half the cost quoted by VEC to do the surgery. I find it shocking that VEC would rather amputate a leg then give a referral that could save it. Though I was happy with the care for my cat while he was there. Naturally it was $$$
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1/12/11 |
3 |
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Going to this clinic can be quite an experience. The waiting room is so overcrowded with sick, injured and distressed pets (and owners). This is very stressful. The wait times long, the staff appear overworked. Trying to make follow up phone calls is next to impossible. The costs are high, but that is always the case in after hours/emergency situations. However, the doctors we have encountered are experienced and knowledgeable. They, too, seem overworked. The care our pet recieved was very efficient and in fact the vet caring. She took the time to explain everything to us despite being interrupted several times. I guess that a smaller, more personal clinic meets our needs better. But I will say, in a true emergency, the doctors at this clinc will save your pet's life. And that I suppose is what really matters at a time like that.
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10/13/10 |
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I do believe that this hospital may exploit an owner's affection/ attachment to their pet. My budgie went in because she had a prolapse. Dr.X said that they continuously need to push it back in, they also continuosly anaesthetized her. I was worried sick out of my mind and when i spoke to the vet, she gave the impression that there was a possibility that my bird could die if I did not do all that they recommended. By the way, she thought it was egg binding occuring as she saw the xray- it was actually my birds gizzard- there was no egg as the vet at links road cleared up. Anyway 3 nights (long weekend), $1800 and much grief later i took her to Links Road Animal and Bird clinic and guess what? She came home that very day with me after her prolapse was pushed in PROPERLY and it did not come back out. I would say to bird owner, as my experience came from, BEWARE of this place; I was led to believe that the vet actually knew more than she did.
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SYSTEM: 6 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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4/24/10 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
HORRIBLE. They only want your money. After my cat being rushed to this place, they saw us crying...they knew we would do anything to save our cat. $5000 later, cat died within hours.
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4/5/10 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
I was refered here for my cat who was having difficulty swallowing. I waited over an hour to see the specialist who when she arrived talked baby talk and immediately wanted to restrain my cat with a 'happy mask'. I was told after it's policy'but I would have appreciated being asked and not using a euphamism. $2,000 dollars later I am told my cat is in congestive heart failure with a life expectancy of 3-4 months if I give him 4 pills 2x a day. When I questioned the aggressiveness of the treatment for a cat that was having trouble swallowing, and asked if euthanasia was a better option, the response was 'if it's easier for you' & you better do it sooner rather than later'. I was left with the impression that if I wasn't going to be spending $300 every 2 weeks they wanted nothing more to do with me. To add insult to injury, I was charged for boarding when my cat was there <4 hours and when I picked him up was soiled and in a cage with no litter box. I will never go here again.
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4/1/10 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
Terrible clinic. I took my dog there because he broke his bone in the front paw. I was very worried and they tried to take advantage of me and tried to get me to pay $4,500 for the operation by scaring me and trying to make me feel bad when a splinter would have been more than enough (I found this out after contacting a few vets so they can give me advice). They are only interested in making money and it is a big turn off when it comes to picking a Vet. I am never going back there again.
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3/14/10 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
First off, this place is expensive. HOWEVER! They've fixed my precious pooch TWICE in the past week. First was to correct a shoddy surgery done initially by the Spadina Animal Hospital (stitches came unravelled and incision opened up after simple wart removal!) and second was to treat him for the bleeding ulcer that formed due to the antibiotics he needed after the second surgery (not their fault - he wouldn't have needed the antibiotics had he not required the second surgery in the first place!). The staff were friendly and attentive from the moment we walked in and there was little to no waiting. Dr. Chou was gentle and affectionate to my dog, who was already stressed out from so much veterinary care, and she answered all of our questions. Even between visits we would call and ask questions, to which the receptionists usually gave friendly, clear and prompt answers (only one exception!). Love the free hot drinks in the waiting area as well. Thanks guys!
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3/13/10 |
1 |
4 |
1 |
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I really feel that my cat suffered needlessly during its stay at the clinic. My cat went in with severe hematuria (blood in urine). He was urinating fine, in fact, he was urinating quite a bit. Nonetheless, the doctor on duty maintained the cat was obstructed (blocked) and required an emergency procedure to insert a catheter. The cat worsened after the procedure and eventually died a few days later, before more tests were done. The catheter seemingly made the hemorrhaging a lot worse. I find it disconcerting to think how things might have turned out differently had the doctor looked after the cause of the hematuria first. Avoid this clinic if at all possible, and ensure you have a veterinarian you fully trust with the care of your pet.
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11/1/09 |
1 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
I brought my cat here because she was limping. The orthopeodic surgeon looked at her walking then looked at the xray from my clinic and said he didn't see any reason why she should be limping and disbelieved me even since she wasn't limping there due to her adrenaline being so high. A year later when I brought her to another referral clinic for something else, the vet there took other xrays and said 'do you know you cat's knees are shot'. This was a year later, so my poor cat had to go without any pain medication because the jerk/specialist at the VEC didn't figure out that the xrays he had did NOT INCLUDE THE KNEES.
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6/18/09 |
5 |
4 |
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I had taken my cat to the VEC north location on Sheppard Ave. on numerous occasions when he was blocked with crystals and unable to urinate. The VEC staff always understood the urgency of the situation and I was always seen quickly. The VEC vets - I have dealt with 3 different ones - were always incredibly kind, compassionate and considerate. One time they did not even charge me to express my cat's bladder in the middle of the night and just did it for free because i had been there so often lately, and told me to take the cat to the regular vet for additional treatment/medication in the morning. once the vet was finished his shift and getting into his car to go home when we arrived to pick up the cat. he got out (it was 6am after an all-night shift) and spent 10 mins talking to us about how the cat had progressed through the night. i will never go anywhere else for an emergency!!! the waiting room is a bit sparse but that is not what's important.
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2/8/09 |
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I brought my dying budgie in once around 11pm. First they took my budgie back and put him in an incubator and I waited for a vet to come talk to me. They were in the middle of another emergency. I waited awhile, then a Vet talked to me about the situation. His english was not very good, but he was very sympathetic. His tone told me that there wasn't much he could do for my budgie but he did not push me into overnight monitoring which would have cost over $1000. I couldn't blame him because they don't specialize in birds. When I went to pay my bill, the receptionist was nice. She said that although they weren't supposed to recommend other hospitals, she told me about Links Animal Hospital which was the only hospital in the area for exotics. The bill turned out to be quiet expensive, but it was understandable as it is an emergency clinic.
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1/30/09 |
5 |
5 |
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3 |
I used this clinic for an emergency(saddle thrombosis) and for a non emergency(appointment with cardiologist, another w/neurologist). I found the staff to be extremely knowledgeable and supportive, and the cardiologist was excellent at explaining the results as she did the cardiac work up.This clinic can save your pet's life, if it can be saved -- and if you can afford to pay for it.The level of triage in an emergency situation was excellent.This level of care can be very expensive. This is not the clinic to take your pet to with a minor complaint/symptom that could be handled by a regular vet the next morning. My only complaint was that often the wait times for a specialist could be long, even with an appointment, but due to the emergency nature of the clinic that is understandable.
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10/17/08 |
3 |
4 |
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Great care personnel but bad politics. I recently took my cat with GI issues to VEC South for IV medication and stabilization over a long weekend. I brought her whole medical file. The vet refused to accept the results of tests recently run by certified specialists at my regular vet clinic and pressured me into repeating expensive ultrasound and x-rays although both had been done only three weeks before. They also refused to provide scans or copies of the ultrasounds I paid $500 for. (Result: two pieces of paper with messy handwritten notes; $750 overcharge on an $1800 bill.) Essentially they sucked off my money then the second they found out I could not cover all of a $2000 deposit for the next round of proposed tests they bounced me back to my regular vet clinic. My cat just needed IV medication and observation over the weekend but my desire to get her healthy was abused. Definetly use this clinic for true emergencies, but see your regular vet for anything that can wait a day or two!
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9/4/08 |
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My dog was diagnosed with Lymphoma and they kept pushing me to pay $5,000 for chemotherapy. They said that they had a vial of medicine that was expensive, but that a cat was getting half of it. The vial only lasts for 24 hours after it's been opened. So they offered to sell it to me at 'half price'. But, they were actually selling me HALF A DOSE AT FULL PRICE! AND IT WAS SOMETHING THAT THEY WERE GOING TO THROW OUT! THEY WERE NOT GIVING ME A DISCOUNT! INSTEAD, THEY WERE TRYING TO GET PAID TWICE FOR ONE MEDICATION! Anyhow, my dog has since passed away and I hope to never have to go there again.
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7/17/08 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
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Do not use this clinic unless absolutely necessary. My dog walked out worst then when he came in. We came because he was not eating and sluggish. They insisted that we could not be present when they did the blood test. Had we been in the room, my dog would not have needed the double sedetative they gave him. I do not appreciate that they hide behind closed doors and not let "family" in to watch from a distance or hold the dog down. They offered to counter the effects with a booster, but why medicate even more then you have to? The entire process took over 2hrs on a slow night and $415 later.
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2/15/08 |
5 |
5 |
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5 |
They saved my dog's life, the vets, techs and staff are amazing, they are compassionate and knowledgable. I am so grateful to have a place like this in Toronto. THANK YOU!!!
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2/6/08 |
1 |
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The first time we visited, there were fecal remains on the examining table where I was asked to put my sick cat. The third time, we were told we could see a doctor and were ignored for two hours. The vet techs are nice, but most of the reception staff is rude and uncaring. Dr. Norris is very knowledgeable and I'm happy that my cat is well now, but if I can possibly ever having to visit this place in my life, I will do so vehemently.
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9/6/07 |
1 |
5 |
3 |
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We found the experience like a high pressure sales pitch. There was, in fact, no medical treatment offered in the time we were there. We were told we either had to "sign a blank cheque or euthanize our pet". When we decided to go to a different vet for a second opinion, we were accused of cruelty and threatened with animal control. Our cat is now alive and well thanks to our local vet who we waited the extra day to visit.
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7/17/07 |
3 |
5 |
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100% recommended if your pet needs help! Dr. Mason was absolutely AMAZING with my cat and I cannot thank him enough for dealing with my pushiness and crying etc! My cat should have died and thanks to his knowledge and concern, I have a bad 2yr old little boy who is healthier than a horse and were loving every minute of it. I seriously CANNOT thank him enough and if my cat every needs him again I hope he'll take me as a client LOL! *I tip my hat for Dr. Mason* Thank you so much for saving my little boy.
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4/5/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
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Super expensive but you really can't go wrong with this clinic in a pinch. They saved my dog's life when he got a twisted stomach. Very well trained medical staff and also sympathetic to the pets and owners too.
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1/29/07 |
3 |
5 |
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My dog has gone here numerous times, for surgery as well as emergency care. The veterinarians are knowledgable. Most of the reception staff are... well, rude in my opinion. They lack bedside manner, forgot to pass on the message that I was coming to visit my dog post-op and accused me of poisoning my dog when he had eaten something on a walk and had gotten ill. (Last time I chequed receptionists weren't the vets who diagnose). I do appreciate the facilities and the vet tech/receover staff. They made my dogs visit positive. Almost worth the outrageous bills ($3,500 for surgery, $500 upfront before they will see an animal brought in on Emergency...)
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