Charley D.
Google
I took my very ill elderly dog here in an emergency and I was left alone in a room with her for 3 hours while the Vet assessed urgency of other pets. I understand they need to treat based on the situation of the patient, but my dog was extremely unwell.
When we arrived my dog was still able to walk by herself. By the time I was seen by the vet, I had already spoken to the reception multiple times explaining that my dog was quickly deteriorating and needed attention because of how sick she was quickly becoming. She ended up having an accident all over the wall and floors, which is when the vet finally saw her and she could no longer even stand by herself.
Blood tests were done, and by the time she was finally properly assessed her organs had failed, her breathing was significantly too slow, and her liver was not functioning. She was in critical condition and relying on an oxygen mask, and unfortunately had to be euthanised.
I believe that if my dog was seen sooner and more highly prioritised and cared for, like I asked, the outcome would have been very different. While I do not think she would have been completely cured, I do believe she would not have had to have been euthanised.
However, it was clear that the staff really cared for every individual patient. I do not think it was laziness or dismissal of any kind, rather poor communication and judgement. Since my dog did not look externally unwell she was left for way too long untreated despite my worries and efforts. I don’t blame the staff for what unfortunately happened since it is no one individual’s personal responsibility, but I do think that communication and coordination needs to be significantly reevaluated.