Business ProfileforVinton Veterinary Hospital

Our dog **** had a growth develop rapidly on her neck. On August 22, 2022, *** ********* did a needle aspiration and upon seeing tissue and blood cells, recommended a biopsy. My husband and I both said ok, but we wanted it removed, regardless. He agreed, saying he would do the same for his pet. On the 25th, my husband dropped her off and asked the receptionist and vet tech, "she's written down as a full removal right?" They both said yes. When I picked her up they told me they DIDN'T remove the growth, maybe because it was too difficult. I paid $464 (with my husband's military discount) for a biopsy only. A friend had her dog at another local vet the same day having THREE growths removed...less than $300. *** ********* called that evening and said there must have been a miscommunication. I said, yes, you were supposed to remove the growth. He said he never remembered that. I told him that's what my husband said on the 22nd, and what I said when he gave me the results of the needle aspiration. He said he still didn't recall. I told him my husband verified it with both the receptionist and the vet tech that morning. He said, that’s the problem...you didn’t talk to the person who actually PERFORMED the surgery...if you went to the hospital for one surgery and mentioned to a nurse that you wanted to have your leg removed too, do you think the doctor would do it? I told him that wasn’t the same and he knew it. He laughed and said he only worked up an estimate for the biopsy, and that if he HAD done a removal, it CERTAINLY wouldn't be JUST $500. Then he said NO doctor would remove a growth until they knew what it was. I used to work there. I've also been a pet owner my whole life and have had many that have had growths removed. The doctors always asked if you WANT a biopsy done, but never said a removal can’t be done without a biopsy first. The expense is one thing...but now **** has to have ANOTHER surgery. After 35 years, I am moving to another animal hospital.