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Yesterday after the neurology appointment I asked to have a detailed breakdown of all of the expenses sent to me. I asked once while paying the bill at the clinic and the girl at the cash said someone would call me later that day. Someone did call and leave me a message but they didn't even mention cost. All they said was that it would be fine if I brought Oreo the night before, which was one of my questions. So I called the clinic back and asked again that a detailed estimate be sent to me by email and that the doctor please call me back because I have questions. The receptionist said sure and if no one had answered me by 1 pm today to call them back. No one answered me again today so I called back at 1:30 and asked again. They said that something would be sent to me and someone would call back. It's now 7 pm and I've still not gotten any information whatsoever. To be honest, it doesn't make me feel very good. If a client is going to spend upwards of $3000 on a digital imaging exam for their pet, they're questions need to be answered. I am really not feeling very good about this situation and I am starting to have doubts about bringing Oreo back for the exam. I am already nervous enough about leaving him overnight and the fact that no one is answering me leaves me very frustrated and uncomfortable. I really don't know what to do and I am wondering if I should look elsewhere for a second opinion.  ThankThere are not many veterinary neurologists in my area and I've already checked prices at each one. They're relatively the same or more expensive so no matter where we go, we'll dish out the same amount of cash. I am just wondering if someone else would be more attentive to our needs. This is my baby and I don't feel right leaving Oreo with people I don't know unless I have every single solitary question answered. I don't feel it's right that no one has called me back or provided a complete estimate as of yet. I understand vets are busy, but providing a client with an estimate can easily be done by a secretary and should be done when it's asked for or even right there on site. I don't know if I am over thinking things because I am tired but I just don't feel good about it. I'd love to know your thoughts in the comments. Thanks so much for any insight! *** I should add that the clinic is rather far. It’s about 40 minutes away with no traffic. I also called another clinic around an hour away and asked for prices. Theirs are pretty hefty too. I looked up the MRI in particular and it will range anywhere from $2000 - $4000 in my area. Sometimes the meds to make the animal sleep are included, sometimes not. ----------------------------------------------------- UPDATE: So I finally got the "estimate" emailed to me this evening at 8pm in the midst of all your replies. I won't post the email but it mentions that the estimate is not "final" and that it doesn't include any other possible expenses that could be uncured during the exam such as difficulties with anesthesia and other things. I would not doubt that there would be extra charges at the end of it from the way the email reads anyway. I still, however, have not gotten a call back from the doctor to answer my questions. After seeing all of your comments, I've decided to get a second opinion. I think it will help to give me peace of mind. I know the average price now regardless. Thanks so much for all of your comments. 
36 Comments
Anik Dufour
10/16/2019 04:24:13 pm
I think if you are having doubts, get a second opinion. I know it’s the same amount, if not more, but it’s better to have another opinion then not to listen to your heart and regret it. I pray for you and Oreo.
pam
10/16/2019 04:51:22 pm
I agree a second opinion is always a good idea
Lou
10/17/2019 12:54:38 am
Agreed. Follow your gut! It doesn't hurt to get second and third opinion. Especially at this price and if you feel you're not being listened to or cared for! I do many extra miles to see a vet over the border in Belgium as he's very caring and explains everything! Take care and big kisses to the kitties
Cali
10/16/2019 04:25:57 pm
I can't imagine leaving my fur-children overnight with someone I can't even get to call me back in the middle of the day. That's so frustrating and I don't blame you for wanting to go somewhere else.
Melanie
10/16/2019 04:34:41 pm
Go for a second opinion. Have you checked what it would be in the states?? We live in Michigan and there is many good Vet's around here..... Praying for u dear!!! 10/16/2019 04:40:29 pm
I don't have a passport! Otherwise that could be an option! There's actually a clinic with great reviews less than an hour away from me in the US.
Holly
10/16/2019 04:41:07 pm
I agree with looking into another facility. Have you talked with your primary vet to get more referrals?. Failing to call you back all day is not a good sign.The cost of vet care where you are is astounding. Praying for all of you.
Gail
10/16/2019 05:11:31 pm
I agree about asking your bet for a different referral if you have a vet you like. It would also be good to let them know that the referral they gave you is unresponsive. Take of the Oreo, Onyx, Pudding and yourself.
Tonia
10/16/2019 04:48:06 pm
Trust your gut. If it doesn’t feel right get a second opinion. Hope everything turns out ok for Oreo.
Celia stevenson
10/16/2019 04:51:42 pm
Trust your gut feeling, get another opinion, just don’t say why, just say your wanting the scan quicker than next week. If you say your unhappy with the service you are getting they may close ranks. It’s not ideal, but trust your gut, not your head or heart, those little bubbles that happen in your gut when you ask the universe a question,, hugs and strength xx
Mary
10/16/2019 04:55:29 pm
I believe you must trust your gut and get a second opinion. I worked in a veterinary hospital for about six years, and cannot imagine treating a patient and their people like this. I honestly can't think of a reason that could possibly justify not providing you with an estimate, and as much time as you deserve to answer every single question you have. Best of luck, and many hugs coming your way.
Deedee
10/16/2019 04:55:33 pm
Yes, most definitely you should call a different clinic. You need to get prompt attention and feel that Oreo and you matter. No one should be kept waiting like this with questions unanswered. So much anxiety. I’m sure you can find another place that will take the best care of him and be attentive as they should be.
Véronique
10/16/2019 04:56:42 pm
I do understand your frustration. We took Mister Minoune to DMV 3 years ago when he got very sick. I think he wouldn't be alive today if we had left him at the other vet in our neighbourhood. The prices at DMV are very steep, but they are also very good at what they do. And they have specialists and equipments that many other clinics don't have. Be firm, call them back, require an estimate on paper. They tend to charge for every little thing, so getting a quote is important. We had a bit of a similar experience and we had to insist. I'm sorry that you're going through this with Oreo. I know how it feels. I'm sending good vibes your way!
Allison
10/16/2019 04:58:49 pm
I had a bad feeling about about leaving my Mina with a groomer at ur vets office. They wouldn’t let us pick her up for atleast 6 hours which to me was crazy. Three hours after we dropped her off they called and said they couldn’t groom her because she was aggressive. I should have gone with my gut and found someone else that would keep the appointment. We found someone AMAZING who loves cats and only grooms them. I hope you find some answers and you feel better about things!
Patricia DeWald
10/16/2019 05:07:54 pm
I think the very fact that they don't want to return your calls is a red flag. Will you be able to get updates while Oreo is there? It's doubtful. This vet has a definite communication problem. I would never trust a vet or any doctor who was not giving me requested info and feedback. It's not good patient relations or professional.
Sue
10/16/2019 05:11:55 pm
I feel just terrible for all you're going through with your precious Oreo. Just wondering if you mentioned to your regular vet the possibility that Oreo might have a vestibular disorder and maybe not seizures? Also, the vet needs to know of your negative experience with the neurology office. I don't think any medical office - for humans or animals - should not be reachable and cooperative with you. I would feel hesitant and uneasy as you do. Praying for you and your baby.
Leslie
10/16/2019 05:15:56 pm
Tina, just seeing this. Please tell your vet this and see what she says. I would go with my gut.
Leilani
10/16/2019 05:54:10 pm
Oh yes, a client deserves the courtesy of a return call. It is just good business ethics. Call and ask for the office manager. When you call don't just let them dismiss your call-tell them I will Hold for the office manager/billing supervisor. Inform them that you have been told WHEN to bring Oreo-you want to know the co$t..
Stephanie
10/16/2019 05:28:07 pm
I wholeheartedly agree with others who say to trust your gut and try for a second opinion. I would be so worried if I were in your situation and feeling like they can’t even call or email with answers to questions that have been asked repeatedly. Then to leave my fur baby in their care... nope. I realize they must be busy, but care and compassion always comes first in my book, and if no one bothers to get back to you on your concerns and questions, I’d say move on to another doctor.
Sue
10/16/2019 05:40:33 pm
I was just thinking - are you sure you need a passport to come in to the U.S.? I went to Canada a few years ago with no passport.
Nicole Huennekens
10/16/2019 06:13:37 pm
Yes! You need at LEAST an enhanced driver's license, please do NOT attempt to come into the US without appropriate documentation. Even Canadians with legitimate business in the US are being treated very poorly in the event that ANYTHING arouses someone's desire for a sniff test. In fact, I am a Canadian married to an American and have a green card and am a resident and am naturalized with a social security number. The works. I'm qualified for Citizenship now that enough time has passed, we just have to cough up the cash and face the gauntlet again. And I wouldn't try to cross the border without a Passport or my Green Card (which is an equivalent document), even with my husband in the car.
Stephanie Federowicz
10/16/2019 08:20:46 pm
Yes, all people coming into the US are now required to have a passport. All Americans that visit Canada and Mexico must now have a passport. The rules have changed.
Jessica
10/16/2019 06:08:31 pm
Hi, I'm new in Québec but I had a great experience with my cat in the clinic châton Santé in Outremont, Dra. Caroline answered all my questions. You should contact them! 10/16/2019 06:27:02 pm
Thanks Jessica!
Alecia
10/16/2019 06:40:34 pm
Glad to hear that you’re going to seek a second opinion. So sorry that you’ve not been cared for appropriately, which is an indication of the care Oreo would receive. I agree - not leaving my baby overnight with doubts looming, not even a half of one. I am in the U.S. in southwest Florida but have a customer in Montreal. It’s a cat rescue called Chatopia (chatopia.ca). Just thinking that maybe they could recommend who to see / not see but provide reasoning why that might help you, thinking that they surely have needed this type of diagnostic care repeatedly in their rescue and rehabilitation work. I so dearly wish you could come here with precious Oreo and see Dr Kim Schemmer of Gulfshore Animal Hospital in Naples, FL. She is simply the best diagnostic veterinarian I have ever known, and she came highly recommended as such from a local cat rescue as three other vets were shockingly dismissive of my boy’s condition. I’ve seen her do amazing work. Perhaps you could email her to seek guidance? Stay strong and listen to your cat mom instincts. OXO from me and my 5 mini panthers
Sarah
10/16/2019 08:01:08 pm
Hey Tina!
Alecia
10/16/2019 09:27:39 pm
LOVE this advice! Paws crossed and prayers said <3
Stephanie Federowicz
10/16/2019 08:18:56 pm
Definitely a second opinion with such a pricey test. Also that the vet has not returned your call to answer questions. I am rather pushy when I need information. Tell the next vet the reason why you are seeking a second opinion, because you feel uncertain and that the first vet did not call you back to address your questions. You are seeking as much information as possible before spending such a large amount of money. You have concerns about the procedure and also what the underlying cause / diagnosis may be. (I was a veterinary pharmaceutical salesperson years ago so I tend to push to get information and am able to ask pointed / in depth questions.)
Jean
10/16/2019 10:42:14 pm
the lack and slowness of response from the doctor on cost estimates and your questions are good reasons to doubt. A doctor should be willing to discuss cost and questions especially if the bill is going to be high and procedures complicated and possibly risky. It’s not just courteous, it’s ethical. You’re not overthinking or being too demanding. If someone is asked to pay a lot, they are owed more than delays or silence.
Liliana
10/17/2019 12:42:58 am
I would stop giving him any medication, especially Phenobarbital that is a very stong medication even for humans (my mother had to took it for a while) and wait one month or two. Even for a good evaluation this time is required. And if the problem persist, only then I would bring him to a doctor, to another, of course.
Beth
10/17/2019 05:01:55 am
Tina,
When we had Kokothemiraclecat MRI done we did not have to leave him overnight. I don’t understand this requirement. Infact my husband demanded he be there and good thing to because due to KOKO only having half a brain they had given him too much meds and it was hard to wake him up. The neuro said he had never seen a cat with half a brain and the other side filled with fluid. He said he would get back to us. But cashed our 2+k check that day. Never got back to us, Lucky my good friend is a epileptic neurosurgeon and cat dad and was able to tell us what it was. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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AuthorTina Modugno is a children’s illustrator from Canada. Tina loves all animals, kids books and cartoons! She currently resides in Quebec with her husband and four cats! Archives
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