VCA Five Points Animal Hospital

On a Saturday evening my cat started acting strange (lethargic, hardly eating). Sunday morning I noticed her hind legs wobbling when she walked into the room. My vet is closed Sunday, so I searched online for open clinics. Five Points was nearest. Called that morning & described her symptoms IN DETAIL. Receptionist asked if I'd been there before (I had not) said there were no regular appointments & informed me of clinics farther away, but I wanted to minimize "car stress" for Ms Bushay. She offered an "Emergency Care Visit" for $105 plus any costs. I accepted & she asked if I could be there by 10:30AM.

Waited FORTY minutes before Ms Bushay was called. Vet tech came in first. About 10 minutes later, doctor came in & did brief exam. He suggested blood work.. I agreed.

Diagnosis was infection, based on high white blood cell count, low body temp & weakness. He prescribed $75 in meds (Clavamox & Renal-K) with instructions to administer twice a day,12 hrs. apart, & revisit in a week. He NEVER ONCE indicated in any way that her condition was grave or life-threatening.

While paying a $406 bill, I asked the receptionist why a 40 minute wait for a $105 "EMERGENCY URGENT CARE VISIT." She said, "You agreed to it on the phone." I did.. assuming emergency care meant prompt medical attention. Actually it means they "fit you in." Didn't expect immediate attention, but 40 minutes is unreasonable. Paid & left about 12:45PM

Ms Bushay got meds at 1:15PM & 1:15AM. She used the litter box once.. hardly moved after that. At 3:00AM she was unresponsive (even when I held her)
By 5:00AM she stopped breathing.

Others I've spoken with since are of the opinion that the sudden onset of her symptoms indicated stroke as opposed to infection, as high wbc count is commonly present following a stroke & her body temp of 99.6° was LESS than a degree below normal(100-102°) She died approx.16 hrs. after leaving 5 Points which leads me to agree that she was misdiagnosed at 5 Points.

Ive been going to five points since 08...I have yet to encounter one negative situation regarding staff and doctors but rather always left feeling completely satisfied with they're warm and compassionate approach . Dr. Boswell is Brilliant surgeon!!! he operated on my 3 year old dog Zoey for bladder stone removal...I adore him! methodical, thoughtful and takes his job beyond serious.. Kristen, office manager awesome too...she coordinated a payment plan to make it easier to pay vet bills!! front desk staff always professional and kind. : ) even when they are busy multi tasking with phones etc they remain cordial to people at the desk never abrupt or rude! I love five points ...

I have been taking my dog here for four years. The staff and techs are always very kind and helpful and the doctors are phenomenal. Their hours are great and the prices are reasonable for the level of care that the pet receives. We love this clinic.

My husband and I were very impressed with the staff, the tech that came out to our car to help us bring our dog inside and finally with Dr. Bell. Dr. Bell gave us more than just medication to fix a problem, he gave us peace of mind. With the condition my dog has- Degenerative Myelopothy, peace of mind is hard to come by.