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Banfield Vet & Panacur almost killed my cat
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ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK -- I had been watching strange pigmentation on my cat's gums,it looked like tartar,but because when I tried brushing his teeth, the tartar/ pigmentation actually moved. Then they'd move right back to where they were. I called vets, was told they were fleas,to use Advantage to kill them, it didn't. They they said try it once a week, it still did not work. I'd found strange things in Honey's canned food, like larve , open larve, & pieces of larve. I'd called the cat food companies to report it. It scared me, I had lost his brother to poison cat food. So, I started to call them & even started saving these things & pieces of them in a jar. Purina & Nestle sent me a nice letter, coupons & even a small check & said to keep them notified.
Finally after a year or so,the bugs increased, I researched day & night. I saw monsters inside me on Animal Planet,& found Shirley's
Wellness Cafe online. It was about parasites, I realized I also had several of the symptoms too. I touched one of these "fleas' with a cue tip with a little oral jel. They were flat against his gums,like leeches or flukes. I'd called many vets, the CDC, SUNY of Buffalo , Board of Health, PetMeds,& Tropical Center for Disease Control. I was trying to find a professor who taught veterinary & bat parasites at UB South campus. I wanted her to look at these things before I did anything, but I couldn't reach her before he was in pain. I can't stand it to see him hurt. He was my family, I made sure he was never hurt or abused, or was around anyone that didn't like animals, He was the most loving, trusting, protected cat I ever had. Honey was so sweet he never growled, bit, hissed or had a mean bone in his body. I never even made him spend one night home alone. I swore to protect this cat after his brother died, we were both devastated to lose him. I had lost my family too, so it was just me and my Honey Boy.
No one had ever heard of creatures on gums, so I started looking to find out what they were. I went to a homeopathic site. They suggested using mint on a cue tip to kill them. It didn't kill them, but they moved from one place to another. I knew they were some kind of parasite, flat, about 1/2" long,I started him and myself on a homeopathic dewormer.
I had already tried treating my cat for fleas. He had no fleas when I took him to the vet, but these "things" were still there. I started studying parasites because my poor cats jaw was in pain. He started sighing. He slept with his little head on my arm & his face towards me. I noticed him moaning in his sleep. His jaw would move. It got so I had to get up every night to put vasoline on his little gums just for some relief. I was on the phone & computer everyday trying to find somewhere "safe" to take him. I did not want to take his somewhere where no one ever heard of it.
I found a herbologist Vet who had heard of it. I ordered herbs from her. Honey & I both started taking them together. People can get parasites too. But she had left for a few weeks, & my car had caught on fire. But my cat was hurting, so a friend stopped over,I asked him to take me to get a sample and get it analyzed.
I finally took him to Banfield Vet clinic in Petsmart, 4325 Amelia Drive, Orchard Park, NY 14127 716 821 7961. Honey, my very sweet cat,had never been sick a day in his life except for these things on his gums. He was an indoor cat, so he had to get them from cat food.
The Vet, Dr Schneible, gave him an exam & remarked was a sweet cat he was. On his exam he was in excellent condition. She said his gums were perfect too, and it was pigmentation on his gums. But,She'd give him anesthia,keep him all night, to get a sample. I did not want him to spend the night in a hospital. I told her we were both already on parasite medicine. She shot Panacur down his throat, & gave me another syringe to give to him 4/5/2011. It had no brand name, side effects, or any of the normal info you get with a prescription. By the time he got home he was in distress.
He started throwing up green, howling, hiding, got a temperature, was terrified and , kept trying to go potty but could not. He was in great pain within hours of leaving that Vet. His urinary tract was blocked he was going to die & I had to surrender him to 10 lives to save his life. 10 lives refused to acknowledge the parasites, in fact they hang up on me when I tell them to please take a sample. I love my cat, he was my all. I never spent a night away from him. I have offered everything I own, which isn't much, but I begged them to take a sample. I know they're creatures, & parasites are contagious.
Since no one ever heard of this, they refuse to even listen to me. I've done my homework. I would never put my cat in harms way, I've been disabled because a Doctor misdiagnosed me & gave me a drug that dropped my to my knees in a few hours. I had to "get treated" for multiple illnesses I never had. They were side effects. I had to apply for disability, I lost my new business & suffered great pain. I never wanted my pets to go through that.
It took me 5 years to figure out it was Amoxicillan. I had "Highly Allergic to Penicillan on all my charts, even at the pharmacy. When I took it, I never dreamed they'd give me something like that. It ruined my life. Now, I see this cat I adore going through the same thing, and they won't even talk to me because they think I'm crazy.
Panacur is Fenbendazole, it is not recommended for cats & is toxic in fish, reptiles & birds. His reaction to Panacur was similar to mine with the Amoxicillan. My doctor denied I had side effects that ruined my life, like this Vet is denying the Panacur caused the episode. She screamed that I was was "Rude, I knew everything, it was not the Panacur, and I was NEVER going to get my cat back! And slammed the phone down on me." Thank you Dr. Schneible.
There's no name of the company that Panacur came from,you can try Intervet but if you call they say they're no longer active since 2/7.Panacur is Fenbedazole. It's toxic in birds, fish & reptiles. If you go to Petsmart or Petmeds there is no cat Panacur. Banfield vets are in Petsmart. My cat almost died, I can't stop crying, and my cat is up for adoption at 10 lives in Hamburg, NY. The vets refuse to take a sample of the parasites, why?. They say they never heard of it. It is a death sentence for my cat, because no one will even talk to me about it. They hang up on me. I am devastated. Plus, if it's parasites, they're highly contagious. Why not be safe than sorry? I am so confused I do not know what to do do. Please, can anyone help us? I can no longer think, my body & mind is wrecked with pain, I can not stop crying, and I know he only knows me, he loves me, & he was sad enough when his brother died.
If they adopt him out they're not going to know he's moaning, crying & moaning in his sleep because of his gums. I used to have to get up and put vasoline in his gums so he could sleep. Especially when they won't even try to to check his poor little gums.
Despite the fact that I even have the report just before he started throwing up & went into distress that he was in A+ condition, they still think somehow I caused this obstruction. This is crazy.
I'd like to add I rescue animals. up to and including a 6 foot boa in a creek. Not only have I rescued 1000 of animals, but I did it on my own dime. People knew me, so they'd leave animals in my car, cellar, back yard, call me screaming if an animal was in trouble, & give me animals they could no longer keep. I never counted the amount I spent nor the number of animals I saved.
This Karen at 10 Lives said "I put $700 in that cat, you're never going to get him back, CLICK!" I was shocked! Another woman kept sceaming "answer my questions, answer my questions! I was in shock & in tears, I pleaded with her to please let me answer, she just kept interrupting every time I started to explain.. She said she did 300+ rescues, then slammed the phone down too. Her name was Shirley, I think she was from HEART. Many times I put my last dime up to save somebody's pet, calling vets on Christmas eve, begging them to save a pet's life someone else had brought to me, begging me to help the animal.
Please,I need a lawyer or someone to help me get my cat back, and stop this Vet from harming other beloved pets. I spend all day calling every lead I get, but it seems there's no one that protects the animal from Vets.
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Anonymous on 03/29/2011:
OK, not to discredit you, but are you sure the cat has parasites? If all the vets in your area say they haven't heard of it, then maybe its something else.
And why are the vets offices hanging up on you? Try calling a different vet when you have calmed down, and get a second opinion.
I hope everything works out for you :)
leet60 on 03/29/2011:
I am a little confused that you "had him on parasite medicine", yet the veterinarian dosed the cat with additional medicine (Panacur). Did you tell the veterinarian the medicine and doseage you had been using prior to this?
If you want to contact the company that manufactures Panacur you can do so here:
Intervet, Inc.
56 Livingston Ave.
Roseland, NJ 07068
Sparticus on 03/29/2011:
Our cat had some sort of ulcers on her gums. They were red and puffy. The vets thought it was cat aids at first. Long story short they ended up pulling 14 of her teeth. She recovered within days and was a happy cat again. She only has 3 teeth left and she eats mostly wet food, but she has lived 10 years beyond the surgery now.
Might be something to talk to the vets about.
Inat on 03/30/2011:
taking your sick pet to PetSmart for treatment is like taking your kid to a stripmall dentist. . . anyway, I am confused too. Why is your cat up for adoption? Were you self-treating your cat?
Anonymous on 03/30/2011:
Inat I was wondering the same thing about the adoption.
Inat on 03/30/2011:
oh wait... I re-read the review "I had to surrender him to 10 lives to save his life" which I assume is a rescue and/or shelter.... I assume the cost for treatment was too great and I respect her for doing what she did
Anonymous on 03/30/2011:
Thanks for clarifying that. I didn't realize that's what they meant, but it makes total sense. Poor thing, I feel really bad.
stardancer on 04/04/2011:
I'm glad to see ny post was reread. I can not believe this happened just to get a topical anethestic for a culture.
I can not stop crying. I know it was the Panacur. Panacur is Fenbendazole which is not FDA approved. Plus, she did not believe they were parasites. And I told her we were both already on parasite medicine.
I have his exam she gave him. Perfect, excelllent condition. By the time I get him home he's in distress and almost dies. After 5 years of never being sick one day in his life.
I want my baby back, and I want to make sure this does not ever happen to anyone else.
stardancer on 04/04/2011:
It was not an infection. It became an obstruction right after she shoved the Panacur down his throat. I had told her we were both taking parasite medicine. Plus she even disagreed they were parasites. There was no blood tests.
I only went there to get a sample of the brown, moving parasites in his mouth so I could go to a professional opinion.
My cat was not sick, he had never been sick a day in his life until this vet shoved Panacur down his throat.
Anonymous on 04/04/2011:
Sorry Stardancer. I wish you could have your cat back.
leet60 on 04/05/2011:
Thanks for updating your post stardancer. I too, offer you my empathy in your situation. With the clarification you gave it sounds like the "veterinarian" was practicing hit and run treatment rather than really evaluating the situation.
stardancer on 06/11/2011:
Thank you for all your comments. Panacur, Banfield, & the FDA apparently are in a legal situation now. But my kitty still has flukes on his gums if he's still alive.
I am not even allowed to call my baby. I need a lawyer who's a pet lover. Please, can anyone help?
Anonymous on 06/11/2011:
Stardancer, can you have a friend go and adopt Honey for you? That's all I can think of, is to send someone you know to adopt her before anyone else does.
DebtorBasher on 06/11/2011:
I'll pass this on onto Skye...she works with animals and may have some advice on this situation.
Great advice Nicole...maybe she CAN get someone to adopt it back for her.
*Brenda* on 06/11/2011:
Can you please clarify, you waited a year to take the cat to a vet? You just called before?
Anonymous on 06/11/2011:
great review! very helpful!
stardancer on 06/11/2011:
Wow! So happy to see all this help. Have been crying and fighting day & night. 10 LIVES hangs up on me. They refuse to believe it's flukes.
It took me 3 years to figure it out, I had called every vet in the area, the CDC, TCD,& am still calling the FDA.
Panacur is now under examination by the FDA & Banfield will not discuss it. Meantime, since no one would take a culture, These things are using him as a host.
I had him and myself on natural parasite medicine. She was only supposed to check his gums. She barely looked. I filed a complaint with Banfield. I called them again last night 3 times, and they "never heard of me".
I have an email, a recording on my answering machone, and the invoice #. I want my baby back. They say they have dentists at Banfield, but she had no clue what she was doing.
I want this nasty Dr. Schneible gone. Never use Panacur on your cat! It's been since 3/15, and I do not even know if he's alive. He slept with his little face on my arm, face to face since I rescued him when he was 5weeks old. Nevrr sick a day in his life. An inddor cat.
He only knows me, now they're trying to adopt him out. They hang up on me because they never heard of gum parasites. What is going on?
Anonymous on 06/11/2011:
Have you ever seen the movie "Bug"?
stardancer on 06/11/2011:
I thought it was pigmentatation. Then tartar. Then more came. The vets I called said they were fleas, use Advantage., etc. Finally I went Alternative & met a vet who said use mint.
He was in pain, I ended up with ora-gel. Then these things all started moving and I notice his top gums were filled with them too. I trust no vet anymore, ever again.
I had him 5 years, he was never sick a day in his life. I take him in for a gum check up, and by the time I get him home he was howling ing in distress. She shoved Panacur down his throat while he was standing up with his little paws on me.
He was so sweet I was going to make him a therapy cat. He was so mellow, when the vet shove a themometer in his butt, he never moved. Just kept looking at me in the eyes as I petted him. Now he has his little penis cut, in a cage, with dogs, he's never seen a dog. I watched the whole operation of a cat name Opie who looked just like my Honey Boy online. I am sick.
Can you see how I can blame the vet yet? You must not have read the whole thing. It was a long comment. I know better now. Keep them shorter.
I've been offline for a while because I've been cry, sick, & fighting to get him back day & night.
stardancer on 06/12/2011:
Mrs. Cole, he started vomiting as soon as I got him home after she shoved the Panacur down his throat without my permission. It was not an infection, it was a blockage.
She had given him a full exam, and I have a copy of it. He was in excellent condition until he left the vet. He was in distress by the time we got home. Almost dead the next day. Had to be "rushed" to another vet.
Do not use Panacur on cats, it is not FDA approved.
Anonymous on 06/12/2011:
Very enlightening! I'll have to check my cats gums. I have 3, Munch, Howzen, and Biproxie.
Anonymous on 06/12/2011:
Great review! Very helpful!
Anonymous on 06/12/2011:
Stardancer, have you thought of sending a friend to get Honey for you like I said earlier, or any other solution? It sounds like all your calls are not making any progress, so maybe its time to go another route.
Skye on 06/12/2011:
I don't know if you got your cat back, but it sounds like you did. I would advise you to stay away from herbal treatments, because they normally just make the owner feel better, emotionally, while it really may not be of any help to your cat. They can also interfere with and cause reactions to other medications your cat is on.
You need to ask friends and family if they can recommend a vet. Word of mouth works best. Or perhaps you have a humane society in your area, that you can go to. They have the best vets on staff. Your cat may need a gum tissue biopsy to find out exactly what is going on. Just because his CRT was normal, (capilliary refill time), does not always mean there may be another issue going on. They will probably also bloodwork on him.
In the meantime, try using peroxide on his gums. Take a Q-tip, did it into a capful of peroxide, and gently massage his gums, about 2-3 times a day. Thay should give him some relief.
Good luck.
stardancer on 06/12/2011:
Dear Skye & Nicole. Am looking for someone to get Honey back.
Had to resort to ora-gel. Tried peroxide first. He would moan as he slept with his little face on my gums, & started jumping up & pacing. I ended up taking vasoline to cover his gums just for a little relief.
I got desperate to get a culture of these things to take to FDA & CDE. Even sent email to "Monsters inside me" @ Animal planet. Got ignored, even yelled at and hung up on as I called advocates, seantor, congress & assemblymen, lawyers.
Some groomers had heard of them. But, he was in pain, so since I had a ride (my car caught fire), I went to Banfield because they had a dentist. I just wanted a little novacaine, and a little scraping to take to a parasite specialist.
stardancer on 06/12/2011:
Is there no lawyers who protect animals from misdiagnosis? I know there's none for humans on medicare or medicaid. At least not that I've found.
I live in a premier senior village. It's turned into the ghetto with infestations, poor or no maintenance, & infestations. It's less than half retires now. They put up fliers in the mental health clinics.
Now it's thugs, drugs, addicts, criminally & mentally insane, sex addicts & drunks.
raven2010 on 06/12/2011:
You may have better luck looking for an attorney locally rather than a global website. Check your yellow pages or google for them in your city.
DebtorBasher on 06/12/2011:
StarDancer...check out these websites. It looks like there are attorneys who specializes in animal protection/abuse. Some of them have contact information and you might be able to contact them and they should be able to advise you on what your rights are and what your next step should be.
The link below is an attorney who helps people make plans for continuted care after their death, but she might be able to get you in contact with someone who can help you in your situation:
stardancer on 06/13/2011:
Dear Raven, this is global? Great. I wore out calling my representatives and lawyers.
stardancer on 06/13/2011:
Dear Debtor. TY. I also called all of them, and they protect animals who are accused of doing harm. No one seems to fight for animals who have drug side effects. I found this to be true in people too. I have called the NYSED Office of Professional Discipline and received nothing back. Am trying to reach FDA again, will try lawcrossing next.
I need a high powered pet lover attorney who cares about pets.
I had 20 min. to get my cat in when he was in distress. I wonder how many cats have died after being given Panacur. After investigating this, there's a war on between the makers and the FDA. Very candestine, hard to get any info let alone in writing.
I did get an admission that Intervet does not have cat Panacur. They said that vets have been using dog Panacur for cats for a decade. I wonder if any cats have mysteriously died or gotten blockages and threw up after being given Panacur like mine.
stardancer on 06/13/2011:
Panacur is Fendbendazole and binds to parasites. 99% of urinary blockage is not an infection. I have no one to get Honey for me. He was at 10 Lives in Hamburg, NY. 716 646 5577.
Opie had a blockage, he looks just like my Honey. Check this out Feline Urinary Tract. Wow, tried to send you a link to www.cat info. Looks like they sent you the whole thing. Thank you so much. Best I could so, sorry. Health:
Cystitis, Urethral Obstruction, Urinary Tract Infection
Lisa A. Pierson, DVM
If I could have the reader of this webpage take away just one word from this discussion, it would be "water". If your cat is on a properly hydrated diet of 100% canned food - and no dry food - you stand a very good chance of never needing to read this webpage.
Always keep in mind that water flowing through the urinary tract system is the most important factor in keeping it healthy.
Note that I said "water" - not "crystals" or "urine pH" - or any of the expensive prescription diets often recommended by veterinarians.
A cat's normal prey is ~70% water. Canned food is ~78% water. Dry food is ~5-10% water. Cats have a low thirst drive and do not make up the deficit at the water bowl. They are designed to get water with their food.
Cats on canned food have been shown to consume at least double the amount of water (from food and water bowl) when compared to a dry food-fed cat.
This results in approximately double the amount of urine flowing through the bladder.
Think of canned food as not only a proper diet for an obligate carnivore, in general (see Feeding Your Cat: Know the Basics of Feline Nutrition), but also understand that it is the healthiest way to keep your cat's bladder flushed out and 'happy'.
If you do not want to read this entire webpage, please at least scroll down to see Opie's pictures. Opie is a very sweet, (previously dry food-fed) cat that suffered tremendously when his urethra became blocked in July 2008. He has been fine since his blockage and will always be maintained on canned food.
It makes absolutely no sense to feed dry food to any cat - especially one with urinary tract problems.
If your cat is a 'dry food addict', please see Tips for Transitioning Dry Food Addicts to Canned Food. All cats can be switched to canned food if the caregiver is patient enough.
Please note that when you change your cat's diet to canned food, the litter box will need to be cleaned more frequently.
It is also very important to make sure that you have enough large litter boxes with CLEAN clumping (scoopable) litter placed in easily accessible locations in your home so that your cat will not 'hold his/her urine' for any reason.
Litter boxes should always be scooped at least twice daily.
See The Litter Box From Your Cat's Point of View. This webpage discusses the importance of providing clean litter boxes with an inviting litter.
Lower urinary tract clinical signs
Urethral obstruction/Opie's story
Urinary tract infection
Urinalysis/Dietary issues
Prescription diets
Lower Urinary Tract Clinical Signs
Patients may exhibit one more more of these signs:
Straining to urinate - with and without production of urine
Frequent trips to the litter box - with and without production of urine
Crying while urinating
Excessive licking of the genital area
Blood in the urine
Urinating in places other than in the litter box
Posturing (squatting) in the litter box for a long period of time (Note that sometimes people think that their cat is constipated when he/she is really showing signs of a lower urinary tract problem.)
Cystitis, also known as Interstitial Cystitis, refers to inflammation of the bladder wall leading to painful, frequent voiding of small amounts of urine. This is one reason why clumping (scoopable) litters should be used. Scoopable litters will enable the feline caregiver to keep track of the size of the urine clumps to see if they are smaller than usual, as well as the number of urine clumps to determine if the cat is urinating more frequently than usual.
Cats with cystitis will often have many small urine balls in the litter box. If the cystitis is severe enough, there will be blood in the urine but this blood is not readily apparent once the urine is voided into the litter.
Important: The presence of blood in the urine does *not* necessarily mean that an infection is present.
Cystitis can be a very painful condition! The patient will often start to associate the litter box with his/her pain. This can lead to litter box aversion which causes the patient to urinate elsewhere. In these cases, there may be fewer urine balls in the litter box than usual.
Important: These cats need pain medication such as buprenorphine (Buprinex).
What causes cystitis? I wish that the veterinary community knew the answer to that question in all cases.
What we do know is that cystitis often appears to be linked to stress and the highly concentrated urine that results from being fed a water-depleted (dry food) diet may also be a significant factor in some cats. The concentration of urine is reflected by the urine specific gravity (USG) number found on the urinalysis report. The higher the number, the more concentrated the urine. (See the Urinalysis/Dietary Issues section below for information regarding how to measure your cat's USG at home.)
We know that bladders are 'happier' with more water flowing through them which helps to flush out debris (mucus, cells, crystals) and keep the urine diluted. Dilute urine is thought to be less irritating to the bladder wall. Therefore, we see far more cases of cystitis in dry food-fed cats than in cats eating canned food.
We also know that 99% of cystitis cases in otherwise-healthy patients are *not* due to a bladder infection - contrary to popular belief. The erroneous belief that cystitis is always secondary to an infection leads to the rampant abuse of antibiotics.
It is very troubling to witness the very common practice of 'shotgun' treating these patients with antibiotics when most of these cases are 'sterile' (sterile = no infection) cystitis.
It is also very frustrating to see these poor cats leaving the veterinary clinic with no pain medication!
To repeat: We know that stress plays an important role in the cause of cystitis. Can you think of anything more stressful than pain?
See the vicious cycle? Stress can cause cystitis. Cystitis is painful. Pain is very stressful.
Crystals are not thought to be a significant cause of cystitis. This is another very common misconception among both lay people and veterinarians leading to, in many cases, inappropriate usage of acidifying prescription diets which can potentially lead to calcium oxylate stones and exacerbate the bladder inflammation.
That said, dietary management must be considered on a case-by-case basis and one-size-fits-all recommendations with respect to diet composition cannot be given. That said, I will give one 'one-size-DOES-fit-all' statement and that is "canned food is always better than dry food due to the appropriate water content in canned foods."
Bladder stones (aka "urolith" or "cystolith") may or may not contribute to cystitis. However, it is important to examine the urinary tract with radiographs or ultrasound to look for stones. Due to the expense, some people opt to not radiograph or ultrasound the cat on the first visit but, given how common stones are, I would highly recommend checking for stones even on the first visit.
Radiographs and ultrasound each have their pros and cons with respect to imaging the urinary tract and the accuracy/usefulness of each examination method depends on the quality of the equipment and the skill of the operator.
Radiographs - providing there is not a lot of stool in the colon to obscure the view - may reveal a stone in the urethra, whereas U/S will not show this area.
Ultrasound exams have some benefits over radiographs but it is also very highly dependent on operator skill. Ultrasound can pick up stones that may not show up on radiographs.
In some complicated cases, both imaging methods are needed to obtain a diagnosis.
Treatments for sterile cystitis include:
pain medication
increasing water consumption with a canned food diet, etc.
decrease the patient's stress - not always easy since cats can be very 'silent' in their stress and we may not always be aware of what is bothering them
glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate products such as injectable Adequan, or oral products such as Cosequin, Dasequin, or Trixsyn may help
Tricks used to increase water consumption:
water fountain
flavored waters such as tuna water, chicken or beef broth, clam juice, lactose-free cat milk (CatSip), etc. - can be kept in covered (to prolong fresh smell and taste) ice cube trays
add plain water to canned food - 1-2 TBS per meal - or whatever amount your cat likes
You can make your own tuna water by taking a can of tuna and adding 3 cups of water. Break up the tuna and let it sit for a while (~15 minutes, give or take) and then pour the tuna water into covered ice cube trays.
3 cups of water fills two 16-cube trays.
After warming the flavored ice cubes to 'mouse body' temperature you can:
add to canned food
set out as a separate drink of water
Subcutaneous fluids may also need to be administered at home by the owner in order to increase urine flow. However, this can be stressful and is usually reserved only for severe cystitis cases involving dry food addicts that are on their way to transitioning to canned food.
To repeat a very important point: Bladder infections are not a common cause of cystitis. Sadly, the rampant abuse of antibiotics when addressing feline urinary tract issues in cats shows that this fact is being ignored. The most important 'treatments' are increasing water consumption and lowering stress.
Cats, unlike other species including humans, have a natural defense mechanism in which they produce a more highly concentrated urine. (USG >1.040) Few self-respecting bacteria want to float around in concentrated cat urine.
Before considering the use of antibiotics in cystitis patients, a culture and sensitivity (C & S), in addition to a standard urinalysis, should be run on urine obtained via cystocentesis. This involves a needing going through the abdominal wall, directly into the bladder. This sounds much worse than it really is. The patient does not feel the needle going in but, instead, may simply object to being held on his or her back.
'Free-catch' urine samples (urine voided onto an exam table or into a litter box) should not be used for a C & S due to the issue of contamination which will often give a false positive result. In other words, bacteria will grow on the culture that may not even be in the patient's bladder or kidney.
The 'culture' part of this test shows if an infection exists or not. The 'sensitivity' part of the test is run only if a bacterial colony grows. This half of the tests tells us which antibiotic is the best one to choose for the type of bacteria that was grown.
One difficulty that we run into when trying to get a 'clean' sample (via cystocentesis) from a cystitis patient is that most of these patients present with an empty bladder. Or, they void all of their urine once the veterinarian starts to palpate (feel) the bladder through the abdominal wall.
To get around this, the patient can be given a dose of pain medication and a dose of subcutaneous fluids and placed in a cage without a litter box for 1-3 hours. This should result in the patient's bladder filling up enough to obtain a sample for a urinalysis and a C & S.
A note about cost: Many veterinarians do not run a C & S on their cystitis patients because they are worried about running up a client's bill. However, I cannot stress strongly enough that this is often a 'pay me now or pay me later' issue.
I have seen countless cases where both the veterinarian and the client are 'chasing their tail' by pouring needless antibiotics into their sterile cystitis patients. This not only results in added expense and stress for the client, but please also consider the added stress to the patient's mind and body and the significant potential for promoting bacterial resistance. Most cats are not happy about taking medications and all medications have negative side-effects.
This "tail chasing" often results in far more cost to the client than would have been incurred if a C & S would have been run when the patient first presented with clinical signs.
There is a joke in veterinary medicine that states: "Sterile cystitis patients get better in 1 week with antibiotics and in 7 days without antibiotics."
The good news is that cystitis often resolves within a few days to a week.
The bad news is that it tends to recur - especially in patients that are fed dry food and/or continue to live in a stressful environment.
See below for further discussion of Urinary Tract Infections.
Urethral Obstruction - Opie's Story
The urethra is the tube that drains urine from the bladder to the outside. It can be partially or completely blocked with mucus, stones, inflammatory cells, or crystals. This is a life-threatening - and very painful - condition which can result in the bladder rupturing within 24 hours of a complete urethral obstruction - leading to death soon after.
Any cat that is repeatedly entering the litter box but not voiding any urine is in need of IMMEDIATE medical attention! This is one reason why it is so important to use a clumping (scoopable) litter. Clumping litter allows you to see just how much, if any, urine is being voided.
Males are much more prone to 'blocking' than females because the male urethra is much longer and more narrow than a female's.
The following pictorial shows what "Opie" had to go through when he blocked. It is highly unlikely that he would have had to suffer like this if Man would have been feeding him a proper, species-appropriate diet of water-rich canned food instead of dry food. Opie was found lying in a backyard crying - minutes away from rupturing his bladder due to a urethral obstruction.
A one week stay in the emergency clinic resulted in a $4,000 vet bill. Another $350 bill was incurred 3 weeks later when Opie had to have a stricture broken down in his urethra. Catheterization of the delicate urethra can damage the tissues and result in a stricture which will obstruct urine flow. Repeated catheterizations can set your cat up for some very serious problems.
Opie's case is a very good illustration of the fact that proper nutrition (NO dry food) is a 'pay me now or pay me later' issue.
Opie was sedated and a catheter was passed up his urethra in order to break up the obstruction before his bladder ruptured. His bladder was then flushed to try to remove any debris that could cause him to block again.
Is it possible for a cat to block when on 100% canned food diet? Yes, it is possible, but it is highly unlikely. When water is flowing through the bladder, crystals, mucus, and cellular debris will be much less apt to build up and cause an obstruction.
Also, when water is flowing through the bladder, the urine is more dilute which is thought to be less irritating to the bladder wall in some cats. Less irritation means less inflammatory cells and mucus to block the urethra.
Think of canned food as hosing down your cat's bladder many times each day.
A procedure called a perineal urethrostomy (PU) is often performed on blocked cats with the hope of preventing future obstructions.
A PU removes the penis and part of the urethra and leaves the patient very prone to urinary tract infections for the rest of his life. Also, the surgery site can stricture at a later time.
I strongly believe that this procedure is performed far too early in many cases before a properly hydrated diet is tried. Please give this procedure a lot of thought before consenting to it.
Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infections can occur anywhere along the tract from the kidneys to the urethra. Most infections gain access to the bladder when bacteria travel up the urethra from the outside world. From the bladder, the infection can ascend to the kidneys.
Please note that when the abbreviation "UTI" is used, the 'I' must be defined. Does "I" mean infection? Or does it mean inflammation?
It is very important to understand the difference if we are to stop overusing antibiotics and start using more pain medications when cats exhibit signs of urinary tract problems.
Studies have shown that otherwise healthy cats (no kidney disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism) - that are showing signs of urinary tract discomfort - have only a ~1-2% chance of having a UT infection yet antibiotics are prescribed very frequently for these patients. The veterinary community needs to address this very serious problem involving the overuse/abuse of antibiotics.
Roughly 99% of these otherwise healthy cats have sterile (no infection) cystitis. This is because the feline is very good at saving water to stay hydrated which results in a very concentrated urine. (Urine Specific Gravity (USG) >1.040) Concentrated urine is a very hostile environment that does not readily support bacterial growth. Therefore......
Urinary tract infections are rare in cats without a concurrent disease such as kidney insufficiency, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism.
What about the other population of cats with diseases such as kidney insufficiency, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism? Cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hyperthyroidism often produce a more dilute urine (USG )) down your driveway, the leaves will build up and then you won't be able to get your car out of the garage.
If crystals are allowed to build up, the urethra can become blocked leading to a life-threatening situation. A blocked cat can end up with a ruptured bladder - resulting in death - within 12 -24 hours of complete obstruction.
If there is not enough water flowing through the bladder on a regular basis the following will happen with respect to crystals:
The urine specific gravity goes up meaning that the urine becomes more concentrated. When this happens, the crystals are more apt to become 'super-saturated' in the urine and form stones.
Mechanical removal is compromised. When there is ample water flowing through the bladder the cat will urinate more frequently - voiding up to double the amount of urine per day. This frequent urination of a higher volume of urine helps to remove the crystals instead of letting them build up to block the urethra.
If there are large numbers of crystals and the cat also has cystitis (inflammation of the bladder leading to mucus production and cellular debris), the crystals can combine with the mucus and inflammatory cells and make a 'plug' that can block the urethra.
Keep in mind that it is very important to have enough large litter boxes with CLEAN clumping (scoopable) litter in accessible places so that your cat is very willing to use them frequently and not 'hold their urine'.
More frequent voiding of urine will lower the chances of stones being formed and will make the bladder wall less likely to become inflammed.
Litter boxes should always be scooped at least twice daily.
Urine Specific Gravity (USG):
As noted previously on this webpage, USG is a measurement of the concentration of the urine. It is one of the most important values on the UA report.
USGs should be measured on more than one occasion to check for consistency. A dilute USG would be around 1.015 (stated "ten fifteen") or 1.020 ("ten twenty") and a concentrated urine would be more in the >1.040 range. A USG between these ranges should be monitored to see if it continues to go lower or starts to rise.
The USG of dry food-fed cats is higher (the urine is more concentrated) than it is for canned food-fed cats.
Prescription Diets
Please understand that every case is different. The comments I make below are general ones. The optimal diet for each cat experiencing urinary tract problems needs to be discussed individually after all medical records and patient history/information have been reviewed. Advice cannot be given via email.
I am available for consultations if you need help beyond the scope of this webpage.
I very rarely use prescription diets. They are expensive and contain low quality, species-inappropriate ingredients, and are not necessary in most cases of feline urinary tract disease. I only consider their use if I know the patient has urinary tract stones ("uroliths") - or a large amount of crystal/mucus/inflammatory cells 'sludge' (especially when the patient is male) - with a high index of suspicion for them being struvite versus calcium oxylate (CaO).
Males have long, narrow urethras and are much more apt to block than females.
Remember, CaO will not dissolve with diet manipulation and acidifying diets promote the formation of CaO.
'Sludge', in some cases, can be handled with a water-rich diet to flush it out but it is possible to have small stones hiding in this mixture that could be missed on radiographs or ultrasound.
In these cases, I will consider the use of a canned acidifying diet that also promotes dilute urine for a short period of time until the patient shows radiographic or ultrasound evidence of stone dissolution/'sludge' clearance. This can take as little time as 2 weeks but may take 2-3 months.
If the stones are not showing any signs of dissolution once the patient has been on the acidifying diet for 3-4 weeks, there is a good chance that the stones are CaO and keeping them on this type of diet - if the stones/crystals are CaO - is only going to make matters worse. This is why it is so important to monitor the patient with radiographs or ultrasound and urinalyses.
When prescription diets were first formulated, they mainly focused on urinary pH manipulation and magnesium restriction. In recent years, some of the manufacturers such as Purina and Royal Canin have added salt to their diets to encourage higher water consumption in order to dilute the minerals (crystals). There is controversy surrounding this practice.
Prescription urinary tract diets come in dry and canned forms but after reading this webpage, hopefully the reader will understand just how illogical it is to add salt to a dry food diet to get the cat to drink more water when the cat should be eating a water-rich diet of canned food in the first place.
For dry food addicts, please see Tips for Transitioning Dry Food Addicts to Canned Food.
As stated in the first section of this webpage, manipulating the pH of urine is not the most important factor in preventing feline urinary tract diseases yet it is so heavily focused on.
I am finding it increasingly frustrating to watch the veterinary community continue to be fixated on the pH of cat urine and the presence of urinary crystals instead of focusing on the much more important issue of dietary water content.
Many veterinarians have neglected to look at just how illogical it is to feed any cat a water-depleted dry food diet but especially one with urinary tract issues.
Instead of reflexively reaching for the prescription diets when patients present with urinary tract issues, I would like to see the emphasis switch to getting the patient off of all dry food and onto canned food with added water.
When I say it is illogical to feed "any" cat a diet of dry food, think about practicing preventative nutrition. Do you really want to wait until your cat develops urinary tract problems before you implement the feeding of a water-rich diet to a species with an naturally low thirst drive?
Think about closing the barn door before the horse is running down the roadway.
December, 2009
Lisa A. Pierson, DVM
Information on this site is for general informational purposes only and is provided without warranty or guarantee of any kind. This site is not intended to replace professional advice from your own veterinarian and nothing on this site is intended as a medical diagnosis or treatment. Any questions about your animal's health should be directed to your veterinarian.
Anonymous on 06/13/2011:
Maybe this is what your cat had:
Protozoan cat parasites include both flagellates are ones that live in the mouth(gums other soft tissues) and the small intestine; truly cat internal parasites. The flagellate in the mouth is Trichomonas felistomae which is a small beast with four anterior flagella. While it is sometimes blamed for inflammation of the gums, it is non pathogenic and merely thrives in the environment provided by gums that are in poor condition due to bacterial infection.
Anonymous on 06/13/2011:
Something happened when I pasted the above comment, and some parts are missing. Google the terms Trichomonas felistomae and you will find more info.
stardancer on 06/13/2011:
holy cow Nicole 29. It shows a kitty like mine going through the whole operation. But that part is not on here. Everything but the little tiny link I tried to put up.
stardancer on 06/13/2011:
holy cow Nicole 29. It shows a kitty like mine going through the whole operation. But that part is not on here. Everything but the little tiny link I tried to put up.
Yes!!! It does sound like Trichomonas felistomae. Why do you know this, and no por does?
stardancer on 06/13/2011:
holy cow Nicole 29. It shows a kitty like mine going through the whole operation. But that part is not on here. Everything but the little tiny link I tried to put up.
Yes!!! It does sound like Trichomonas felistomae. Why do you know this, and no pro or does?
stardancer on 06/13/2011:
Nicole, TY TY. I still do not know if these are flukes too, but all he needed was an antibiotic. He used to kill every bug he saw.
He didn't need the hell and pain of Panacur. Oh thank you. Now I have to get him back and away from these "clueless" vets & rescuers.
What a shame, I've be rescuing animals since I can remember. I can not understand why they were so cruel to me. My poor poor sweet baby. TY TY TY
Anonymous on 06/13/2011:
I thought the exact same thing, ript.
stardancer on 06/13/2011:
Nicole, TY TY. I still do not know if these are flukes too, but all he needed was an antibiotic. He used to kill every bug he saw.
He didn't need the pain of Panacur. Oh thank you. Now I have to get him back and away from these "clueless" vets & rescuers.
What a shame, I've be rescuing animals since I can remember. I can not understand why they were so cruel to me. My poor poor sweet baby. TY TY TY
stardancer on 06/13/2011:
ript & just cause, TY. You mean "Bug"? I tried to post a link and ended up with a huge article with everything except the operation Opie went through that I was trying to post.
As you can see I'm new at this. But Nicole seems to have figured it out. Poor kitty. No I do not think I saw the movie. I was going to check it out after I found a way to get my cat back. Thanks!
Anonymous on 06/13/2011:
stardance, have you thought about setting up an online donation account so friends, family, anonymous consumers that want to help you, can?
stardancer on 06/13/2011:
Nicole29, they were flukes. Flukes bind to Panacur. It must have killed 1000's of them, got in his urinary tract and almost killed him. It did not kill the ones on his gums. I just found a whole page of home remedies. will not try to give you link due to the other one.
stardancer on 06/13/2011:
Just cause. Heck I have no idea how to do that. It sounds awesome.
But these resuers think I'm a monster and that he had an infection. Not a reaction from Pancur. They hang up on me. They were assimilating him with the gum parasies. Nicole just figured out today what it was. I still have to convince a bevy of others.
Meanwhile he's up for or already adopted. TY
stardancer on 06/13/2011:
How could a vet give him an excellent on his exam, then shove Panacur down his throat? And not even know it was bacteria on his gums?
Why did he get sick within 2hrs. after the exam and Panacur?
How do I answer to all these wonderful comments like I was able to answer to only the last comment?, personally?
stardancer on 06/13/2011:
When we were at the vet, he had not gone potty for hours. She showed me his bladder was full and soft with no pain. She then gave him Panacur.
Hours later when he went into distress & I rushed him to the other vet he said the same thing. Except, he showed me the same place in the bladder and it felt like a peach and he had urinary blockage. No question the Panacur caused it.
stardancer on 06/13/2011:
Just Cause meant to thank you and appreciate any help. TY *Star*
stardancer on 06/13/2011:
leet60 am just getting a chance to thank you. Am trying to thank everyone. There must be an easier, shorter way. But TY.
Anonymous on 06/13/2011:
How about "thank you everyone." The end.
stardancer on 06/13/2011:
I knew that was for me lol!
Thank you everyone!
Anonymous on 06/13/2011:
You're very welcome stardancer.
stardancer on 06/14/2011:
Update. The fda is sending me a report to fill out. Have spoke to 2 Senator's aides, but they have'nt called me back yet.
This "senior village" has infestations, mold, & mildew. Reported to everyone, ordered to exterminate, instead they send up an extermingator that says "Nope, there are no bugs". And the get a pass.
I was able to solve another "mystery" since I was in HH in 2002. "Invisibule blankets of bugs crawling all over you". Something else everyone thought was my imagination.
In fact, that was going to be the next mystery I was going to bring to 3 cents. I found about 5 others with that problem. I even had to talk to a shrink who wrote "feels invisible bugs" on her report.
I am happy to report to anyone who's had this problem, they are sand flea infants. When the hatch in the 100's or more, they are transluscent. Practically invisible. They are the size of the zero in God We trust on a penny.
They're fairly common down south. I called an exterminator down south & told him. He called up here to see if Orkin exterimnates them, and they do!
The 2 biggest and longest mysteries that have been driving me crazy for 10 yrs, & 5 yrs. Both solve in a few hours on June 13, 2011. Thank you all, it seems you have finally cracked a glass ceiling for me and many others.
When it rains it pours. When the clouds start to clear the sunlight comes out I believe this is the beginning of everything falling in place again. And t was 3 cents who made the 1st ray of sunshine! Thank you so much.
madconsumer on 06/14/2011:
what would you file a complaint with the fda about?? does the fda cover animal meds too?
stardancer on 06/14/2011:
madcomsumer. Yes the fda does. Go to their site, under animal meds. There's form 1932, I think. It's the 1st one. You can fill it out online. I could not because Adobe acrobat wanted to upgrade me.
It's 8 pages long, I had the fda on the phone to help, but could not get it until we hung up.
I also thought they'd send a exterminator to my building, but have found nobody that does that yet. Even th' the Govt. has already been there to exterminate, all they have to do is send up their own exterminator to say he saw no bugs.
That's my next problem. Good Luck.
stardancer on 06/15/2011:
Honey update:
Called 10 lives, left a message, no calls back yet. Have to get a govt. agency to force this village to exterminate. It's already proved to be dangerous.
Alain on 06/15/2011:
Is Honey back yet? If not, have you thought about the suggestion to get a friend to adopt Honey? Thanks for the update and wishing you and Honey the best.
stardancer on 06/15/2011:
OK, now I'm worried. I went to 10 lives website. If people adopt, they often change the cat's name.
Also I called them and they will not return the call to me.
stardancer on 06/15/2011:
No Alain and to day is 3 monhts! Honey is a 5yr. old make orange tabby at the Hamburg location.
I just checked their pics, and did not see him. But, they take them to shows. They get very snippy if they take you pet no matter whether a vet almost killed him or not.
They do not seem to care if you love them, rescued them yourself, & that the animal loves you. Then they complain they have too many cats.
They'd rather give it to a stranger for $80, than back to you. I had to have friends call just to see if he was alive.
I've run out of options I'm afraid.
stardancer on 06/16/2011:
Update: The Vet sho administered the Panacur is now, 3 months later, trying to reach. Called and left a message.
I've run out of agencies to call. I filed all kinds of reports. I get no news from them, but apparently she did.
Still looking for a pet loving lawyer.
DebtorBasher on 06/16/2011:
I'm not understanding, what gave them the rights to keep your cat? I guess I'm missing something here or maybe it's somewhere in the comments and I missed it...Did you owe them a bill and they are keeping your cat because of that?
stardancer on 06/17/2011:
Update: Can find NO help and NO lawyers.
This is (I hope) the link that shows what Honey had to go through and without me. If he's got seration anxiety as much as I do, I'm afaid he may no longer ever be alive. I am so sad I don't even want to move. Everything I do is to save him. It's draining the life out of me. It shows a kitty that looks just like Honey Boy going through the whole operation. They gave cats no pain medication, plus kept us separated.
http.www.catinfo.org feline urinary tract obstruction
stardancer on 06/17/2011:
I have been trying to delete many of these mistaken posts I made, what's the trick? I pressed remove, but I think I bashed myself. TY
stardancer on 06/18/2011:
Panacur should be give with food and water, water, water. That's one reason it almost killed him too.
He had no food or water or gone to the bathroom in 4 hours when she shot it down his throat.
stardancer on 06/20/2011:
I just figued out I could click on names to answer people individually. That helps a lot. lol
stardancer on 06/20/2011:
Update: Have contacted Nicole Paqueete head of the Humaine Society. Waiting for her return call.
Left messages for Shaun Donovan Secretary of HUD
left messages for State Senator Kennedy
Left messages for State Senator Jim Tedisco
No answers yet.
Anonymous on 06/20/2011:
Remember when your talking to these people to stay calm and not get upset. That always helps. It may also help to write down what you plan to say, keeping it short but with enough detail so you don't overwhelm them with too much.
Good luck!
stardancer on 06/20/2011:
Susan Scneible at Banfield Vet Hospital set my poor Honey up for infection for the rest of his life:
Is it possible for a cat to block when on 100% canned food diet? Yes, it is possible, but it is highly unlikely. When water is flowing through the bladder, crystals, mucus, and cellular debris will be much less apt to build up and cause an obstruction.
Also, when water is flowing through the bladder, the urine is more dilute which is thought to be less irritating to the bladder wall in some cats. Less irritation means less inflammatory cells and mucus to block the urethra.
Think of canned food as hosing down your cat's bladder many times each day.
A procedure called a perineal urethrostomy (PU) is often performed on blocked cats with the hope of preventing future obstructions.
A PU removes the penis and part of the urethra and leaves the patient very prone to urinary tract infections for the rest of his life. Also, the surgery site can stricture at a later time.
I strongly believe that this procedure is performed far too early in many cases before a properly hydrated diet is tried. Please give this procedure a lot of thought before consenting to it.
his life.
stardancer on 06/20/2011:
Dear Ashley. I received all those emails at once, & just kept thanking everyone that was sent to me.
There was so many, I was stunned.
jktshff1 on 06/20/2011:
You may want to take this to a feline specific website to alert more owners such as http://www.catownerforum.com/
Would probably do more good and get better info.
Jiggy on 06/30/2011:
Stardancer,I'm sorry you're having to go through this with you cat and a rescue organisation,Unfortunately when they asked you to sign him over you may have signed away your right to get him back.
When you 'signed him over' to them,were you signing him over for treatment or did the form say 'for rehoming'? You should have a copy of the form you signed, you have a right to have a copy.
If you signed him over believing he was receiving treatment and he were to be returned to you after treatment and they didn't explain fully that you were signing him over for rehoming then that may be misrepresentation on their part which you may be able to seek legal redress.(This may also be the case if you were unable to read what you were signing-eg: Didn't have you glasses with you and relied on what they said.)
Unfortunately they may have already rehomed him(Illegally-if you didn't sign him over for rehoming)
I would suggest writing to the vet/rescue,the ones who you signed him over to and ask for a copy of the form you signed if you haven't got a copy.If you have..find it ..read it and see what it says..then if you think they misrepresented themselves then seek legal advice,maybe there's a free legal clinic near you? They would be the best peeps to speak to.
Hopefully after all this time(is it 3 months?)He may still be with the rescue and a legal advisor will be able to mediate between you and the rescue.
stardancer on 07/05/2011:
Dear Jiggy, I was on my hands & knees on the floor crying when I gave them the money for their pet vet. When I was told they were going to save my cat, I did not realize surrender meant I was giving him up forver.
Nor did I realize I was going to be treated like dirt and pegged as an unfit pet owner. I was in too much shock watching a gum exam turn into a urinarty tract blockage.
After that, I thought they were going to investigate the vet, the drug, Banfield & why he was given a drug without my permission.
I called the SPCA who had me call Dr.Louis Budik from Transit valley Animal Hospital. I wrote him a 4 page letter. I was stunned when hesaid he went with the vet.
I just called him back recently to ask what brand of Cat Panacur they used I was told they didn't have Cat Panacur. When I got him on the phone, I told him I found out what was on his gums. He started screaming at me that he'd used Panacur on cats, birds & small animals for decades.
Then he said I had left my cat in a van for 4hrs. it was not the Panacur,etc....I realized he never even read the letter I wrote. He was just babbling back whatever the Banfield Vet had told him. Dr. Budik is the legal advocate for Vet/Pet owners.
Onec again I called the NYSED of professional Discipline. They had thought it was settled . I told them I had watched the whole operation my poor baby had to go through on catinfo.org. Now he's a special needs cat. They hang up on me & still refuse to look at his gums.
I checked in here to see if anyone had found any lawyer who'd take this case. I call,fill out forms, & cry everyday. I usually held him in my arms during the 4th of July. He was terrified of the noise. I could only imagone the terror & pain he was in over a GUM EXAM he never even got. Ty for the help, I've done everything I was offered.
It comes down to a high powered lawyer with compassion for pets & animals. So far, I can not find one. I've even tweeted to try to find one. All & any help in appreciated. Blessings.
stardancer on 07/05/2011:
Well, now I see an even bigger problem. It's almost impossible to sue for a Human who's had malpractice. Let alone to sue a vet in NY. NYS has NO pet lawyers or pet laws for malpractice.
Honey Boy, I still am fighting for you and miss you my baby.
stardancer on 07/10/2011:
Have found out each state has different animal abuse laws. Texas has great ones, NYS has few.
Still seeking a lawyer or a mentor to get my baby boy back.
Anonymous on 07/10/2011:
Although it's an old thread, I'm having trouble seeing anything demeaning or harassing in Mrs. Cole's comment that warranted it being moved into the "other comments". Just an observation from your friendly neighborhood watchdog...
stardancer on 07/20/2011:
Anyone found a pet lawyer for New York State yet?
jktshff1 on 07/20/2011:
Try PETA..
stardancer on 07/30/2011:
Roger got his 2 breeded dogs gums fixed by Susan of Banfield because of the information learned by my Honey Boy!
some good has come from it. But Honey has been assimilated into their system and it doesn't look like I'll ever be able to find my baby now. I don't even know if 10Lives Marie still has figured out he had parasites on his gums.
stardancer on 07/30/2011:
Roger got his 2 breeded dogs gums fixed by Susan of Banfield because of the information learned by my Honey Boy!
some good has come from it. But Honey has been assimilated into their system and it doesn't look like I'll ever be able to find my baby now. I don't even know if 10Lives Karen has figured out he had parasites on his gums and told Marie..
stardancer on 07/31/2011:
Well, to Jiggy, no, I had no idea surrender meant keeping my kitty. I thought it meant saving it since it was the misdaignosis & Panacur that made him sick.
I just called Susan at Banfield again now that shw realizes they were parasites. A girl name Jennifer answered. She said they have been calling 10LIVES but can not get any information. And as of today is consisdering it a closed case.
I still have found no lawyer or even an ally to help me, am devastated. How can things like this happen to innocent animals...
stardancer on 08/07/2011:
I just found a lawyer. He did not care that Banfiels & panacur put my cat in distress & almost killed him. He said NYS doesn't care about stray cats. I told him he was what I loved most for the last 5 years, he was no stray.
Then he said what do you want? I said I wanted Honey Boy back more than anything. He took 10Lives number & said he'd call them Monday.
He's only going to get a recording about the outbreak they had. He's not interested in the danger of Panacur or that so many vets are using it on millions of pets for decades even tho' it's not FDA approved & can be toxic to cats & small animal.
And he's not interested in the parasites on his gums that we finally discovered is what causing gum problems and being misdiagnosed. Where poor little animals get all their teeth pulled instead of an antibiotic.
Nor is he concerned that Williamstowne Court of Clover Management will not exterminate their buildings. So I'm living with bugs crawling all over me & tons of toxic pesticide as we wpeak. So am afraid to even live here, can not moved, & am afraid to even bring my baby back home even if I do get him back.
Almost 5 more months, and still no solution. Plus the one friend I had that was helping me has passed July 9th. I must get a vehicle, I am trapped in this retirement village. Regressing, not progressing. I'm still on this everyday, am exhausted.
stardancer on 08/14/2011:
Almost 6 months....called so many people, my one friend helping me get Honey Boy back has passed.
How can there be no one in the world to help?
stardancer on 01/06/2012:
Update. Been trying all the radio and tv stations. Tried YNN yesterday. Please pray for my Honey Boy. I still can't get any info about him and the parasites on his gums. I want my baby back.
stardancer on 03/11/2012:
Well. it's almost the anniversary of when Susan, the Vet @ Banfield gave Honey the Panacur that almost killed him. The 16th wil be the day I had to rush him to 10 LIVES Vet, where I had to surrender him.
They've now found out the Niagara County SPCA was killing 100's of animals. They don't realize so was the Eric County SPCA.
I am still calling media, Allied Animals, lawyers, and posting here. I stopped keeping my log since this happened. I couldn't stand to write about how sick I feel.
I still wait for Honey, hoping someway, somehow, I'll find him. I never realized so many people could be so cruel and uncaring.
Thank you again for all the support I received on here. I still refer people here to read this blog.
I want to start another one, but just don't even have the energy yet. This experience is draining me. Every time I see an animal.......
DebtorBasher on 03/11/2012:
Thanks for stopping back Stardancer...I've been checking the Internet for updates throughout the year.
stardancer on 05/18/2012:
After all the time and pain of finding out my cats got flukes from the bugs this apartment is infested with, I still have no cloture.
I took Honey in to get a culture of those bugs that were covering his gums so much it looked like pigmentation. Yet, not one Vet has even been vetted about killing one cat, Hunter, and giving Honey a deadly dose of Panacur.
I've talked to Senator Mark Grisanti, and he seemed to want to be very helpful. I've sent him and his aids this thread to see to horrors that me and my poor cats have gone through. Right now, he is my only hope.
Mentime, I hope it's not too late for Honey. To see the opertion poor Honey went through for a Blocked urinary tract caused by the Panacur, go to catinfo.com They have kitty named Opie going through this operation who looks just like my Honey Boy.
They don't give these animals pain meds either. So poor Honey not only had that have his penis cut and a cathrater shoved in, he also had a mouth full of fluke using his gums as a host. He cried every nite from that.
So all these Vetsnot only hung up on me and blocked me, screamed at me and hid Honey with all the other Rescue cats, so I couldn't comfort him. But they also exposed every animal and person still to this day, to the infestation in his mouth.
That infestation is still in this and most other buildings here at Williamstowne Court in Cheektowage, NY. They've made me a PNM. It means Pay No Mind. I cn't even make a Police Report here. Patti Pifer, who was the area Director has left, finally. But the damage she has done is continuing to cripple this community.
Please! Someone has got to give us a voice!
dezkel on 07/10/2012:
dzkl on 07/10/2012:
please someone up date me??????????????? I'm so upset about this, I need closure if someone knows if she got honey back or new info please inform me!!!!!!!
Star on 07/17/2012:
From the day @21/05 until now,I still did not get a new rug, 2 sinks, 4 drawers in the kitches,2 large holes in the celing for a decade making black mold, flea and tick eggs in the carpeting, ceiling and walls.
They moved me in 2 weeks late because this bldg. 43 Williamstowne Court was not ready.. Ny old landlord sold my furniture because mt apt. was not ready. Williamstowne did not move me until the 8th.
They didn't take what I asked, broke my tv/vcr, were rude, ignored what I asked,. I was injured, badly. They left me stranded at the old apt. with no heat, electricity, and a mess of the things they refused to take.
Then my heater pilot light kept going out, so I spent as long as 4 months in bed, dizzy, barely walking. couldn't think, pain all through my body. I was being carbon monoxided. This carpet has killed my 2 cats and it's killing me. Belmont wants to inspect my apartment again, and they will pass it.
I'm watching pets and people die or get deadly sick. No one will test for parasites and black mold. How can Clover get away with this? I've been begging every entity you can think of. The police do not put down this address of any Senior Retirement Village. They just put down the Street. The corruption is intense. Police will send Crisis Services to try to mmake you see a shrink instead of even trying to solve the problems. We are all living in fear of the predators, addicts, drunks, mentally and criminally insane.
They tell you to move, but they make you so sick you can't even think. I had so much energy. No more, my eyes water, dizzy,vision problems,hearing loss,chronic fatigue,headaches,joint pain, muscles twitching,anxiety,cough,nose bleeds,rashes, hives, pain in liver,. All sign of black mold.
Plus bites all over me every nite , fighting these ticks and fleas. I don't even have a van or rv to escape in anymore. 7 years! SOS It's happening in all HUD Housing that I know of..
Star on 07/18/2012:
dear dzkl, I need clouture too. Thank you for caring. These Williamstowned apartments are full of black mold too. Pets and people are dying. HUD residents are treated ike experimental rats. It's alwful at Clover Properties, especially here at Williamstowne Court in Cheektowaga, NY. You can reach me at email@example.com. This needs to go viral. Thank you so much.
Star on 07/18/2012:
PS dzkl, it was the Vet that put him in distress by giving his a drug, Panacur. I only took him in for a gum culture. I still have his food and toys I bought that day she almost killed him. I've spoke to many people that have had horrible problems with the same vet.
stardancer on 07/18/2012:
Fear dkzl. this is my 5th time trying to reach you. I'm at yahoo.com star2000dancer. TY
stardancer on 07/18/2012:
These parasites, bacteria (black mold), fleas a nd ticks are coming from this apartment bldg. in Williamstownecourt, Buffalo, NY 14227. Owned by Clover Management..
HUD lets these people abuse and ignore the mold, mildew, abuse, and abuse the tenents. I just found out it was the rug and building the bugs on his gums came from HUD keeps passing inspection. We need big help.
rose on 07/27/2013:
What happened with your cat? I have got to know!! This broke my heart and brought tears to my eyes.
rose on 07/27/2013:
what happened with this cat?
Diane on 10/14/2013:
There is no way Panacur would have killed your cat. Perhaps you received a substitute, and not the real deal. Perhaps you cat was really sick. It's one of the other, unless your cat was exposed to something else.
Diane on 10/14/2013:
Also, a real sick cat will get all sorts of parasites and other problems. Never a healthy cat that gets proper feedings/foods.
stardancer on 04/29/2014:
Excuse me. I have the report. He was the healthiest, happiest cat she'd ever seen. He got deathly ill within an hour of leaving the Vet's office. I thought I made that abundantly clear in my review.
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Banfield Traumatized myself and my 7 year old son!
Posted by
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA -- I brought my 5 year old Pug in just over a month ago for his vaccinations, as well as a few lumps on his belly and rear end that were of concern. I am fairly new to Banfield, and have only taken my other dog (a 15 year old Chow)in for treatment of lupus. I have been working with Dr. Jordan with both of my dogs, and he seems like a knowledgeable and empathetic Dr. He treated my Chow beautifully, as he is living out his golden years quite comfortably. Let me mention that due to my own disables status, finances are very tight right now, but I do the absolute best I can to care for my animals. Anyhow, when I first brought Yoda in to discuss the lumps, it was determined that he had mast-cell tumors. We discussed possibly treatments that I could budget for, but the nurse did talk me into signing up for the wellness plan. Thinking that we could possibly get the tumors taken care of, this wouldn't be a bad idea for overall care. Anyhow, I hadn't yet been able to schedule the removal of his tumors, and my Pug fell quite ill a few days ago. Head tilt, lethargy, etc... I took him in immediately, and the Dr. suspected an inner ear infection. Considering the mast tumors, there's always a possibility of spreading, however - the overall signs at the time didn't indicate that it was tumor related. They sent me home with antibiotics and special calorie dense food to feed him. He would eat, but only by hand and I had to work to get him to drink. The following day, he declined, so I brought him back in. This was yesterday. Dr. Jordan suggested - and I agreed - to go ahead and keep him overnight for IV fluids and antibiotics. We went to visit my dog at 6:30pm last night, and he seemed a bit perkier, but overall lethargic (although he had just come out of anesthesia). I spoke with another Dr. this morning (Dr. Jordan was not in today) to see how me was. At 9:30am, he seemed to be improving, and they expected that I could take him home that afternoon (wanted to watch him for the rest of the day). I didn't hear from them in the afternoon, so I called at 3:00pm to see how he was. I was told by the front desk girl that he was ready to go and I could come pick him up. My 7 year old son and I were very excited that he was going know, assuming that he responded well to the fluids. Upon arrival, we were asked to wait and they'd let the staff in the back know we were there (please bear in mind, at this point, they knew I was there only with only my 7 year old son). Prior to putting me in a room, they had me satisfy my bill. They then put us in a room, where, after waiting nearly 5 minutes, the Dr. came in and told us, with no regard that I had a child with me, that Yoda was not doing well and that he was being kept alive on oxygen. I am trying to hold in tears as to not alarm my son, but was disarmed, not knowing how to proceed with him in the room and I couldn't send him out into the store on his own. The Vet proceeded to tell me that when they took him outside to "go potty", he was still ill-responsive and was very unsteady on his feet. He then noticed flickering in his eyes, and was certain, at this indication, that we were dealing with a brain tumor rather than an infection (particularly since he didn't respond to the antibiotics). As hard as I tried, I became hysterical along with my son, and had to call a neighbor to come meet me there so she could care for my son while I handled the issue with my dog. My husband was still about 30 minutes out, trying to make it as quickly as he could. My neighbor and son waited outside while my other neighbor sat with me as I held my dog, having him die in my arms. Please know that this complaint is not that I am dissatisfied with the overall care my dog received. Dr. Jordan is a fine Vet. I am absolutely appalled and shocked that they would "prepare" me to take my dog home, see that I have a small child in tow upon arrival, put on a perfect poker face to collect my money, and have me enter a room with a little boy expecting to take his dog home to only have the Vet come in and tell us he's dying. Had I been given any indication that the vet "needed to discuss something with me", I would have left my son with family or friends. By the time my husband arrived, our dog had already moved on. He was livid that my son was present, and let the staff know his feelings. Losing a pet is part of loving them, and I understand that, but the extra trauma put upon me to have my son learn the news in a way I would have never exposed him to amplifies my grief. Plus, I am now reading stories with the understanding that Banfield will continue to charge me the $40 a month for a wellness plan for an animal that no longer exists. This is only my first effort of putting my complaints into print. Banfield is next. I know that they cannot bring my dog back, but I, at minimum, want an explanation and an appropriate apology about their process.
The only economical damage was the $500 spent to treat him, however, that is to be expected. I don't blame them for attempting the treatment for an inner ear infection. I am on disability myself, and our household funds are not such where we have an extra $500 to handle these situations, but we made it work for our dog. Where I am heartsick is that I will continue paying $40 a month for a dog that cannot use the"wellness plan". I can't even transfer it to my other dog. There was no physical damage, but there was a level of emotional damage put upon my son. He understands death, however, he should have heard it from me, elsewhere, in a way that a mother explains it. He is now frightened of the Vet office, and, in turn, since it is located in our local Petsmart store, he will no longer go in there. The way they handled this was traumatic and will leave a long term, negative lasting effect on him.
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i_am_canadian on 10/31/2009:
I really don't know what to say, except that what your son faced is one of life's most painful and difficult lessons. I know it seems unfair for such a young child, but it will be something he experiences many times, and something he will one day experience himself. You as a parent should (if you haven't already) have a long talk with him about what happened and help him understand that it's a part of life.
And I don't see Dr. Jordan as a 'fine' vet, a fine vet shows compassion as well as competence.
Anonymous on 10/31/2009:
There is NOTHING fine about Banfield or their employees, agreed, Canadian. I am sorry about the loss of your pet. Your little boy just learned a hard lesson, and fortunately for your future pets, you won't take them back there.
Anonymous on 10/31/2009:
PS. Take your child to a shelter and let him choose another dog to love. Teaching him this part of the circle of life can be very healing, and you give a poor little animal the chance to be loved as much as you loved your Pug.
madconsumer on 10/31/2009:
death of a family pet is the hardest lesson for children to learn.
PepperElf on 10/31/2009:
my family cat went through something similar but... nothing wrong with our vets.
we suspect the cat had a stroke and her last few days she wouldn't eat. mom was feeding her chicken broth via a dropper to keep her up on liquids
we finally realized it was her time. mom stayed with the cat for the final shot, cos she didn't want sis or I to see.
buried her in the back yard.
Nohandle on 10/31/2009:
Your situation was totally mishandled in my opinion. Forget for a moment them allowing you to come pick up your pet and then request payment up front before being sent to a room to wait. That's bad enough but to allow you to take your child to a room to hear the news along with you was inappropriate. They had to have been aware of what was going on.
Twice I recall walking into my vet clinic and noticed children in the waiting area along with an employee sitting with them. No parent in sight. There was no doubt in my mind what was going on and it was going to be bad news. Accidents happen with animals and sometimes Mom has to put the pet in the car and take along the children, having no other choice at the time. At least my vet clinic offers some compassion and allows the parent enough time to compose himself before the children are told.
I am very sorry for the loss of your pet but do consider Sherdy's advice and allow your child to select another pet. It does help along the healing process.
goduke on 10/31/2009:
When my beloved pet died a couple of years ago, I was at an emergency hospital. They told me the bad news (that she had to be put down), but then we had to discuss payment before I could see her at the end. Seemed kind of cruel at the time.
A couple of weeks later I went back to talk to the hospital administrator about it. She explained that while it did seem cruel, in the past when they had allowed folks to leave assuming they would pay later, they had an amazingly high amout of bad debt, and had to deal with collections. In other words, we all suffer because folks don't pay their bills.
Ben There on 10/31/2009:
Goduke is right - a good friend of mine is a vet and if they did not collect payment up front most of them would have to close shop. Too many people feel that if an animal dies they do not need to pay the bill.
CrazyRedHead on 10/31/2009:
When I was 7 or 8 I watched my favorite cat get hit by a car and the driver just driving away. It was obvious that the driver saw this, since Simba flew up in the air and bounced off of his windshield (55 mph speed limit) and I was close to the road to see this. I know how traumatic it was for me so I can imagine what your son is feeling. I still remember it quite vividly to this day and I'm 39 now, but your son will recover from this and maybe learn something.
clutzycook on 10/31/2009:
Banfield vets are the Dr. Nicks of the business. I took my two cats there a few years back. One cat was fine, but the other one had "something wrong" with him. They drew blood and apparently everything came back fine (or so the doctor told me) so they basically shrugged it off. A month later he was dead. We don't know the exact cause of death because we couldn't afford a necropsy (and it wouldn't have brought him back anyway) but I wonder if the Banfield people had investigated the situation sooner if they may have been able to diagnose him correctly.
Anonymous on 10/31/2009:
I think vets become desensitized about the situation as so many people don't treat their animals as though they are family.
I am sorry your child was present but I think the vet explained the situation calmly and with compassion. Perhaps you didn't want your child to hear it, but my girls were with me when our cat died from poisoning and our vet told us. They were also present when our 13 year old cat passed away in our hallway from old age. Maybe it is me, but my children have always been exposed to life's consequences.
Death is a hard thing for adults, but I think children accept it easier since they have no fear of anything at such a young age. Kids are more resilient than you know.
Just explain to your son and he will be OK.
Anonymous on 10/31/2009:
My regular vet cried when she put my kitty to sleep, this after I stupidly used Banfield in an emergency situation, let them rip me off, and then took her to my regular vet. As for paying before treatment, I know they need the money, and I understand that because there is a business end to everything, but there is always a better way to everything when dealing with death and love and a good vet knows this.
Skye on 10/31/2009:
I'm sorry for the loss of your beloved Pug. You also have to understand, it hurts the doctors and staff also, to lose a pet. I used to cry in my car at lunch time, due to having to put down pets thought the day. I'm a vet tech, and I have also had to put down my own dogs, and it still pains me to this day.
The only thing, is in the end, they are at peace.
Ytropious on 10/31/2009:
The dog is part of your family, and your child needs to hear it from someone that he's not going to live. The vet probably assumed that you had prepared your child to hear the exact case. Who knows, maybe this vet had a similar happenstance and asked the mom if the boy would like to wait outside and the mom got appalled that the vet didn't want to include her son in the news, so she just assumes it's alright now. Your son is 7, he's old enough to know what death is. Loss of a pet isn't easy, but come on, he would have had to hear it some time. I saw my mom cry when my grandma put one of her dogs down, and my future kids will see me cry when my dogs die. It's not a bad thing for your kids to see you sad, it's a fact of life. No need to sugar coat things and make it so they never feel pain or see pain.
old fart on 10/31/2009:
I'm almost 70 and when Matilda kitty goes, I don't know how I'll handle it but it's a fair bet that I will weep at the loss...
Skye on 10/31/2009:
OF, nothing wrong with that. You love her. I still weep for my animals that are gone. I can't help it. I'm getting choked up, just typing this.
OK, got to go get the kids from my parents. My playtime is over.
Crown Jules on 11/01/2009:
First of all, I am so sorry for the loss of your Yoda. My heart truly goes out to you and your family. Regarding the request for payment for services, however, they had two choices: collect from you before they tell you your dog's fate or after. I'm sure experience and common sense have shown that to inform somebody of a pet's death and then to ask for money would appear to be completely cold and callous. They probably understand that people are grieving and that it's not the best time to bring up finances.
animel128 on 11/02/2009:
Thank you all for your kind words and responses to my situation. This has been a very difficult weekend for me and my family. I want to make sure that everyone that reads this understands a few things so you know exactly where my head is at:
My son has been through the loss of one of our dogs already...however, his father found her (she passed peacefully - on her own - at 15 years old - sleeping in her favorite spot). He at leat had the opportunity to prepare my son forhte news. Granted, my son was only 5 when this happened and still had yet to grasp the permanence of death. He handled it well. This time, we were both excited to be told that Yoda was fine and was ready to go home (well - when I asked how he was over the phone, the receptionist said, "he's ready to go home...the Dr. will talk to you when you get here). My beef is that they didn't alllow me the chance to have my son appropriately cared for when the news was delivered. We were sitting in the exam room - leash and collar in hand - ready to see him when the other Vet arrived and said "Yoda's not well...we're keeping him alive on Oxygen". I understand that my son (and I) will have to face the loss of our pets over the years, but this was not the way to handle it with someone with a small child present. I also understand why they charged me up front. I think I just put that in simply to describe the chain of events. The least they could have done was pull me off to the side, told me Yoda's condition has changed, and asked me what I'd like to do for my child. As a parent, I usually know how to handle situations as far as he is concerned, but I was absolutely blindsided, confused, with him next to me, trying to fight myself from breaking down. Thank God my neighbor was only 5 minutes away and could come care for him while I held my other baby and said goodbye (oh - they also brought him in to me with the oxygen tube still shoved down his throat..maybe they didn;t want to impart more discomfort on him by removing it, but it added to the horror of the situation nonetheless. I removed it myself after he "went to sleep"). Also, I noticed that the Vet did a hasty retreat from the room after giving him the shot. Every other time I have had to put my pets to sleep, they check them with the stethoscope to ensure it worked. I had to request it from the nurse when she returned a few moments later.
As far as Banfield is concerned, Dr. Jordan himself has been wonderful to me... He was not in the office the day Yoda passes, so it was not Dr. Jordan that mis-handled the situation. I have been marginally unhappy with Banfield during hte entire time I've been taking my pets there. Mostly with the front desk staff and a few of the nurses. Dr. Jordan has done all he can considering my financial situation with both Yoda and my other elderly dog (he's 15 with Lupus). The ONLY reason I continued to go there was because of him. I do not want his reputation tarnished because of my situation. He is a fine Dr. and a great person in general.
When my husband finally arrived, he was beyond livid that they handled it the way they did. When he commented to the nurse, "You really need to prepare someone that had a child with them before delivering news like this," (angrily, btw... and my husband is normally passive), we got no apology. She only said, "Well... it just happened as they walked in through the door." I honestly don;t know enough about Banfield's medical training to critique the medical care they give, but they defintiely need a class or two on sympathy and client service.
I am normally not one to publicly complain, but Banfield corporate will be hearing about my sitatuion. I don't expect anything in return, but, at minimum, that they teach their staff how to handle these things appropriately.
Yes .... I will be seeing another Vet from now on. And I do plan on taking my son to pick out another dog. Yoda absolutely cannot be replaced, but we believe that if we have the room to give a homeless animal a good home, then his death will not be in vain.
Thank you.
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Medical Services for Dogs
Posted by
CANTON, OHIO -- Sorry this is so lengthy, please read. I put our Gus on the senior wellness plan at Banfield in canton, Ohio. Major mistake. Whole Banfield system is worthless, unqualified and the optimum wellness plan is a scam too. My standard size daschund 14yrs old, diabetic and insulin dependent, very sick and for those you who don't know vets will insist on a "blood glucose curve", where the pet is kept all day and their blood sugar is checked every 2hours $125. Been there, done this w/ other vets. Banfield insisted on 2 curves totaling $250 added to his wellness plan. I checked his readings for 2yrs poking his upper lip. Had this down to a routine and recorded his numbers. When I refused the manager/vet informed me they wouldn't treat him anymore. Told them to "kiss off", Gus is 14yrs old and very sick and blind not putting him through trauma. His readings were out of control yes, curve doesn't fix this. very difficult to control his glucose readings. my experience with vets it's not about teaching you how to control blood sugar levels, its more about charging for curves. These vets thought I was stupid.
Pets with diabetes requiring insulin is a racket at most vets offices including Banfield. They don't care about normal readings. Is this what graduates from these prestigious vet schools now? I found an older vet who understood and showed me how to maintain a normal range without the curves. Comparing my readings to his and they were in sync. These levels have to be checked at home daily not just 2 days at vets office $250 later. this older vet helped me keep Gus more comfortable in his final days than any vet in 2yrs he had since diagnosed w/ diabetes.
Conclusion: Banfield's's wellness plan is a scam. Stay away if pet is diabetic or major illness. You may leave from visit not paying anything upfront, but you'll rack up more chgs for unnecessary procedures. If living in canton, oh go to Dr. Hickman, Mellett animal hospital. He will even draw you a diagram if needed. Stay away from Banfield!!!
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clutzycook on 10/02/2013:
I still think that Banfield is at least partially to blame for my 15 month old cat's death 7 years ago. I wouldn't recommend them to anyone. They are the Walmart Tire and Lube of vet clinics
jktshff1 on 10/02/2013:
Well put clutzy
trmn8r on 10/02/2013:
If you read Banfield complaints, a very troubling pattern quickly emerges. I got a dog 4-1/2 years ago, and happened into a local animal hospital. No insurance, no "treatment plans". Just reasonable rates, and common sense checkups. I wouldn't go near Banfield with a 20' pole.
jktshff1 on 10/03/2013:
Well put clutzy
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Wrong Diagnosis, Excessive Charges, No Response to Complaint Letter
Posted by
PARKER, COLORADO -- This is a letter I sent to Banfield's corporate office in Portland OR on 6 Dec 2012.
I am writing to express my extreme dissatisfaction with the treatment received at your Parker, Colorado location.
My cats Neko-San and Charlie have been enrolled in your Optimum Wellness Plan since March 2010. On 21 November 2011 at approximately 7:10 AM I delivered them to the Banfield location in Parker, Colorado for a health checkup and annual dental cleaning. I signed the usual treatment consent forms, and a separate form regarding their dental cleanings. I authorized extractions up to $ 50 per cat. I inquired as to the cost of an extraction and was advised by the receptionist that it would be between $ 10 and $ 20 per tooth.
At approximately 1 PM I received a phone call from Dr. Laraio. He told me that Neko would require 11 extractions, and that the cost would be in the $ 1,000 range, plus about $ 300 – 400 for medications. I did not authorize the procedure for several reasons. Neko is 13 years old, and I feared that losing 11 teeth would not only cause him severe pain, but would also adversely affect his quality of life. Less than two hours later, I received a second phone call from Dr. Laraio advising me that Charlie needed between 3 and 5 extractions. Again, I did not authorize the procedure. As a retired senior on a limited income, I can ill afford to spend close to $ 2000 on pet care, in addition to monthly wellness plan premiums of $ 62.90.
I picked the cats up from Banfield shortly after 4:30 pm. Both appeared a little drowsy. The necessity of the extractions was again emphasized by Dr. Laraio and a vet tech. I was not informed of any other potential health problems.
I telephoned my previous veterinarian who retired several years ago and discussed the cats' dental health with him. He referred me to his family's veterinarian whom I consulted on 26 November 2011. I had downloaded the lab test results and treatment history of both cats from the Banfield website. After examining the cats and the lab results, he told me that he saw no reason or need for the extreme procedures recommended by Dr. Laraio.
I no longer have any confidence in the Banfield staff and will not return there for my cats' care. I request that the cats' Wellness Plans be terminated effective at the end of November 2011. I will share my experience with my friends and advise them to consider alternatives to Banfield .
I look forward to a written response at your earliest convenience.
Very truly yours
I have yet to receive a written response. Banfield continues to hound me by telephone for payments of the wellness plan, leaving messages demanding that I call them.
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clutzycook on 05/12/2012:
IMHO, taking one's pet to Banfield is like taking one's car to Walmart. I've done both and would never repeat either.
trmn8r on 05/12/2012:
What you say does not surprise me, clutzy, though I have not previously heard that from someone whose opinion I trust.
I had my precious dog to the vet a few days ago. Both she and I love to go there. The people and service are great, and the prices right. I feel lucky to have such a place within a few miles of my home.
clutzycook on 05/12/2012:
So you're saying you don't trust my opinion, 8r?
I took my cats to Banfield about 6 years ago. They determined that there was something wrong with one of them. They drew labs, charged me $200 for the pleasure, then told me the next day that it was likely a virus that he would get over.
He was dead 6 weeks later.
Now, I know that diagnostics is sometimes a crap shoot in animals as well as humans, but I can't help but wonder if my 15 month old cat would still be alive today if we had taken him to a regular vet clinic...
jktshff1 on 05/12/2012:
Clutzy, I read he trusted your opinion.
Good review thanks.
trmn8r on 05/12/2012:
That is correct, jktshff1, I trust clutzy's opinion and intended it to be a kind of compliment.
clutzycook on 05/15/2012:
Well I'm flattered guys. :)
trmn8r on 05/15/2012:
I just reread this complaint, and it is the poster child for why one should avoid Banfield. Bunch of crooks! $62 bucks a month for the double platinum wellness plan, and then they want to needlessly extract a bunch of teeth for additional fees. I had a dentist once this reminds me of. Was going to start working on 13 cavities when I decided to go elsewhere. The new dentist told me I had none.
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BE very WARY!!!
Posted by
TOWSON, MARYLAND -- I have recently adopted a cat from the shelter and was given $30 coupon towards Banfield Pet Hospital & thought I give them a try.
I always do my research for most everything being on the net all the time & love info on things (eg. pet insurances, how to care for my cat, recipes, how to, advises etc.).
I did a review search on Banfield and it took me to here, pissed Consumer Reports, Yelp, some other review sites and see nothing but consumer complains... so I got "the idea" of how Banfield really is.
I still went, seeing is believing right?
When I was there, sure enough like all the complaints... they try to sell me this and that (my DD even crack a joke on the Kitty needing "Surrrgerrry" in a funny voice) plus the "Wellness plan" that will be the same monthly payment as any "pet insurance" and then stressing that "it is NOT an insurance". Mind you, anything not under "wellness" will be $$$$$$ extra (but of course).
The vet tech was trying so had to sell me the "wellness" that they told me that day's visit would be $180 plus (since "wellness is $200 plus for the year; the vet tech played it so it is like a huge savings)!!! 8{ --- (Thinking I was stupid of course! What an insult plus turn me right off!!!)
So I ask her what the basic physical without all the rest of the crap cost, then he sheepishly said $44. I said OK, I'll do just that! They also charge me $3 for a disposal fee for just throwing an "ear swab" from my cat into the trash can (NOT into any "special" container for medical disposal for Christ sake!)! 8(
I am pissed, yes.
Here forth, I sincerely believed that this Banfield Practice is nothing but a "Money making" scheme thought up by "evil companies" just trying to suck your hard earn money!
So even if you bring your pets in, the Banfield practice WILL try to SELL you everything (from "plans" to drugs & surgeries that your pet MAY NOT NEED, hence endangering their lives plus sucking your $$$$) & anything to mark up their intake $$$$.
I promised myself I would share my more than FAIR reviews on Banfield after my visit. Hey, I did give them A CHANCE to prove the reviews here wrong by spending my $$$ on them.
******To all consumers:
DO NOT get suck into buying from Banfield "wellness plans"!
#1) Then *YOU* be STUCK "with them" plus still have to dish out extra $$$$ for so many "uncovered" expenses <-- *REMEMBER* even Banfield says *The PLAN IS NOT an insurance* (so warning there)!!!
#2) Pet Insurances are even a bit *less* than "wellness" if you do shop around!
Don't BE "Banfield Pet Hospital's" SUCKERS!
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goduke on 08/20/2010:
Other than the trying to sell you a wellness plan, how was the visit with the vet?
shootingstar1284 on 08/20/2010:
I called for a quote on a spay and they also tried to sell me the wellness plan. Apparently it's $350 for the spay and $380 for whatever plan they were trying to sell me which included distemper shots, FIV vaccine, rabies vaccine, free office visits, and the spay and bloodwork. Alas, I've already had everything else done so it's not really worth it in my book, but it seems like selling these plans is a big thing for this clicnic. (And $350 seems kind of high for *just* the spay)
smarty_consumer on 08/21/2010:
My dog nearly died after going to Banfield and being overdosed. They paid the very expensive emergency bills and I never took her back again. I found a private vet instead after that.
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Veterinary Service @ Banfield Pet Clinic
Posted by
Our Waldo
WOODINVILLE, WASHINGTON -- My 17 year old daughter took our elderly poodle, Waldo, in for grooming on a Friday and received a call that his nose had started bleeding during the grooming (he has never had a nosebleed before). He was sent over to the vet clinic to be checked out. The tech on the phone told my daughter that he might have a tumor and that they would need to do x-rays. She became very upset and called me at work. She sobbingly told me that Waldo was bleeding and really sick and might die because they thought he might have a tumor. He had already been diagnosed with a weak lyranx and sometimes has dry coughs. This vet told me when I called that this was untrue and that it was a symptom of a heart murmur. He strongly recommended x-rays to rule out the tumor and insisted that Waldo had a heart murmur.
He prescribed antibiotics for a nasal infection, saying that was the best way to start treatment and that they would call with the results of the x-rays. As I was paying $460.00 for the visit, the vet came out and spoke to another gentleman. He was telling him that his dog needed x-rays to rule out a condition and I was thinking how odd that it sounded so generic and just like the conversation I had just had. I felt that this was the way they were making money. I looked at my bill and saw the outrageous charges. It was all related to the x-rays. I even had to pay a fee for a specialist to decipher them.
In conclusion, the vet would not give me a diagnosis from the x-rays, we had to wait to hear from the specialist, which we never did. I paid this outrageous fee with no diagnosis to date (3 weeks) I have called and the vet is supposed to return my call...waiting...I sure wish I had looked online for other consumer reviews before I allowed treatment for my pet. Good luck.
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Anonymous on 08/08/2008:
My best wishes for Waldo. Laryngeal paralysis is common in elderly dogs and so are coughs due to heart conditons. The former is not curable, but is seldom the cause of the pet's demise. If your dog is bleeing from the nose, do consider having a 'real' vet scope the nasopharangeal airways. Adenosarcoma (cancer) of the nasal and tracheal linings (rare) usually affects boxers, but is occasionally found in other breeds. Obviously antibiotics are of little value in such cases. Since most tumours are soft tissue, they very rarely show up on x-rays...unless they are invading the boney tissues under the tumour. Again, my warmest wishes for your Waldo. Few independent vets would charge the fees you describe. Good luck!!
Anonymous on 08/08/2008:
I Echo the sentiments about your Waldo. I wrote the review about Banfield being money driven and worthless. A virtual pat and nuzzle to his head for him from me.
summertime0313 on 10/07/2009:
yes, vets have magic crystal balls just waiting for when your pets comes in sick so that it can tell them wat is wrong with your pet. No tests necessary! I will never understand people. Radiographs are a good way to rule out many possible issues. obvuously Banfield was not your regular vet, which would mean they had no medical history on the patient....and would u really want your pet to sit there bleeing out of the nose so that they called call and get records faxed over 2 hours later? because then...wouldn't you be upset that they did not do enough to help your pet?....so what would have made you happy?...to pay nothing? get a cheap bill?...maybe in another world...
Anonymous on 10/07/2009:
Ghost, sherdy, if the independent vet had no medical history on your pet, and had no idea what was wrong, he sure as heck would charge the same or near for the tests to find out. They are not mind readers. Good grief. Who takes their dog to a pet store for a vet appointment anyway.
Anonymous on 10/30/2009:
Did you bother to read my original review before posting the above? My vet didn't charge anything near what Banfield did. You are wrong. Way to be sensitive to people with hurt or now dead animals thanks to Banfield. Wow. Just wow.
Anonymous on 10/31/2009:
Sherdy, if your comment was directed at me, then let me just say that Banfield is a retail location whereas your vet is not. You generally will pay more when buying retail.
Anonymous on 10/31/2009:
Yes, it was directed at you, and if you had bothered to read the link under my comment, you couldn't in any good conscience address me as you did. My vet charges $25 for an office call, Banfield charges $38. My vet knew the problem from the obvious symptoms and charged $28 for the blood test. Banfield lied to me and got me for $2800. Yes, I did pay more. Because I loved my old cat, I paid and paid and paid. Banfield is not directly responsible for my cat's death. They are responsible for lying to me and taking advantage of my ignorance to the tune of almost 3K.
Anonymous on 10/31/2009:
Sherdy, my cat was poisoned by a neighbor several years ago and died after staying in the hospital my vet ran. It cost me $750 for a dead cat. My vet had absolutely no idea my cat had been poisoned until he ran a few tests.
I am sorry your animal died, honestly. I LOVED my cat, and love my puppy. My point was about the tests is that with no medical history, ANY vet worth his salt will run the needed tests to garner a diagnosis. Just like a doctor, they do not all charge the same fee.
Don't beat me up, but had your animal survived, would that $2800 be easier to swallow?
MRM on 10/31/2009:
LadyScot, how did you found that it was your neighbor that poisoned your cat?
Anonymous on 10/31/2009:
I would have spent anything to have her with me. I have a credit card with an enormous limit and money really isn't an issue for me with my animals. I would have spent it happily. The point is, the cat had textbook symptoms of diabetes, something my regular vet knew by physically examining the cat and then confirming with a cheap blood test. Banfield told me it was liver issues, no, wait, a blood thing, no wait, it's her kidneys, oh, she might have a lung infection, oh wait, her liver enzymes are down now, take her home. She'll be fine. What I cannot swallow is the number of complaints against Banfield which follow the same path mine did. They lied to me to take my money. That is what I cannot and will not ever swallow. Boohey would have died anyway. She had an end stage fatal disease and if I had known to look up diabetes online, I could have diagnosed her myself, no blood tests, no xrays. She had every symptom, every one of them. Banfield is in the business of making money...nothing else.
Anonymous on 10/31/2009:
MRM, our neighbor had said once that if he saw cats on his property he would poison them. Our cat was an inside/outside cat. When she died, I happen to mention that it was ironic that she was poisoned after he made that statement. His response was that she won't come back onto his property would she. Of course, with no proof the cops couldn't really do anything.
Sherdy, I apologize. I am not familiar with how Banfield works. Are they even a real vet? I read your review again. One one hand I can see the tests if the vet was stumped. It happens with doctors and humans sometimes. But, if Boohey had diabetes, was it easy to diagnose? I mean, would your vet have made a diagnosis of diabetes right off? Did her symptoms mirror any other disease to make diagnosis difficult?
Exactly how does a vet diagnose diabetes in an animal? If it is a matter of neglect and shoddy health care, then I would sue.
Anonymous on 11/01/2009:
Diabetes is very easy to diagnose. The only reason my vet did the blood test was to appease me, but she knew. When I looked up the disease, Boo had every textbook symptom, increased appetite, frequent urination, weight loss, even though she had always been a fat cat, lethargy, and her back legs didn't seem to work well. In fact, when I talked to the my vet on the phone, she said, "Sounds like diabetes." The Banfield vet HAD to have known this.
The guy who poisoned your cat is going to burn in you know where. My cats don't go out because of all of the idiots out thre.
AmericanEssence on 09/16/2011:
I just read the story of your dog being groomed at PetSmart, I'm sorry to hear it wasn't a good experience. I too, took my little girl yorkie to the grooming salon at PetSmart in Woodinville, Wa. She had an appointment at 7:30 am. Her apptmt started with a bath - then went on to her being groomed. During the grooming my little Emi had to go potty twice,(not sure if it was her nerves or what-I was never told)but each time she went potty the groomer had to re-bath her so as you can imagine it made the groomer upset with her. The groomer called a family member and said if Emi were to go potty again she would have to come and pick her up. As it turned out Emi was groomed and then put into one of their kennels in the back until someone was called and told to pick her up. In the meantime of Emi being kept in the back, she was barking. Later I was told she barked so much from 9am - 3:30pm when I got there, that Emi was hoarse. When I got Emi she had a wild look on her face, her ears were back, she was panting very fast, and her eyes seemed glazed and sort of buldging out. (hard to describe) So after seeing her I automatically picked her up and tried to calm her down - gave her some sips of water and offered her some food thinking maybe since she's with me she'll calm down and everything will be okay. From 3:30 to 9:00 pm she was panting - not eating - not drinking. I tried to cool her off by wetting her down - gave her Nutra-cal so she would have something in her system - afterall she's just a little yorkie weighing in at 4 lbs. At 9pm that evening Emi calasped on the kitchen floor. I was so upset and in distress. I started over to her however a family mbr got to her sooner and started to try to revive her. She noticed she wasn't breathing very strong but could hear her heart beating, and so she started CPR on little Emi. After several failed attempts to get Emi to come several family mbrs ran with her in their arms to the car and sped off frantically to the local Emergency Veterian Specialist located 10 miles from our home. After handing Emi off to the doctors they ran into an examing room and continued to treat Emi - checking her vitals, giving her EPI to make her come around. At 10:18 pm EmiLee Evanessance Willow Rios was pronounced dead. I was so lost, hurt and just wanted someone to talk to me about what happened but I, to this day, have not heard anything from the PetSmart groomers nor the office. I didn't receive a condolence card or even a simple phone call stating they had heard what happened to Emi. I did however receive a wonderful card from the emergency hospital (VCA - Lynnwood, Wa). They seem to have a soul and feelings. All in all, what would anyone do differently than I did? I want to talk with the Board of Directors and Mgmt at the PetSmart Corporate Office. I want to talk to the PetSmart Grooming Salon and tell the workers and their mgrs of what happened just so they can watch out for 'red flags' if they see a dog in distress. I want to tell the Board, Mgrs, Directors, and groomers to take a course on what breds can have 'leads' around their necks, to hold them in place, and what breds can have their larynx crushed by having a 'lead' put around their necks. I want to tell the Board, Mgrs, Directors and groomers that when you see a dog that's in distress like EmiLee was to request to take the dog to the vet within the store there (Banfield Vet Hsp), and ask for them to check her out since she seemed to be acting differently than what they had seen before. (Emi has been going there for over 2 yrs - they knew Emi and her sisters Lexie and Chloe. All Yorkies). All I can seem to do right now is cry. One day soon I hope I'm able to call the health insurance company to have Emi's insurance canceled, but for me that will be another end. Another final last word of Emi's. EmiLee, oh how I miss you my little princess, my little angel. She always had her tail wagging - always ready to greet me at the front door. Now all I have are memories of her. She was taken way before her time. I love you EmiLee. Does anyone know what I can do now? Do I want to contact more than just the directors, board, mgrs, and groomer people at PetSmart? What would you have done if you had this happen to you?
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They Killed My Dog
Posted by
I took my 2 year old bull dog to get his shots updated they had me leave him there for a couple of hours and they said that he was stressed out and sedated him without my permission. He got sick from the medication vomited and choked to death. To add insult to injury I talked to an old class mate who used to work there and found out this wasn't the first otherwise healthy pet who died in there care during routine services.
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ejack053824 on 07/02/2011:
So sorry for your loss!! God I would have gone ape if that happened to my pugs. Get you a lawyer!
jktshff1 on 07/02/2011:
Yep, get an attorney
sabletaz on 07/02/2011:
Does not sound like they know what they are doing. This should be investigated by your state department that handles animal welfare issues.
azRider on 07/02/2011:
yep, this is very bad. you need to contact the local animal groups for help, you should look at maybe a small claims case to bring attention to it. there is no reason your dog should have died, it was bad training and poor attention. contact some groups and see what you can due to get the word out. also contact their corporate office and let them know your going to do this.
Mrs.Cole on 07/02/2011:
I'm confused, why would they have you leave your dog there? Shots take only two minutes and any tech can give them.
olie on 07/02/2011:
I am very sorry for your loss. Our vet requires us to be in the room for shots and exams. We can help the tech hold the dog and we provide a calming influence.
I hope you file a small claims suit.
me on 07/08/2011:
Oh my gosh....SUE THEM and REPORT TO BBB in your state!!!!! You have a major lawsuit....THat's the saddest thing I've ever heard of
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Contract after pet dies
Posted by
I called Banfield to let them know my dog had died 2 weeks ago and they told me I couldn't get out of the contract. They said I have to pay the monthly charge for 2 more years. I can't believe they would make me pay when I no longer have my dog!!!
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tnchuck100 on 10/24/2010:
They do not care about you or your dog. Their intent all along was to bind you into a contract and extract money from you. Which is exactly what they did. All they are concerned about now is getting your money.
They were counting on you not reading the contract and discovering that your pet dying was irrelevant. You didn't read it, did you?
Anonymous on 10/24/2010:
I wouldn't pay it. I would tell them to go to hell and kiss my royal you know what.
Sparticus on 10/24/2010:
Very sorry to hear about your dog. I think the worst part about all this is that you are going to be reminded of your dog every time you have to pay that bill.
If you know someone else with a dog, I would offer to take their dog in for the remainder of your contract. At least let someone you know benefit from it.
Skye on 10/24/2010:
I'm so sorry for the loss of your dog. This is such a hard time for you and your family.
What was the contract for? Is it for services they rendered, and you were under a payment plan?
Nohandle on 10/24/2010:
I just looked this up and obviously only selected one phrase.
Banfield's contract states: "If the subscriber cancels for any reason, including to not limiting death or disposal, the provider shall be entitled to retain the entire membership fee."
Hello, your pet dies and you are still under a contract? It's sad enough to lose a pet but good grief. Unless I misunderstand the entire contract the one signing on is in fact liable for payments. Can it be transferred to another pet? I don't have a clue.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your pet. Been there and done that.
Anonymous on 10/24/2010:
Very sorry for your loss. I'd also like to know what the contract was for.
And, this might be a good time to consult with an attorney...how can they hold you to a contract if your pet dies and you're able to provide documentation?
Anonymous on 10/24/2010:
Nohandle, oh I'm sure they can transfer it, and pay another huge fee, I'm sure!
Skye on 10/24/2010:
It would really be helpful to know what kind of contract the OP is under.
jktshff1 on 10/24/2010:
I too am sorry for your loss.
Seems as if you are purchasing a total contract, rather than monthly coverage. If you pay it all on the front end, you would get not money back. Taking the option of monthly payments would not limit your responsibility for the full contract. Good review, helps to remind people to read and understand what they are signing.
raven2010 on 10/24/2010:
Interesting info---it appears the contract is binding, no matter what. Another example of why folks should read every word of anything they sign.
jktshff1 on 10/24/2010:
Not just read UNDERSTAND and ask questions.
clutzycook on 10/24/2010:
I guess the possibility that your dog could die before the contract ends doesn't always enter into people's minds.
Banfield The Pet Hospital on 10/25/2010:
We are sorry to hear about the loss of your dog. At Banfield, we consider your dog to be a part of our family, too.
Regarding payment, please know that you are only responsible for the services that your dog had received. Unlike insurance, Wellness Plans provide preventive services that Pets need throughout the year, with payment spread over 12 months for client convenience. To cancel, simply call our Wellness Plan Relations team at 888-649-2716. Payment will only need to continue if services that were provided have not yet been paid. I hope this helps.
Thank you,
Banfield The Pet Hospital
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Posted by
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA -- Banfield Pet Hospital Location No. 109 at Pasadena, California, do not honor appointments. We have waited 1.5 hours for an appointment we made, for each visit. It seems there is no point in making an appointment as they treat all customers on a walk-in basis.
We made a complaint re the above and their response was to cancel our insurance. Their insurance, Wellness Plan, does not prorate, so if the service is bad, you have to stay with the vet for the remainder of the year.
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Anonymous on 07/04/2009:
Believe me when I tell you they did you a favor by shoving toward the door with canceling your plan and making you mad with long waits, aka poor customer service. Most of the Banfields are strictly profit driven, not animal care givers-this is well documented all over the Internet. Click on my name and read my review on them.
goduke on 07/06/2009:
There's a great network of vets I stumbled into because I've moved around for work every few years. It's VCA. Every one of their vets I've encountered have been amazing. I haven't met them all, so I'm sure there are some who aren't great, but I've been pleased.
summertime0313 on 10/07/2009:
When you pay monthly for a wellness plan, you are not paying for unlimited service until you stop paying. Banfield is giving you a years worth of services upfront without taking full payment, only the customers "word" that they will pay about $20.00 a month until the services they have already received have been paid off. its sad to see that not everyone knows how to read what they are signing. I have had nothing but great service from banfield. Don't make excuses for your misconceptions and poor judgment calls
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My Poor Boxer
Posted by
ANOKA, MINNESOTA -- My poor Boxer was limping around today and holding up his paw. I sat down with him to check his foot over and his little toe nail was broken.
I immediately called the vet to find out if it was necessary to bring him in. They told me to bring him right in (no appointment needed either).
We checked in and they took him right back to his room, gave him a doggy biscuit and played with him, they all love him there, he's so cute, see for yourself on my blog. They gently cut his toe nail back, he cried so loudly, my heart was a breaking'(I absolutely love my dog). all done, another doggy treat, some antibiotics,couple of shots, pain pills and he's good to go. Plus I have pet insurance a bill that should have been $138.00, was only $43.00, worth having insurance, if you have an accident prone dog, or a spendy breed. I love Banfield also, they are all so friendly and nice there and you can tell they really love our pets!!
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Sparticus on 01/11/2007:
Glad to hear they were able to fix him up! Now I'm off to check out your pics of him on your blog... =)
Anonymous on 01/11/2007:
I too am glad the little guy is OK and I seen him on your blog. He shood be on TV
Anonymous on 01/11/2007:
Thanks for the helpful review !
bill on 01/11/2007:
I am happy to hear that he is doing well. I am thinking about getting pet insurance. Which compnay do you use for your insurance?
Anonymous on 01/11/2007:
His little toenail was broken so he cut it back? Do you mean that it had broken off into his paw or what? Glad to hear that "Fifi" is better Tander. :)
Skye on 01/11/2007:
Zeus is gorgeous!! Glad he is feeling better. Banfield is a good place, and I am glad you had a positive experience!!
tander on 01/11/2007:
First of all Thanks Pirate! As for the insurance it's called Banfield Wellpet WPA, I pay $21.95 a month...for this visit, they paid for 2 shots and the office visit. As for cutting his toenail, they cut back right to the blood supply line and put cauterization medicine on it. It's pretty painful, he doesn't like putting his foot down, even today, he's still limping and holding his paw up. Thanks for the compliments on Zeus, Boxers are wonderful, funny and amusing dogs. They have personalities all their own.
bill on 01/12/2007:
Thanks Tander I will check them out.
shraa on 07/30/2010:
I think their wellness plans are amazing all the pretenvitive things they check for are something I would not be able to afford for all of my animals
Insurance Pet
aaru on 07/30/2010:
It is nice and useful information.
Pet Health Insurance
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