Seattle Veterinary Specialists

Oh, how I wish I had read reviews before taking our dog to this clinic. On January 31 our 11 1/2 year old Alaskan Malamute appeared to not feel well. We took him to our trusted local vet who felt we needed lab and diagnostic tests he could not do at his office. So we immediately took him to SVA. He was seen immediately, then we spoke with the Dr. She reported that an ultrasound showed a large tumor on his liver and was bleeding internally. It could not be determined if it was malignant or benign, or had spread to other organs. She said it could be removed and then followed up with chemotheraphy. At no point in our conversation were any other options offered or discussed. We were told there was a 60-70% chance it would be malignant. She recommended we leave him overnight so they could manage his pain and then be examined by the surgeon. On her recommendation, that is what we did. We paid our initial $2700 bill, and were given a surgical estimate of $3700 to $7000. We left our boy thinking he would be in good hands. In the morning we spoke with our vet after he spoke to the SVA vet. The reality of the situation was that there was more like a 90% chance of malignancy, AND doing the surgery & chemo we would be lucky to have him for 2-3 more months. Our own vet is all about what is best for the animal.....not SVA's pocketbook. The reality of the situation was that Tank was 11 1/2, and dogs of his breed and size have an average lifespan of 7-8 years. To put him thru surgery, and chemo would only be asking him to suffer so we didn't have to let him go. We couldn't let that happen. So we made the painful decision it was time to say goodby. We instructed SVA that we would come get him and he would spend his last hours with people who loved him. **Now, the important part of this narrative. When we arrived to pick him up he was in obvious pain. I was given his chart when paying the bill . It was noted in the chart he was given morphine for pain at around 10:00, he relaxed & slept. He awoke again around 4:00 and was in obvious discomfort, BUT was not given anymore morphine "because they ran out!!!" How does an animal hospital run out of pain medication---INCOMPETENCE. So our boy not only spent his last night alone in a strange place but his discomfort was exzerbated by the fact he was not given medication for pain. It became clear very quickly that this business was all about making money and NOT about what is best for the animal involved. Fortunately, we were in a position to spend the $10,000-$12,000 they were quoting for care, but not everyone can do that. What about those people? They love their pets just as much as we loved our Tank. This place is an embarrasment to veterinary medicine. On the company website it states:"Compassion is the foundation of everything we do, and that includes providing compassionate care to our clients in the form of excellent service." Perhaps they should take some of the fees they are earning and have a comprehensive review of those compassionate goals for their 3000 employees. What ever happened to the oath, "first do no harm"....??? Ask Tank. He, a dog who brought happiness, love and smiles to so many was made to suffer the last hours of his life would say, "I hurt." Please don't make your beloved pet go thru this. Find a nice, local independant vet who puts the good of the animal first, and patronize that business.