Paumanok Veterinary Hospital

Review: I took my dog buck to Paumanok to address his separation anxiety and a slight cough he had been experiencing. When seen by the dr, I felt he not only didn't listen to most of what I was telling him, but e immediately tried to run several blood tests amongst other tests adding up to around $400. I explained to him that I could not afford this. He gave me [redacted] for the dogs cough which he diagnosed as [redacted] after listening to his lungs for maybe 5 seconds, a tranquilizer for the anxiety and a collar that released scent to relax him. This all cost me around $150. They assured me as I left that they would call me during the week to see how my dog was. They didn't. The tranquilizers did not work, and his cough got no better. I called them and spoke to the dr who replied "the phone works both ways" when I mentioned they hadn't called as promised. I requested my money back seeing as how no real service had been provided for my money. He refused. I informed him that I have a cop, a lawyer and a news 12 worker in the family and he promptly hung up on me.Desired Settlement: In any business, items are returnable. And refunds are offered for products that do not work. And the way he brushed off my dog and my situation was cold, rude and insulting

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted],

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to [redacted]'s complaint to the Revdex.com. I do remember her dog "[redacted]" and [redacted] too. The visit actually went quite well. "[redacted]" is a 11 year old male intact Cocker Spaniel weighing 15.8 KG (35 lbs.) [redacted] was moderately overweight. The presenting complaint was cough and separation anxiety.

[redacted] did indeed have a [redacted]. His lungs were clear on [redacted] We discussed different ways to proceed including blood test which [redacted] alluded to. But [redacted] did mention significant budget constraints so we essentially did not do any additional diagnostics beyond the physical examination. However I did mention that if the initial treatment did not work we would have no choice but to investigate further. Like I said the visit on March ** was cordial and she appreciated our efforts to work within her budget. [redacted]) was a possibility and [redacted] is a very good [redacted] for this. We dispensed it.

The diagnosis of Separation Anxiety was based on [redacted]'s description of [redacted] at home. There are ways of modifying the home environment and dealing with the dog which we discussed. The collar we dispensed was [redacted]. This has a phermone (hormone that has external behavior effect) that is reported to have a calming effect. Sometime it works very well. There are other drugs that can be tried or referral to a behavioralist. This would require base line blood test. [redacted] already made it clear this was not in her budget so we kept it simple.

Our notes requested her to provide us with a progress report in five days. She did call ten days later with a complaint that [redacted] was not better and that we did not call. She said "I know a cop, a lawyer and someone who works News 12. If you do not give me back $150 I will inform them of the situation and they will go after you". This was a direct threat. I believe this to be extortion. I did end the conversation upon hearing this. She almost said the same thing in her written complaint which I believe is libel.

In any event [redacted]'s complaint is without merit. Her approach to dealing with it is arguably criminal. The ironic thing is the actual visit went well. She was quite complimentary at the time. I am not sure what is motivating.

I do hope this ends the matter. Thanks you.

Respectfully,

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

He didn't even get the age of my dog correct in his response. I did not say "they will come after you" I believe what I said was "you don't want the news to get involved". At this time I have been in contact with news 12, and have consulted my lawyer. $150 is nothing to this establishment. However I live on my own and have bills and rent and car payments and the $150 to me would go a long way. I don't know why they won't just do the right thing and refund my money. A friend of mine just two days ago told me her vet has refunded money to her before. So is not like this is unheard of. At this point I've really had it. The vet said nothing of my dog being overweight at the visit and I felt like he was a shady mechanic the way he suggested every test under the sun. And since my dog was clearly misdiagnosed considering the coughing did not stop, and also the collar and tranquilizers did nothing, I cannot fathom why he will not return money to a 25yr old girl who is on her own and low on cash - as he admits to knowing.

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,