Redding Veterinary Clinic

Review: I took my dog to the vet. They quoted me about $50 for a skin graph and about $50 for the dip. They didn't do either and they still charged me $46.00.

I told the vet what her condition was. I told the vet that I wanted to treat it with the dip. All he said was that they couldn't do it on Saturdays. Then he charged me $46 even though he didn't do anything. I scheduled the appointment specifically for the dip, they quoted about $50. They didn't do it and they still charged almost $50. They just wasted my time and then charged me for it.Desired Settlement: I don't think they should charge me for an evaluation when they didn't do anything. I was already taking my dog to a vet. They just didn't offer the dip. If anything I should charge them for evaluating them. Now I have to try to find another vet that offers the service I'm seeking.

Business

Response:

Initial Business Response

This is in response to case# XXXXXXXX, which was forwarded to me from your office. The owner had called and was quoted prices for an office call, skin scraping and a dip. The owners arrived for their appointment and filled out new client paperwork. The patient was examined by the doctor. Due to the classic appearing sores, age of the puppy and the statement that a skin scraping had recently been done, the doctor elected not to do another skin scraping as it would be an additional expense for the owner and possibly a scary and painful experience for an already nervous puppy. This was explained to the owner at the time. The doctor discussed with the owners the nature, progression of the condition, the cause, how treatment would be performed, risks, expectations of how successful treatments should progress and possible scenarios where success may be delayed or not achieved. We spent additional time answering several more questions from the owner in regards to their puppy's other medical needs and trying to calm their puppy with treats and petting. We explained that the dip would require a full day to accomplish correctly and observe the puppy for side effects. When the owners and their puppy left, all seemed happy and they made appointments for dips and a surgery. We are unsure as to why they failed to understand or appreciate what had been accomplished during the office call and our efforts to help them and their puppy or what we could have done to satisfy their expectations. A veterinarian cannot legally dispense or direct the administration of prescription medications without examining an animal. The owner cannot provide the diagnosis or dictate the course of treatment to the veterinarian. The veterinarian uses their professional judgment to decide what, if any, diagnostic tests are needed to establish a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. Information supplied in the history provided by the owner is used in this process. Gathering the history, the exam, developing a diagnosis, treatment plan, evaluating the patient's likelihood of achieving successful treatment and attempting to provide the owner with enough information to make an informed decision if they wish to proceed with their pet's treatment, is all part of what doctors attempt to achieve during an office call. These owners got that and more in the office call we provided. I am sorry they weren't able to realize this.

Final Consumer Response

(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)

I was already seeing a vet somewhere else. I already knew what needed to be done. The vet I was going to just didn't offer the dip. I scheduled an appointment for the dip. They made the appointment on a day they couldn't do it. I did NOT schedule an appointment for surgery, after they charged me for nothing. I cancelled it. I was shocked that they charged me. If your in Redding, Ca. And you need a vet, go to the one on Hilltop. They just don't do dips.