A few years ago, my little beagle went into our backyard after dark to use the bathroom and was attacked by coyotes. It was late at night and the only veterinary hospital open was an emergency hospital (I won't name it because they actually did a very good job). We rushed our puppy there, unaware of the full extent of her injuries, just in a hurry to get her treated. When we arrived, they informed us that she had several deep puncture wounds on her head and around her neck and had lost the use of one of her back legs. But the worse part was, her entire left side from her front legs to her back legs was gone. Only 1/16 of one out of the three natural layers of muscle were left and you could actually see inside her! The diagnosis was not good, they suggested we prepare ourselves for the worse. The emergency vet even admitted that she was the worse trauma case he had ever seen and wasn't sure of the outcome. They did manage to stabilize her, for which we will be eternally grateful, and kept her alive through the night. But the next day, they began discussing skin grafts costing upwards of $30,000!!! And this was after the several thousand it cost just to stabilize her and hospitalize her through the night, also, this was if she continued to improve. One of the doctors suggested that it may be best to just put her down, because he didn't think she would ever fully recover. As we began to consider the horrible possibility of euthanasia, we decided to make a last ditch effort and take her to Dr. Richieri, who we had been to for vaccines a few times. Dr. Richieri spent a lot of time just examining her, before he agreed to give it a try. I really appreciated this. He understood and appreciated her bleak situation, and rather than just saying, "sure, I can do it.", and getting our hopes up before charging us for a ton of tests and stuff, he gave it to us straight. In the end, Dr. Richieri hospitalized our dog there, performed two surgeries, and did three months worth of daily bandage changes and treatments all for a VERY affordable price!! (I don't want to list numbers because I know prices change, but a week of hospitalization, two surgeries, and three months of treatments cost less than one night of hospitalization at the emergency hospital!) The staff there was all very caring and supportive. Every time we walked in the door, they made us feel like family. Both of the other doctors there were also wonderful. It has been three years now, and my beagle is completely healed with only a tiny scar about the size of a quarter. She has complete use of her leg, and at 11 years old, still blasts around the house full speed and jumps on and off the high beds. We cannot begin to express how grateful we are to Melrose Veterinary Hospital, and how in awe we are of Dr. Richieri. He saved our dog's life. We HIGHLY recommend him or either of the two women doctors there, for ANY of your pets' needs. :)
Pros: Everything
Cons: Nothing
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