Last week. my 11 year old cat ate plastic Easter grass. I didn't discover this until I saw him 'passing' it. He was very sick with diarrhea, was refusing food and water, and stopped grooming.
I took him to the closest walk-in clinic I could find and had a terrible experience. It was filthy, and the vet did not do a proper assessment. He took an x-ray and said my cat had peritonitis (which can be fatal) due to either kidney failure, liver failure, or heart disease. This seemed really odd to me. My cat had been FINE, until he ate the grass. This vet also said he would likely need to open him up and do exploratory surgery on his bowels, but that there wasn't much he could do for the peritonitis. So he sent me home with instructions to bring him back if he didn't improve. I left thinking that at best, my guy would need surgery, and that I might have to put him down b/c of this peritonitis thing. Also, this vet office was filthy! (Euclid Veterinary Clinic...don't go!) For these and other reasons (see my other review under their page if you are curious), I sought a second opinion at Gateway.
Gateway came highly recommended by no less than 10 of my friends when I put an APB on Facebook. I can see why! The new facility is terrific. Huge, clean, and attractive waiting area. Busy but polite desk-staff. It's a walk-in clinic. The hours on their phone said they open at 10am. I got there at 9:55, and the lobby was full. They must open their doors earlier. At 5 mins. to opening, I was #18. The wait was approx. 30 minutes...not too bad. I imagine it gets much longer.
I was encouraged to look around the room and see lots of well cared for pets and many expensive breeds. The other customers seem to cherish their animals, so that reflects well that Gateway is their choice of vet.
Dr. Tim saw my cat. He did a thorough assessment, asking me relevant questions, and examined my cat. Dr. Tim is a straight-shooter, no nonsense sort of guy....which I appreciate. Just give it to me straight. His appearance and demeanor was very professional and confident.
Not surprisingly, Dr. Tim did not concur with the diagnosis I received in Euclid. He said the x-ray showed ""NO EVIDENCE of peritonitis"". He said ""Your cat does not have excessive fluid surrounding his organs...he is just a fat cat"". What a relief!! Further, he stated that surgery or any other invasive measures at this point would be premature and unnecessary. He said ""he is not in bad shape"", especially because he resumed eating and grooming the night before. I felt completely reassured and confident that I received quality care and advice. I went from believing I might have to put my pet down to feeling like he is going to be ok.
The office visit was $39. My entire bill was approx. $80 dollars after administering an antibiotic and giving me special food to encourage his eating/pooping. Although we did not need one, the vet said that x-rays here are approx $65 here....I paid $95 the day before. I am told that Gateway receives funding so that they can offer treatments and services more cheaply than vets you'll find in the suburbs. But unlike other places where you get what you pay for, the quality of care here is exceptional!
The vet tech and young lady who took my payment were terrific as well. The vet tech stuck around to explain things to me and reiterate what Dr. Tim said to make sure it was clear and understood. He also seemed to really enjoy the animals around him, which is always nice!
At last, I have found a vet office that I LOVE. Won't go anywhere else ever again.
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