contact

I have been contacted by a professional woman in search of answers about her pets' ill health. Fearful that the chemicals used on the golf course in her community represented potential dangers to the health and well being of her family including pets, she called to say she was aware of my efforts some years ago to prove ill-effects from the chemicals used on that very same course. To follow this story, post an entry, tell your story, please go to http://golfcoursehazards.blogspot.com or use the "golf course poisons" link provided.

Return to Banfield

Stopped at Banfield to see if labs were back. I was professionally greeted and within minutes Dr. Candy Burton and Dr. Scott came out prepared to talk to me. Seems the labs were not normal. Dr. Burton had already placed a call to vet oncologist, Dr. Klein. Apparently a full history (as much as was known) was communicated and Dr. Klein felt that a visit to her was appropriate. Dr. Burton's office called and arranged most everything. Appt next week.

Test Driving Vets (the small animal type!)

Today, on our search to find our new vet, my crew and I visited the Banfield Vet Clinic in Petsmart NW Tucson (Thornydale at Costco Dr). Our most allergic girlie was the cooperative patient (test subject). Our initial findings were the following; clean, neat waiting room; very friendly and helpful staff; clinic was fairly busy, but we did not feel rushed; taken to room promtly (after minimal paperwork); nursing assessment was thorough including HPI. There was somewhat of a wait before Dr. Nicole Scott came in the room, but that was soon forgotten as our initial meeting/greeting was very positive. She was also thorough, gentle, personable. and KNOWLEDGEABLE, though she did consult with Dr. Candy Burton, a more experienced veterinarian. Labs were necessary, fees seemed standard and reasonable (they have medical plans too). Best of all - I held my girlie (they didn't take her away or send in some hulk to hold her down) while Dr. Scott drew blood from her jugular vein (which was not easy to find). Let me just say there wasn't even an "ouch" or squirm, no fear or pain. She hit her target in one try and the whole thing was over in seconds. Results tomorrow - nail biting...We are hoping for one stop shopping! 'Tis the season...ya' know. Connect to Banfield in my links.

Animal hospital at 141 E. Ft. Lowell gets good marks

The veterinary eye doctor at this clinic, Southern AZ Vet Specialty Clinic, Christi Warren, DVM is excellent. It is the clinic at 141 E. Ft. Lowell, 888-3177. She was professional and as it turns out, her diagnosis was correct. We did not feel overcharged and appreciated her expertise. Link to the clinic.

Grading Veterinary Care

This site should be used by responsible people who want to share referrals or warnings about the veterinary care they receive here in Tucson. I realized that if we needed a vet and no one could recommend one and I had not been able to rate individual vets, clinics, hospitals by any search method, then one needed to be created. If you have comments regarding any of the items I list, please opine. If you feel a certain criteria was omitted, please submit. This forum is presented to protect our companions and promote those vets who rise above the "pack" with excellent clinical skills, a well-trained staff, a network for referrals, and the compassion we all deserve.

Please rate things like: diagnostic ability, listening skills, thoroughness of physical exam, use of medications, honesty, kindness, fees, staff trained to assist in exam, waiting time, trained staff to operate lab equipment, and doctors trained to interpret the diagnostic work ups such as lab results, standard x-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and a willingness to work as a team to provide the best care possible to beloved companions.