PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,540
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 12, 2013 18:26:50 GMT -7
A Dodgerslist contact in Canada gave these recommendations: Alta Vista Animal Hospital Ottawa, Canada 613 -731 6851 www.avah.on.caGeneral DVM,Specialist ACVS and Neurology Cedarview Animal Hospital Ottawa, Canada 613-825-5001 www.cedarviewanimalhospital.comGeneral DVM veterinarians |
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Post by Alisha & Dolce on Dec 15, 2013 21:19:11 GMT -7
Cedar view has excellent physio and rehab care. Dr Gumley and his assistant Sarah are amazing! I took my dog here for 2x weekly physio, acupuncture and water treatment for 10 weeks post op with great results. My dog was not walking post op so the water treatment was crucial to helping him to learn to walk again.
As for Alta Vista- I also visited there for their emergency clinic. Bad idea. Within the first 15 minutes of my dog being assessed with IVDD it was suggested I think about putting him to sleep. MRI + surgery was quoted at $10,000. I also couldn't even get my dog to see a neurologist (for a fee of $250) for 3 days!
If your dog is symptomatic or may require surgery and you live in the Ottawa area get in your car and drive to the St Hyacinthe. This is where the University of Montreal has their vet teaching hospital. It's about 3 hours from Ottawa just past Montreal. Fully running 24/7 emergency for small and large breeds. Neurologist ON CALL. MRI machines that are large enough for elephants and state of the art as this is an international teaching hospital. That is key if your dog needs surgery- the quicker you can have the MRI and possibly surgery the better! If you call ahead the neurologist can often meet you there. My dog was taken into surgery the next morning after I arrived at 8pm the next day after my initial emergency vet visit. Quebec has regulated vet costs vs Ontario being privatized. MRI and surgery was $3,500... OH and this fee also included extensive bloodwork, x rays and ultrasound of all major organs to ensure there were no other pre existing conditions before I decided to do the surgery. Without this option I would not have been able to give my dog the surgery he needed.
Excellent care, one on one attendant 24/7 during his post op stay, a TEAM of neurologists and calls twice daily with updates over the week. Great follow up- $70 for neuro consult two months later to document progress in case of further injury.
Ottawa owners- avoid Alta Vista at all costs, make the drive to St Hyacinthe and see Dr Gumely at Cedarwood post-op. From someone who had to learn the ups and downs just recently... I hope this saves some people time money and a had experience!
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Post by pebblepicker on Nov 21, 2014 6:28:57 GMT -7
I agree with Alisha, avoid Alta Vista at all costs, and believe me if you don't, there will be plenty of costs.
Last year I spent over $10k on 3 surgeries ther for disc related spinal cord compression. the second surgery was a complete failure due to misalignement on the table by the surgeon, they billed me anyway. My Weimaraner was having instability again and I tooke her back there and my concerns were essentially ignored while the surgeon told me how much he knew about IVDD, did not examine my dog, nor ask questions and said they want $2k for the MRI. There is no reason to go to Alta Vista and get abused as a client. We paid $1100 plus exam fees yesterday at the University of Montreal Vet Cliniv
It is not a big deal to drive 3 hours to the Clinic in St Hyacinthe where they are very professional and half the price.
Did I mention they were nice too?
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Post by harvey on Sept 28, 2023 5:25:22 GMT -7
We took Buster here: www.thevscan.com/He received excellent care, but it was expensive...it all is. Our vet at Upper Canada Veterinary Services diagnosed him and got him an immediate appointment. He was Grade 5. I know that surgery was 11k, but I would need to get out my invoice to accurately quote all costs. This was in March 2023. Highly recommend this clinic...you need a specialist. |
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