Wendy Cortes
I had been going to Jefferson since 2017 and always had nothing short of a positive experience. But last week everything changed and I had a borderline cruel experience when I was told my babygirl had congestive heart failure, had 6months -1year to live, was given some pills and sent on my way. I wasn't allowed time to process the absolute shock of the diagnosis given the great health of my girl let alone the implied death sentence. She had a heart murmur but Jefferson always told me it wasn't of concern and she was in great shape so I couldn't understand the vicious jump to CHF but especially the lack of empathy I received. I wasn't given an opportunity to ask questions, I received no empathy or warmth, I received no recommendations on my options, things I could do, supplements, or even recommendations for specialists. It felt like the Dr. was uncomfortable with my few silent tears and just left me sending someone else in to give me her new meds and get us out. She was given heart meds and dietetics which can cause damage to kidneys. I did days of research to learn more and get my questions answered (Jefferson did eventually answer an email I sent) and am fortunate enough to be able to see a veterinary cardiologist. Turns out my dog does NOT have CHF which was suspected just by looking at the X-rays Jefferson conducted. I paid approximately $600 for an echo to confirm my girl will be fine, is in impressive health, and if managed correctly with the given recommendations can avoid even developing CHF in the future. Even the cardiologist was perplexed at the impulsive CHF diagnosis and concerned at her being given dieretics due to the risk it poses on kidneys, so she's being taken off. I know mistakes happen of course, but you compound a mistake involving a false life ending diagnosis, unnecessary high risk medication, with the cold treatment I received and it's a relationship breaker. I feel betrayed and sad it ended this way and will be searching for a new veterinarian.
