UPDATE - Horrible Vet experience - 6th Avenue Animal Clinic
I just wanted to relate my experience at the 6th Avenue Animal clinic for any other PS residents looking for a place to take their pets. I would avoid this place at all costs.
We recently moved to PS, and our dog, has an "issue" with his anal glands. They need to be *ahem* expressed on occasion (about every month-6 weeks) otherwise he is uncomfortable and scoots his bottom on the ground, which makes him look very silly.
At our previous vet in Manhattan, we took him in when he was scooting a lot, and they expressed him, we paid $20, and walked out. This was a very busy vet, but they almost always took him into the back immediately, and we were in and out in 20 minutes, tops.
2 weeks ago I made an appointment at the 6th Ave. Animal Clinic for him. I said that this was all I needed, because he just had a physical at his previous vet, and everything else was healthy. They ignored me, gave him a full "new patient exam" (which consisted of weighing him, taking his temperature, looking at his ears and teeth, and listening to his heart). For this they charged $56. They then told me his anals were "infected" and he would need antibiotics. I consented, and they insisted that they needed to give him a shot of antibiotics, and then a 2 week treatment of pills. Again, because I care for my dog, I let them. I now wonder whether he was really infected.
The expression cost $35 ($15 more than my previous vet?!?) and then they charged $50+ for the shot, and another $58 for the antibiotic pills.
My total bill was over $200. For a procedure that would have cost $20 at my previous vet.
They also said I needed to bring him back in 1-2 weeks to make sure the infection had cleared.
When I returned to the next appointment, I waited with my poor, hot dog in their un-airconditioned waiting room for over 1 hour. When they finally took me in the back a technician came and took my dog's temperature, and then I waited another 15 minutes to have the doctor come in. He started telling me that my dog needed to have bloodwork done so he could be put under anesthesia and have his teeth cleaned.
My dog's teeth, like most, have a bit of tartar, but are by no means very dirty. The vet started going on and on about how important it was to do this quickly (even when I said I was not going to make any decision about that without my husband's input), and then he said that tartar on his teeth could cause liver or kidney failure, and we need to have them cleaned IMMEDIATELY. I again declined.
When they brought my dog out to me (infection free), and I went to pay my bill, I learned they charged me another $35 for a "basic exam" - which consisted of my dog getting his temperature taken... I was speechless.
The rudeness and disrespect the vets, techs and receptionists show for their clients is incredibly uncalled for. And the extra fees they charge and trying to use scare tactics to get people to spend more money is inappropriate behavior for a healthcare environment. I urge anyone to avoid this place.
We recently moved to PS, and our dog, has an "issue" with his anal glands. They need to be *ahem* expressed on occasion (about every month-6 weeks) otherwise he is uncomfortable and scoots his bottom on the ground, which makes him look very silly.
At our previous vet in Manhattan, we took him in when he was scooting a lot, and they expressed him, we paid $20, and walked out. This was a very busy vet, but they almost always took him into the back immediately, and we were in and out in 20 minutes, tops.
2 weeks ago I made an appointment at the 6th Ave. Animal Clinic for him. I said that this was all I needed, because he just had a physical at his previous vet, and everything else was healthy. They ignored me, gave him a full "new patient exam" (which consisted of weighing him, taking his temperature, looking at his ears and teeth, and listening to his heart). For this they charged $56. They then told me his anals were "infected" and he would need antibiotics. I consented, and they insisted that they needed to give him a shot of antibiotics, and then a 2 week treatment of pills. Again, because I care for my dog, I let them. I now wonder whether he was really infected.
The expression cost $35 ($15 more than my previous vet?!?) and then they charged $50+ for the shot, and another $58 for the antibiotic pills.
My total bill was over $200. For a procedure that would have cost $20 at my previous vet.
They also said I needed to bring him back in 1-2 weeks to make sure the infection had cleared.
When I returned to the next appointment, I waited with my poor, hot dog in their un-airconditioned waiting room for over 1 hour. When they finally took me in the back a technician came and took my dog's temperature, and then I waited another 15 minutes to have the doctor come in. He started telling me that my dog needed to have bloodwork done so he could be put under anesthesia and have his teeth cleaned.
My dog's teeth, like most, have a bit of tartar, but are by no means very dirty. The vet started going on and on about how important it was to do this quickly (even when I said I was not going to make any decision about that without my husband's input), and then he said that tartar on his teeth could cause liver or kidney failure, and we need to have them cleaned IMMEDIATELY. I again declined.
When they brought my dog out to me (infection free), and I went to pay my bill, I learned they charged me another $35 for a "basic exam" - which consisted of my dog getting his temperature taken... I was speechless.
The rudeness and disrespect the vets, techs and receptionists show for their clients is incredibly uncalled for. And the extra fees they charge and trying to use scare tactics to get people to spend more money is inappropriate behavior for a healthcare environment. I urge anyone to avoid this place.
Comments
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You are not the first person to go to Sixth Ave and be really unhappy with the results. I went there when I first got a dog, and ran screaming elsewhere. I bet they don't get many patients to stay past the first exam...
The good news is, there's better options. Do a Search on this board, or scan down the postings on our Brooklyn Pets board -
I have read the boards... unfortunately, not before our first visit. I shouldn't have gone back for the "follow up" but I really did have my pup's best interests at heart.
I think we will be trying Hope Vet... any opinions on it? It is much closer to us, and I've read good things on here. -
I have followed the threads about vets on this forum and I don't exactly have a head count but I can say with honest recollection that the 6th ave clinic is the least recommended vet by posters here.
I did use Dr. Dentler many years ago.. she was a well trained vet and her intention was to give good care but time marches on. At this point she is older and less hands on in the practice... she has hired other vets and obviously the OP encountered one of them.
In my opinion Dr. Dentler does not have the professional clout to attract top notch young vets to her practice and certainly not seasoned docs. Someone like Dr. Gibson at Animal Kind is in a position to hire top of the line staff. . There are many reasons for that.. 6th Ave is a Small Practice that does not maintain the kind of Trauma Center Ak does. The place just doesn't have the on site lab facility and diagnostic equipment that Ak does.. A well trained, top of the class graduate who wants to "keep learning" would just not be attracted to Dr. Dentler's Clinic and for sure not a vet with experience. I venture she doesn't pay her staff very well... of course I have nothing to back that one up. Dr. Gibson maintains a tight affiliation with his Alma Mater.. Cornell. I know he has in house consultation with other vets at Cornell and some specialized surgery is done at AK by Surgical specialists from Cornell.
Pause..Pause.. I am a fan of Animal Kind but I am not using this post to send everyone there!! I hear people already reading and saying aloud.. Money, Money... that's what all these scoundrels are about. Read on and you will see my point.
I have a friend who did have her dog's teeth cleaned at the 6th Ave clinic.. last summer.. teeth cleaning is done on Sundays... Why? Because they bring in an "outside vet".. pay that moonlighter for the day and load up as many teeth cleanings as possible to make Sunday a profitable day... Sunday is a day when if they are open at all.. it is limited hours. Any proceedure done to a pet under anesthesia carries a risk but teeth cleaning for animals is run of the mill, does not take a long time and one vet can do many in a day! It doesn't suprise me that the vet you saw pushed you to have your dog's teeth cleaned at a fee upwards of $600 if I recall!! Even allowing for the possibility that indeed medically the vet clearly evaluated a need for a teeth cleaning I just don't trust it. I can almost assure you that though the vet said IMMEDIATE.. if you had agreed the appointment for the cleaning would have been the upcoming Sunday when 6th ave turns in to a teeth cleaning mill.. I advised my friend against using 6th Ave for the proceedure. She did it anyway.. the dog survived. She went there because she was advised by her regular vet the dog needed a cleaning and was searching for a bargain. The charge was LESS than Ak and some other vets she checked out.
So that was her decision but I know that some of you crazy animal people will agree with me on this one. If my dog needed a teeth cleaning.. a proceedure done under anesthesia I would want it done by MY vet who was familiar with my dog and the medical history. I would want it done in a facility with the ability to deal with any emergency that might come up. I would not want a vet who was a stranger to me and my dog because.. I would hope that for an instant during the proceedure the vet would flash on MY FACE and in that second remember how very much I love this animal . I would pay a little more for that personal assurance.
To the OP... There are many good vets in PS.. You will find excellent care in the hood for your pets. You were right to runnnnnn... and thanks for letting other people know about your experience. -
Oh my gosh Bergenites.. I just looked at the picture. You have a King Charles Cav Spanielle?? What a charming, darling dog~!
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Thanks veets - he is a total sweetheart. We are *very* protective of him, and I am having horrible guilt about having taken him to this place.
Our pup (who JUST turned 2) had his teeth cleaned once before, when he was already anesthetized for his neutering last summer. Our previous vet in Manhattan whom we really liked felt this was a good idea, and since he was already "under" for the neuter I wasn't worried. I would probably take him back to her for a teeth cleaning if it were really necessary.
Thanks for your frank discussion of your friend's experience. I very much felt that this Doctor (NOT Dr. Dentler, but the "weekend guy", whose name is Dempsey, I believe), was trying to use scare tactics and push me into a procedure that I don't believe is necessary. It probably would have been on a Sunday, as you said, but his insistence that "it can't wait" (when I made an excuse to him that we were going to be out of town much of August, and I wasn't going to make any decisions today, etc), made me feel that he was really pushing me into it. He basically implied that my dog would die of kidney failure if he didn't have his teeth cleaned in the next 2 weeks!
I will keep Animal Kind in mind - they are a bit far for us to go for a vet, so I think I will try Hope first, but thank you very much for your input. -
I'm gonna cast a vote for Animal Kind. I had to use the late night service for the first time a few days ago (all is fine) and they were top notch.
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Bergenites wrote: He basically implied that my dog would die of kidney failure if he didn't have his teeth cleaned in the next 2 weeks...
someone explain to me please
a neighbor's dog that i sat (for years) was a legendary for sneaking the occasional sidewalk chicken bone (with tin foil), a dead squirrel, the kids slim jims, a phone book, the cats poop, a flip flop... and others.
how did this dog live to be 17 years old?
she was also known to scrape dried chewing gum right from sidewalk before you could yell "nooooooooooooooo!" -
Genes, it's all in the genes. My pitbull Ripley will eat anything she can off the street, her last score was a piece of rancid chicken that someone had tossed into the street. Absolutely nothing happened to her, she was fine. If my shepherd mix Cheech did that he would have gotten sick.
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Sorry to hear about your bad experience with 6th ave Animal Clinic. We got ripped off and stopped going there as well. There are a bunch of reviews of vets and cleaners here: http://ny.urbanhound.com
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Shoot.. I meant to Pm that last post.. but who cares... I believe what I stated and Truly I feel I want to share something good with people.
I am not a shill for Dr. Gibson.. If I were I would be driving around in a Mercedes benz like he does.. joking!!.. I have no idea what kind of car he has.. Anyway.. unless the moderators have an issue with this.. I don't care that I have "outted " myself re. the vet I use. I am a "public person" in PS anyway.. not wishing to hide anything. Well perhaps I need to keep some things personal.. won't reveal my bra size!
MOD NOTE: The post this is referring to has been deleted at the poster's request. -
veets wrote: I am not a shill for Dr. Gibson.. If I were I would be driving around in a Mercedes benz like he does.. joking!!.. I have no idea what kind of car he has..
Actually, I've seen Dr. Gibson arrive at Animal Kind on his bike. -
caseopele wrote: If my shepherd mix Cheech did that he would have gotten sick.
aw, poor pupper
as vigilant as you are to stop them, they can't help it
street treats are dog crack -
another vote for dr. gibson and animal kind-- cornell is also the best veternary school in the country! my dogs have seen many of the vets at Animal Kind- and every experience has been pleasant. it is a bit expensive, but worth it!
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i should also mention that my dog had a tumor, and that happily it is benign, but dr. gibson gave me all of my options, and did not try to push any types of invasive treatments, especially since my dog is ok, and not uncomfortable.
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Bergenites wrote: I have read the boards... unfortunately, not before our first visit. I shouldn't have gone back for the "follow up" but I really did have my pup's best interests at heart.
I have never ever heard anything but praise for Hope. I take my own mutt there, and they are fantastic. If you do a search on the Boerum Hill yahoo group, you'll find that Hope is the considered very well loved.
I think we will be trying Hope Vet... any opinions on it? It is much closer to us, and I've read good things on here.
It is absolutely immaculate, doesn't smell, and is air conditioned. The waiting area is roomy. You might want to bring your dog's records over from your old vet to avoid an intake exam. -
my demon cat is due for some blood work... i can tell you only, without doing my usual long spiel about animal kind, is that they have this animal handler there who turns my deranged cat into putty. no more hissing, swatting, spitting, etc. he has to be some sort of cat whisperer
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I know the vet tech you are speaking about. My dogs don't get all that anxious at the vet but this particular vet tech that Brooklynpotter is talking about is amazing. He has a special way with animals.
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his name is ben. it's almost unearthly.
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yep that is the guy!!
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Subject: Re: Horrible Vet experience - 6th Avenue Animal Clinic
why not file a complaint with the NY State Office of Professions?
http://www.op.nysed.gov/opd.htmBergenites wrote: I just wanted to relate my experience at the 6th Avenue Animal clinic for any other PS residents looking for a place to take their pets. I would avoid this place at all costs.
We recently moved to PS, and our dog, has an "issue" with his anal glands. They need to be *ahem* expressed on occasion (about every month-6 weeks) otherwise he is uncomfortable and scoots his bottom on the ground, which makes him look very silly.
At our previous vet in Manhattan, we took him in when he was scooting a lot, and they expressed him, we paid $20, and walked out. This was a very busy vet, but they almost always took him into the back immediately, and we were in and out in 20 minutes, tops.
2 weeks ago I made an appointment at the 6th Ave. Animal Clinic for him. I said that this was all I needed, because he just had a physical at his previous vet, and everything else was healthy. They ignored me, gave him a full "new patient exam" (which consisted of weighing him, taking his temperature, looking at his ears and teeth, and listening to his heart). For this they charged $56. They then told me his anals were "infected" and he would need antibiotics. I consented, and they insisted that they needed to give him a shot of antibiotics, and then a 2 week treatment of pills. Again, because I care for my dog, I let them. I now wonder whether he was really infected.
The expression cost $35 ($15 more than my previous vet?!?) and then they charged $50+ for the shot, and another $58 for the antibiotic pills.
My total bill was over $200. For a procedure that would have cost $20 at my previous vet.
They also said I needed to bring him back in 1-2 weeks to make sure the infection had cleared.
When I returned to the next appointment, I waited with my poor, hot dog in their un-airconditioned waiting room for over 1 hour. When they finally took me in the back a technician came and took my dog's temperature, and then I waited another 15 minutes to have the doctor come in. He started telling me that my dog needed to have bloodwork done so he could be put under anesthesia and have his teeth cleaned.
My dog's teeth, like most, have a bit of tartar, but are by no means very dirty. The vet started going on and on about how important it was to do this quickly (even when I said I was not going to make any decision about that without my husband's input), and then he said that tartar on his teeth could cause liver or kidney failure, and we need to have them cleaned IMMEDIATELY. I again declined.
When they brought my dog out to me (infection free), and I went to pay my bill, I learned they charged me another $35 for a "basic exam" - which consisted of my dog getting his temperature taken... I was speechless.
The rudeness and disrespect the vets, techs and receptionists show for their clients is incredibly uncalled for. And the extra fees they charge and trying to use scare tactics to get people to spend more money is inappropriate behavior for a healthcare environment. I urge anyone to avoid this place. -
Subject: Re: Horrible Vet experience - 6th Avenue Animal Clinic
pgager wrote: why not file a complaint with the NY State Office of Professions?
Although this definitely sounded like a negative experience, it doesn't sound like there was any misconduct here. If the vet had recommended something that wasn't medically advisable, that would be one thing, but high prices and pressure to have a medically advisable procedure (even if the urgency was logistical, not medical) aren't reasons for a vet to lose his or her license. I just wouldn't go there again and would advise others to do the same (as the OP did here).
http://www.op.nysed.gov/opd.htm -
I agree with crnivore.. there really is is no misconduct here.
OP check out how many people have read this post... you are doing a good deed by spreading the word. -
Subject: I also rec. Animal Kind
One of my little cockatiels Girlie Bird had a crash landing about a year ago, and burst a blood feather. Poor little thing was bleeding like it was her job or something. I was frantic, my boyrfirend was frantic, and our other birds, Buddy and Peanut were also frantic. It was a Saturday morning, I hadn't been happy with my experience at 6th ave. Animal Clinic. I didn't know what to do as poor Girlie is so small and dainty, but nothing would stop the bleeding. I quickly googled Avian Vets, Brooklyn, Saturday, and Animal Kind popped up. My boyfriend and I wrapped Girlie up tight, put her in her travel cage, and brought her in when the helpful receptionist told us we could have the first appointment of the day. The weekend vet at Animal Kind got us right in and patched her up fast, explaining the injury and the whole process of fixing it in detail. Girlie Bird was back to her alternatingly vicious and cuddly little self in no time. Even though they are a bit far, I will go to Animal Kind from now on. -
I would also NOT recommend the 6th Ave. Animal Clinic. We took our cats there once just for an annual exam and they insisted on all kinds of shots that indoor cats just do not always need (since they don't come into contact with other animals, outside stuff, etc...). THEN they told us that one of the cats had a heart murmur and needed further treatment and possibly surgery. We weren't happy at all so we were seeking a second opinion and at the suggestion of our landlord took them to Animal Kind. TWO other vets at Animal Kind listened to his heart and said there was no heart murmur.
Dr. Mateyak at Animal Kind rules! And as others have stated, many of their vet techs are so good with the animals. They really know what they're doing. I've heard that they are more expensive than some other places, but it's worth it to get the care the animals need and deserve. -
What is the name of the 6th Ave Animal Clinic? Or that is the name?
I currently use Animal Kind but I am moving to Bushwick--any suggestions in that area for a few vet? -
I had an issue once where one of my dogs had impacted anal glands... I didn't know any better at the time and after a series of tests it cost me $300 to treat with Dr. Dendtler (though this was at Kiki's pet store in Ft Greene where she does weekly office hours). There may have been reasons why the bill was so high... it was about 3 years ago so I don't remember exactly, but I do remember feeling fairly fleeced.
I now go to Hope and I love them. I've been to Animal Kind a number of times as well and they've been mostly great as well, but Hope is definitely my preferred place. Animal Kind feels more stressful to me.
Full disclosure: I own a dogwalking business, and while it may seem I might be shilling for Hope, I'm not... I've honestly had nothing but good experiences there (knock on wood) and I have to go fairly often as one of my pets has had occasional seizures. -
brooklynleather wrote: What is the name of the 6th Ave Animal Clinic? Or that is the name?
Northside in Williamsburg is good.
I currently use Animal Kind but I am moving to Bushwick--any suggestions in that area for a few vet? -
[quote="Petato"]I had an issue once where one of my dogs had impacted anal glands... I didn't know any better at the time and after a series of tests it cost me $300 to treat with Dr. Dendtler (though this was at Kiki's pet store in Ft Greene where she does weekly office hours). There may have been reasons why the bill was so high... it was about 3 years ago so I don't remember exactly, but I do remember feeling fairly fleeced.
I finding it pretty disturbing why Dr. Dendtler would be working out of a pet store. I don't know any details about her part time job. But if anyone has seen Dr. Dentler there.. please explain the scene. -
brooklynleather wrote: What is the name of the 6th Ave Animal Clinic? Or that is the name?
It is actually called 6th Avenue Animal Clinic. It's on the corner of 6th Avenue and Union Street. -
Petato wrote: I had an issue once where one of my dogs had impacted anal glands... I didn't know any better at the time and after a series of tests it cost me $300 to treat with Dr. Dendtler (though this was at Kiki's pet store in Ft Greene where she does weekly office hours). There may have been reasons why the bill was so high... it was about 3 years ago so I don't remember exactly, but I do remember feeling fairly fleeced.
It's just a back office of Kiki's Pet Boutique or whatever it's called... they do grooming and whatnot in another portion of the shop... the office is equipped to basic checkups and whatnot... I have no problems with it, in and of itself.. in fact it's fairly convenient as there is a serious lack of vets in Fort Greene... the only other I can think of is the one on Vanderbilt, which I really don't like.
I finding it pretty disturbing why Dr. Dendtler would be working out of a pet store. I don't know any details about her part time job. But if anyone has seen Dr. Dentler there.. please explain the scene.
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