Expanded Veterinary Reviews (See new Schulman Comments)

I used many vet review sources but did not post any unless there were at least 5 reviews except for the two worst, Mission Animal and Value Vet Canoga Park. There will be redundancies where there are two different review sites, as for Ken Jones, Rattan, Value Vet. I have marked each practice if they appear exceptional, either good or bad.

There were not enough reviews to post for Porter, Noreda, Northridge Pet Hospital, Chatsworth Pet, Adlers, etc. Two vets below were listed as top rated by rating services. Winnetka got 8 reviews, all five stars so I rated him best in the West Valley. I find it strange that I can find only a few, very different ratings for Adlers compared with significantly smaller vet practices. The scattered Adler reviews I did see were very inconsistent.

Special mention for Alan Schulman and Dr. Michael Broome. Schulman is a gifted surgeon, a top vet but with a crude and almost abusive communications style. He did wonderful work on two of my cats, but it was very hard to talk to him on the phone. You had to make an appointment to see him to get to talk to him and his arrogance knows no bounds. Some of the reviews, especially from former employees, are brutal. In addition, a few comments about him were recently added. They are even more brutal. Of course I cannot attest to their truthfulness. This is all information publically available on the Internet from numerous sources.

Dr. Broome, whose main office is in Tustin, is simply the best veterinarian—in my opinion—that I have ever met in terms of communications and clinical competence. Unfortunately, his main office is in Tustin and he doesn't do general vet work at the West LA office.

This is NOT the Vet review website I was talking about starting. We are still discussing the scope of that site, format, etc.

SANTA MONICA-WEST LA

Ken Jones, Santa Monica

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3710367283

http://local.yahoo.com/info-20529694-jones-kenneth-dvm-kenneth-jones-veterinary-hosp-santa-monica?csz=Santa+Monica,+CA

Pet Medical in Santa Monica:

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3710698396

CULVER CITY AREA

Mar Vista Animal Medical Center (average rating)

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3711554199

Sepulveda Animal Hospital** (Top rated)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/sepulveda-animal-hospital-culver-city#hrid:ArNkZPdoWFqF_qvAflwRyQ

FAIRFAX/MID-CITY AREA

Cedars-Sinai Center (Average to poor rating) www.centersinaianimalhospital.com (Their Website)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/center-sinai-animal-hospital-los-angeles

Dr. Jason Rattan** (Fairfax Area-Top rated)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/dr-jason-c-rattan-los-angeles#hrid:E1maHAW8hCXL1zjg6SfScw

http://local.yahoo.com/info-20415692-rattan-jason-c-dvm-park-la-brea-veterinary-care-los-angeles?csz=Los+Angeles,+CA

WEST LOS ANGELES

Animal Medical Center (Alan Schulman^, Michael Broome**)

(Schulman among worst rated; Broome highly rated)

http://losangeles.citysearch.com/review/42547437

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3711374499

http://local.yahoo.com/info-31385283-schulman-alan-j-dvm-los-angeles

http://www.yelp.com/biz/animal-medical-center-of-southern-california-los-angeles-2

For Dr. Broome:

(website: http://www.avmi.net/)

http://local.yahoo.com/info-20432116-broome-michael-r-dvm-advanced-veterinary-medical-los-angeles

Brentwood Pet (Olympic Blvd. Drs. Martin, Olds, Thorrens)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/brentwood-pet-clinic-los-angeles

Value Vet West Los Angeles

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/15240007658

http://www.mojopages.com/biz/value-vet/los-angeles/ca/90024/10562261

http://www.yelp.com/biz/value-veterinary-services-los-angeles

http://losangeles.citysearch.com/review/32776838/page/3?providerSource=cs

VCA West Los Angeles:

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3710598731

http://www.mojopages.com/biz/value-vet/los-angeles/ca/90024/10562261

WEST/CENTRAL VALLEY

Animal Medical (Van Nuys)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/animal-medical-center-van-nuys#hrid:V2m_cJD_h1htCcDwwv5LMA

Beverly Oaks Animal Hospital^^ (Sherman Oaks) Worst Rated Ever!!)

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/2005040805

http://losangeles.tribe.net/recommendation/Beverly-Oaks-Animal-Hospital/sherman-oaks-la-ca/b5534abc-41ce-4823-96fa-6a97697011ac

McClaves:

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3711579785

http://losangeles.citysearch.com/review/32776838/page/3?providerSource=cs

http://losangeles.citysearch.com/review/271752

Mid Valley Veterinary Hospital** Top rating West Valley

http://losangeles.citysearch.com/review/304878

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3711562777

http://losangeles.citysearch.com/review/304878/page/1?providerSource=cs

Mission Animal Hospital^ (Worst Rated)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/mission-animal-hospital-and-emergency-hospital-granada-hills

Moon Jay (Sherman Oaks)* Highly rated, considered affordable (818) 907-0929

http://www.yelp.com/biz/moon-jay-r-dvm-sherman-oaks

http://local.yahoo.com/details?id=20691199&csz=North+Hills,+CA&sortreviews=1&from=4#reviews

Dr. Jason Rattan** (Fairfax Area-Top rated)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/dr-jason-c-rattan-los-angeles#hrid:E1maHAW8hCXL1zjg6SfScw

http://local.yahoo.com/info-20415692-rattan-jason-c-dvm-park-la-brea-veterinary-care-los-angeles?csz=Los+Angeles,+CA

Value Vet Canoga Park^ (Worst Rated)

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3711606803

Winnetka Animal Hospital (Dr. Smollin)** (Top rated WestValley)

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3710923735

Paul Koretz

The LA Times did not endorse Paul Koretz saying LA needed new thinking and that Paul was part of the old establishment. But he has tons of endorsements from Democrats you can trust and is--as the photo shows--a cat person. He has a good, good shot and is highly commended by our own Rich McClellan. Unfortunately, what he says below doesn't have much meat. (Soy?) He either hasn't studied the issue, or he doesn't have any answers. This is disappointing. Yet, I believe him that after he hears many options over a period of a year or so he will whole heartedly back one, but it doesn't sound like he'll buck the Mayor on this one.

Candidate: new leadership needed at LAAS, give citizens greater voice, end “environment of distrust”

by Kate Woodviolet

In the wake of my recent interview with David Vahedi, candidate for L.A. City Council, seeking his opinions on various key issues in the animal care community, I was contacted by Rich McClellan, head of the California chapter of the League of Humane Voters, to ask why I hadn’t interviewed Paul Koretz, also a candidate in the 5th, whom the League has endorsed in this race. I was happy to do so.

I asked Mr. Koretz the same questions I asked Mr. Vahedi, so that animal lovers in the Fifth District, and throughout the city, can have the opportunity to get to know the candidates, see what they have to say about the various animal-related issues and controversies that face our city – and to hold them accountable for their answers when and if either are successful in their bid for the Fifth District Council seat.

Kate Woodviolet: Why do you make it a point to talk about animal issues?

Paul Koretz: Animals have always been treasured members of the families of many of my constituents, as well as my own. The empathy for animals in this district reflects and is a part of its concerns for many other social justice issues. I take strength from the degree to which animal issues invite participation by the people of this district in making Los Angeles a better place. There also has always been a special place in my heart for wildlife, especially endangered species.

KW: What, in your opinion, are the main problems facing animals in Los Angeles?

PK: As long as there have been politicians there have been more problems then there are good ideas or the resources for dealing with them. I turn to the community most concerned with our current problems to help me decide priorities.

Legitimate concern about the need to confine certain species of animals in a zoo, in spite of the cost, when more economical and effective ways of educating and awakening people to the wonder of animals exist seems to be an issue that resonates with animal lovers and fiscal conservatives alike. Should we be imprisoning elephants at a cost of millions of dollars when private sanctuaries exist that are willing to take them?

The fact that elected representatives continue to fund the maintenance of pet overpopulation in this city rather than create and enforce laws that will truly control this problem is one of the most fiscally irresponsible and inhumane situations that LA continues to maintain. It is obvious that new leadership is needed in the department of animal services.

KW: L.A. has two distinct animal care and control entities: L.A. Animal Services for the city, and the L.A. County Department of Animal Care and Control, for county and unincorporated areas, which is responsible for animal control in such Westside areas as Culver City.

Both departments have experienced their share of controversy, including a recent petition of no confidence against Ed Boks, general manager of LAAS, which was signed by over fifty percent of LAAS workers; and multiple lawsuits against LACDACC and its Director Marcia Mayeda.

What, in your opinion, are the most pressing issues that need to be resolved, both with LAAS and LACDACC?

PK: Los Angeles County is the responsibility of the County Supervisors. There are ideas that could improve conditions in the County Shelter System, but since we have no direct control I would focus on the City.

The problems in the City Shelters appear to be those of leadership, creativity and policy. I certainly believe that the highly motivated members of the humane community in this city should have a much greater voice in creating and implementing policy. There is the power in this city to make animal services a private entity endowed by those concerned members of this city. There is the citizen interest to have large portions of the activities performed by volunteers at great savings to city. But not within the current environment of distrust between the citizens and the administration. My door will always be open to those of any interest group who want to improve the functioning of this city through ideas, innovation and participation. Together we can delineate problems and create solutions. City government and administration should not be at odds with its most concerned and active citizens.

Part 2: Koretz talks about pet limits, anti-Pit Bull legislation, whether elephants belong in zoos, and what members of the humane community must do to make their voices heard in City Hall

Some Veterinarians Reviewed

I used several sources but did not post any unless there were at least 5 reviews except for the two worst, Mission Animal and Value Vet Canoga Park. There will be redundancies where there are two different review sites, as for Ken Jones, Rattan, Value Vet.

There were not enough reviews to post for Porter, Noreda, Northridge Pet Hospital, Chatsworth Pet, Adlers, etc. Two vets below were listed as top rated by rating services. Winnetka got 8 reviews, all five stars so I rated him best in the West Valley.

This is NOT the Vet review website I was talking about starting. We are still discussing the scope of that site, format, etc. I am just warming up.

Animal Medical (Van Nuys)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/animal-medical-center-van-nuys#hrid:V2m_cJD_h1htCcDwwv5LMA

McClaves:

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3711579785


Mid Valley Veterinary Hospital

(Be alert here. Lots of vets and other retailers have friends, staff, etc. give positive reviews. When they are consistently short responses such as this, I’d be a bit careful accepting them as authentic. If you have good info, let me know. If you look at Resellerratings.com review of Internet rip offs, you'll often see lots of short, glowing reviews left by employees who spend no time on them, and then some very long and detailed reviews that clearly prove the retailer is a scam artist.)

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3711562777


VCA Santa Monica Dog and Cat:

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3710775218

Pet Medical in Santa Monica:

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3710698396

Ken Jones, Santa Monica

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3710367283

http://local.yahoo.com/info-20529694-jones-kenneth-dvm-kenneth-jones-veterinary-hosp-santa-monica?csz=Santa+Monica,+CA

Mission Animal Hospital^ (Worst Rated)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/mission-animal-hospital-and-emergency-hospital-granada-hills

Moon Jay (Sherman Oaks)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/moon-jay-r-dvm-sherman-oaks

Sepulveda Animal Hospital** (Top rated)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/sepulveda-animal-hospital-culver-city#hrid:ArNkZPdoWFqF_qvAflwRyQ

Dr. Jason Rattan** (Fairfax Area-Top rated)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/dr-jason-c-rattan-los-angeles#hrid:E1maHAW8hCXL1zjg6SfScw

http://local.yahoo.com/info-20415692-rattan-jason-c-dvm-park-la-brea-veterinary-care-los-angeles?csz=Los+Angeles,+CA

Value Vet Canoga Park

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3711606803

Value Vet West Los Angeles

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/15240007658

http://www.mojopages.com/biz/value-vet/los-angeles/ca/90024/10562261

http://www.yelp.com/biz/value-veterinary-services-los-angeles

VCA West Los Angeles:

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3710598731

http://www.mojopages.com/biz/value-vet/los-angeles/ca/90024/10562261

Winnetka Animal Hospital (Dr. Smollin)* (Top rated West Valley)

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3710923735

LANCASTER SHELTER HORROR STORY

Someone sent this to Ryan Olshan whose County blog is: 

/lacdacc.blogspot.com.

http://lacdacc.blogspot.com

I have been involved in rescue for about 9 years. I have to share this haunting experience of an hour at Lancaster Shelter on Friday February 20th. I am not sure where to start. 

I go everyday to visit with 2 pits that are waiting to be evaluated for placement. One is pregnant, they were going to put her down this morning but i begged them to re-evaluate her so she is for now safe. There are 3 kennel buildings at Lancaster, bldg 3 being the newest built. They also house the small and old in "the grooming trailer" and then there is the isolation room and the 900's which house the animals that are in quarantine. 

For some reason the only building that really gets any attention is the new building, that's the only section that is somewhat "sane". Building 1 which half of it is unaccessable to the public, housing mainly pits and "unadoptable" dogs.

In the remaining half of building 1 and in building 2 are hundreds of dogs. there were uncountable fights while i was there. the sounds of that i will never forget, the cries, howling, growls, barking were non stop. the kennel workers could not keep up with it, they would separate one and another fight was going on. it was crazy. it was horrific! the community service workers were trying separate dog fights, the kennel attendants couldn't keep up.

The dogs in buildings 1 & 2 are so crowded, even for me it was so overwhelming to look at these dogs that were so crowded in a run, seriously, 5-6 in a run, big dogs, in one case 3 shepards and 2 rotties,when they close the doors at night these dogs couldn't turn around. the heat was on and the dogs spilled their water as no room to move, the heat is good as it is so cold up here, but it only fed the irritablitiy of these poor dogs, they are so starved for attention that when you stop in front of the runs they start fighting to be the closest to the front. therefore the few people that were there looking to adopt are so shocked or whatever they just walk away.

How these poor dogs are able to eat out of one bowl amongst the cage partners is a mystery.so these 2 runs are really just housing until they are drug to the back to be euthanized as there is not much hope for them.too overwhelming for any hope. 

When one fight broke out it frayed on the other dogs nerves and if they werent hiding in a corner shivering and terrified ( mainly the small ones) there was full blown fights, nasty fights! in one particular run, # 206, there were five brindle shep mixes standing over a long haired shepard mix, she was so paralyzed with fear she lay on the floor shaking as every move she made these 4-5 other dogs pounced on her. several passerbyers walked away in tears. we notified the k/a's but as was obvious there was no place else to put her. in just the hour i was there this time we counted 12 dogs being brought in by the public, dozens others brought in by field officers. 

I was talking to a lady and we heard terrible cries by what appeared to be a small dog. we turned to see a very large animal control officer dragging by a comealong, a tiny, 7-10 lb terrified dog into this hell. she was not vicious, too small to hurt anyone, but yet this 300 lb man( i use that term loosely) found it appropriate to drag her as she tried to hold on to the ground she was being drug on. other than that one field officer i have to say that the other shelter employees appeared to be doing what they could to break up the fights and keep the water bowls full, etc. 

In the grooming trailer 2 volunteers were trying to bottle feed 7 new born puppies that came in w/no mom. while another worker drug in pit bull moms that had obvious milk sacks, no puppies though. saw 3 of those brought in in an hour.I know all of the shelters are full with the economy as it is, but Lancaster has always been the dumping grounds for dogs, because of the vast amount of land where hoarders thrive, the dog fighters on rural parts of town, the area is a popular spot to drive out to nowhere and dump your dog. 

We have numerous reasons that our shelter is always so overpopulated. i would just ask someone that is not as grief stricken as i am right now, seriously can not even talk about all that i saw and heard, there has to be something more we as animal lovers can do to educate people, help the shelters, something. i checked on several tiny maltese/poodle mixes, they were owner surrenders, reason: cant afford to feed" whats that about!

Please forward to everyone you can, i am not sure what i am asking for but just distraught and desperate to stop this madness at lancaster.

Vet Watchdog Website Coming

As you know, I have been furious about bad vet care and overcharging for some time.

I have posted horrible accusations by others against many vets, many associated with LAAS. 

VCA is making record profits, and, as one commenter related, due to them performing unnecessary numbers of procedures.

I must have received 15 emails concerning bad vet acts or practices. It is overwhelming. I don't post many because some are from insiders and I want to protect them.

So, I, and one (and possibly two) consultants have decided to set up a website providing information of vet care and animal related prices in the Southern California area.

Vet's will receieve a rating of 1 to 5 in several different areas. Readers can leave ratings and comments just as you find on eBay or ResellersRatings.com. 

Horror stories as well as good will be posted. Various vet prices for different procedures will be listed and readers can submit bills for analysis. Procedures would include consult charge, SQ hydration, charges for fluids, catheterization, vaccines, shots, take home antibiotics and prescription food. Naturally these prices will change, but we will update the information as new info comes in.

Bills could be submitted for our analysis and comment to you as well as allowing us to build a database of current charges for vets as well as "irregularities" we see. Referrals may be made for legal action if the reader wants.

Readers will be able to submit complaints about a specific vet, submit medical records and they will be reviewed by a professional with comment.

Retailer food prices will be posted so you know the cheapest current price for Friskies or I Ams at Walmart or Petsmart. Naturally we will allow advertising by retailers and possibly from vets until they get on our Bad Vet list.

There will be periodic exposess of specific vet practices, as well as stories of changingservice patterns in Southern California.

As of now, the animal community has only word of mouth as to who is a good vet or a bad vet, whether they are being overcharged and whether their pet is receiving good care or not.

This website will fill an information gap, hopefully allowing you to avoid being overcharged for poor or even life-threatening services such as Lakshmi got from Value Vet.

As one professional told me, the veterinary industry has no oversight and vets go out of their way not to criticize other vets' practices.

Please tell us the kind of information you would like to see on such a site. 

My friend Ken Rockwell has a how-to photography site which gets well over 100,000 visits a day. Of course he appeals to a world-wide audience and our site will only be for Southern California, but I'll bet there are more animal owners on the web in So. California than Nikon users world-wide.

Help us out; what information do you want?

Also, if any of you have seen sites with similar content, or see site we can link to, please let me know.

Despite Recession, VCA Has Record Profits

VCA Antech Reports Fourth Quarter 2008 Results and Provides Financial Guidance for 2009

* Fourth quarter revenue increased 6.7% to $303.2 million
* Fourth quarter gross profit increased 6.6% to $73.9 million
* Fourth quarter diluted earnings per share increased 3.4%

The report says this has been a hard year for them and they have not been able to sustain the growth of previous years. But with $73.9 million in profit on $303.2 millions in income, their profit margin is 24.4%!!

Imagine, 25% profit in a deep recession. AND, revenues were still up over the year before. Yes, the vet profession is suffering badly, isn't it?

The CEO also stated:

"Although our same-store revenue remained essentially flat during the quarter, our same-store gross profit margin increased to 18.3% compared to 16.2%." This purportedly was caused by cost cutting and each vet having more clients due to "consolidation of operations."

I don't doubt the cost cutting part, but the "expanded revenue base" probably means they are either charging more for each procedure, or performing more procedures for each patient, or both.

Also, they bought 8 vet operations out in the 4th quarter, with an average practice income of $4 million dollars.

Another 5th District Candidate Slams Boks

L.A. City Council candidate stands up for animals: “Ed Boks’ hiring was a mistake.”

by Kate Woodviolet,

Candidate David Vahedi is seen here with wife Karli and adopted rescue dogs Stofer and Jackson. It's unusual to get a straight answer from a politician, much less a candidate running for office. Sadly, it's even more unusual to find a politician who's willing to talk about a subject close to many people's hearts – the issue of animal care in our city.

That's why it was surprising that David Vahedi, candidate for City Council in the Fifth District, not only gave me time during his campaign to discuss several animal issues, but answered candidly my questions about frequently untouchable subjects, including the role of City government in animal welfare. He was blunt about some of L.A.’s failings.
Kate Woodviolet: Why do you make it a point to talk about animal issues?

David Vahedi: I think it’s the moral and right thing to do. KW: What, in your opinion, are the main problems facing animals in Los Angeles?

DV: There’s a lack of willingness [on the part] of Animal Services to do even the simplest things to avoid destroying animals. For example, the city still does not advertise in the Yellow Pages under pet stores. Many other examples exist, including LAPD’s unwillingness to take dog fighting on as a serious crime issue, [which also results in] many dogs released by gang members into the streets, un-neutered, when they do not fight.

I was surprised by the candor of Vahedi's response to questions regarding the failures of City government in the area of animal care and control.

KW: L.A. has two distinct governmental animal care and control entities: L.A. Animal Services for the city proper, which falls under the authority of the Mayor and the L.A. City Council; and the L.A. County Department of Animal Care and Control, for county and unincorporated areas, which is overseen by the County Board of Supervisors.

Both of these departments have experienced their share of controversy, including a recent petition of no confidence against LAAS General Manager Ed Boks signed by over fifty percent of LAAS workers; and several pending lawsuits against LACDACC and its director , Marcia Mayeda.

What, in your opinion, are the most pressing issues that need to be resolved, both with LAAS and LACDACC?

DV: Ed Boks’ hiring was a mistake. Own up to it and get him out. But problems also exist in management other than with Boks that must be addressed. I’m not as informed as I would like to be with LACDCC and as such I’ll reserve comment on that for now.

KW: As an L.A. resident, I see people walking dogs off-leash frequently, which is a violation of the law, and presents a danger to both dogs and humans. What would you do to strengthen leash laws and make sure they’re enforced?

DV: Similar to my proposal for graffiti and littering, mobile phone pictures can be uploaded to LAPDONLINE.ORG. If we know where [the owners] live, a citation can then be mailed.
But bottom line, I have seen LAPD units not on call drive by unleashed animals and not stop. We have to convince LAPD of the importance of enforcing leash laws.

Part 2: Vahedi is unsparing in his assessment of recent animal-related controversies including anti-Pit Bull legislation, and he gets honest with animal care activists.

Why Paul Koretz
For Los Angeles City Council District 5* on Tuesday March 3rd.

Paul's Record:

.
West Hollywood (City Council 1988-2000)
*Created the City of West Hollywood Animal Issues Task Force
*Authored resolution declaring West Hollywood an animal cruelty-free city
*Authored ordinance preventing landlords from evicting seniors and the disabled for having small animals in their apartments
*Authored ordinance providing for a lower license fee for spayed or neutered animals
*Authored resolutions opposing cruel practices against animals, like the Draize test.

California State Assembly – 2000-2006
Most notable animal legislation included:
*AB 1857, which banned declawing of exotic and wild cats
*AB 1336, which was written to require all animals sold in pet stores to be spayed or neutered. It was amended to require pet stores to give out info. on the importance of spaying and neutering to all people purchasing animals
*ACR 143, a resolution declaring Spay Day in California
*SB1578, (principle co-author) banned dog-tethering

New Commissioner Appointed,

Ruthanne Secunda

From the Internet:

Outside of her life as an agent, Secunda is heavily involved in the animal rescue community. She is a ten-year Board member of Much Love Animal Rescue, one of Los Angeles’ biggest, where she works in the rescue, rehabilitation and adoption of hundreds of animals yearly.
Secunda resides in Venice, CA.

More About Value Vet

I wanted to repeat some information that no one has commented on.

Value Vet WILL get the West Valley shelter spay/neuter contract unless they are stopped by LAAS staff or the Commission.

Because Barth and Boks have not made much of an effort to advertise the position, only Value Vet applied for the West Valley contract. Barth refused to entertain any further proposals from other vets because none but VV's was submitted by January 27.

Notice that the entities who have the current contracts are "friends of Boks," or at least well-known to Boks, namely Clinico (through Mary Martin from N.Y.), and Value Vet. I am afraid I am guilty here as I brought VV to Ed's attention two years ago. So, where is the outreach regarding the LAAS RFP for the S/N contract?

I will soon submit a malpractice complaint to the California Veterinary Medical Board re Value Vet. Perhaps this will help prevent their getting the contract.

No one from Value Vet has contacted me since my first post and public email. I did talk to the Canoga vet about a week before that first post. I complained about the charges. He offered me a $35 discount on a $2,270 bill to"make me happy." He was going to take off $100 off his surgery fee, but then add an additional $65 for dental, for a net refund of $35.

He never asked how Lakshmi was, nor did he apologize for her poor treatment. He did not acknowledge there was poor treatment.

He did not apologise for not force feeding her for four days, or for anything else. His sole concern with the amount on his bill. His name is Sherif Abdelmalak for future reference.

By the way, Lakshmi is doing well now. She is being treated by a great oncologist at West LA VCA, John Critine. She was given a single treatment of Cytoxin and a week later went on a combo treatment of Leukeran and Prednisone. She is also getting a formulated, beef flavored Flagyl and a probiotic for diarrhea. At times she acts like the 4 year old cat she is. He white blood count is down from 43,000 to 8,000 after a month of treatment.

BE MY FURRY VALENTINE ADOPTATHON

Reductions of more than 60% in adoption fees offered
Los Angeles – LA Animal Services, in partnership with the Found Animals Foundation and the Pet Care Foundation, is announcing the My Furry Valentine adoption event at all six Animal Care Centers.

Saturday and Sunday, February 14th and 15th
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday

Loving animals will be available for adoption at a Valentine’s Day special low price of $43 for a dog, $28 for a cat (second cat is free!) and $25 for a rabbit. This is a 60% to 80% savings off regular adoption fees. During this event, these low adoption fees include spay/neuter surgery, microchip, vaccinations and in the case of dogs a license.

On Saturday, Feb. 14th at the West LA and East Valley Care Centers, the My Furry Valentine event will include face painting, valentine-making and "Pet Matchmakers" to help you find your forever friend!

West Los Angeles Animal Care Center 11361 W. Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90064 Hours: 8am - 3pm

East Valley Animal Care Center14409 Vanowen Street Van Nuys, CA Hours: 8am - 3pm

A Vet Responds to My Complaint About Value Vet

No animal on fluid therapy should be left alone for the following reasons:

Hydration status cannot be monitored and the animal can become overhydrated. This can be fatal. Especially for a cat.

The IV pump could alarm and stop (and usually does) meaning the patient will not receive the fluids it needs.

The patient can become restless and disconnect their IV line or pull out their IV catheter leaving an open port directly into their vein for bacteria.

Most vets will have signs posted stating that there is no night attendant on duty. I believe this is also required by law. Honest vets will tell you outright that your pet will not be monitored overnight and explain the risks stated above. They will also suggest that you take your pet to a 24 hour emergency facility for monitoring while on fluids. Further, they will have you sign an AMA if you refuse to transfer your pet. Less honest vets will withhold that information and continue charging you for hospitalization.

I have seen pets die in their cages overnight because they didn't get the fluids they needed.

Any cat not eating should be at least syringe fed to avoid hepatic lipidosis. If your cat was truly not given food for such extended periods, there had better be a legitimate reason why. It is otherwise malpractice.

There should be DVM notes for every day that she was there. If not, that is malpractice.

"N0 one had told him (The weekend vet) he should look at Lakshmi."

Oh, that's BAD! Total malpractice. He is personally responsible for every single patient in that hospital. In no way can he blame staff for his neglect.

"Lakshmi did not eat food when offered. My feeing was it was because of under-treated pain."

Very possible.

Dr. Abdelmalak said the three sets of X-rays were very difficult to read and understand because they showed poor organ definition.

Or because they were crap x-rays taken by crap staff with a crap machine. I would have to see them.

You have some very good and very pursuable points on how Lakshmi was neglected. I would stick with that. If you want VV investigated, you need to get a copy of your records and file a complaint with the VMB.

Is a Value Vet Fix In?

Value Vet Fix In?

LAAS issued a near-secret RFP (Request for Proposals) in November regarding operating the West Valley spay/neuter clinic. The deadline for submitted proposals was January 27 of this year. There was a presentation meeting for anyone who wanted to learn the particulars about what was involved only 14 days after the proposal was out (November 19).

Guess who was the only vet group to submit a proposal????

VALUE VET!!

Is the fix in?

Who received notice of this RFP???

http://laanimalservices.org/PDF/rfp/clinics/Clinics%20RFP%20announcement%20letter-%20Nov%202008.pdf

I would assume with all vet business down there would be many vets interested in taking over a rent-free, utility-free facility, in the all new West Valley shelter.

So as the only bidder, will Value Vet be given another locked in private vet franchise for the West Valley? Will Value Vet be able to spay/neuter 7 of the City’s animals a day there, then be able to charge the public hundreds of dollars for a spay/neuter such as in West LA?

As it is, most every day someone brings in a sick or injured pet to the shelter and asks whether the shelter can do anything. Naturally, the shelter will say they have a vet on campus, in this case, Value Vet. So Value Vet gets all of this guaranteed, captured market.

How convenient.

In order for Boks to tell the Mayor and the Controller that five S/N clinics are up and running, he’ll make an agreement with a private vet clinic that appears ready, willing and able to both price fix and price gouge.

This cannot go through.

The Vet Care System is Broken--What to Do?

Have you gone to your vet lately? I have. Wherever I have gone, patronage is down. Their offices are mostly empty.

The same economic downturn that is causing pet owners to abandon their animals also has resulted in a marked decrease in vet care across the board.

There are a few clinics that still have business, like the West LA VCA with all its specialists. Wealthy people still take their pets to vets. Or poor people like me who have cats with cancer or other conditions requiring specialist consults. Then we go into debt we cannot afford.

The other vet offices that remain busy are those that do spay/neuter surgeries for City animals.

Rather than lowering fees to attract more business, some vets are offering extra services, and, it is alleged, providing unnecessary procedures to pad the bills of those who still take their animals for medical treatment. The Adler clinic in Reseda now offers house calls as well as boarding.

The same cost bloat that has plagued the human medical care system has impacted veterinary care for the last 15 years or so. An office visit costing $23.00 fifteen years ago, is now over $50. X-rays that used to be $65 ten years ago, now are $110. The Antech C1 blood panel that was an average of $106 three years ago is now $160 and counting.

When I worked at the old, pre-Cobb Value Vet in 1996 or so, the C1 panel cost $37.50 and we charged $105, about triple. This is where the money still lays, in diagnostic testing, X-rays, and medications.

Especially egregious back then were the charges for SQ fluids. Back in the 80s, one local vet charged $20 for a litre bag of Lactated Ringers, $7 for the IV line, and 50 cents for each needle. The charges have gone up since. Yet, Lactated Ringers solution NOW costs about $2.25 per bag at Costco, the IV lines cost $2.40 (for the best quality lines) on the Internet, and you can buy 100 Monoject 20 gauge needles for $8.00. The markups were and are 400 to 1,000%, far above the old retail and pre-1990 medical markup accepted rates of 300%.

Medications had and still do have similar mark ups.

Vets will be going through a difficult period for another year or two, but rather than dropping prices and advertising new, lower discount prices, they’d rather have an empty office, lay off staff and weather the drop in income.

How foolish.

An ambitious vet with some cash resources anticipating a two year dry spell, would cut prices significantly, and garner a larger percentage of the existing clients of other vets, plus create a new market out of those who stopped going to vets because of the cost. They would also try to capture new animal adopters form LAAS and County. This may be 30,000 40,000 potential clients a year. Then, when the economy turned up, they would have a far larger client base that will stay with them if they still provide good service at reasonable, if no longer, discount fees.

I don’t see this happening. Vet care as now provided is a broken system. Many veterinarian insurance carriers have a bad reputation for denied claims, and some have a criminal complaint past. There is no vetcare HMO yet. There is no Pet Medical Free Clinic—yet.

There are so many opportunities for change and improvement in the pet veterinarian field, but no one has stepped up to the plate.

Speaking of insurance, Boks is trying to get LAAS to advertise a pet medical insurance to new adopters for a rather trivial amount of income from that company. AND, who is it that has access to all of the Chameleon data in the department’s system? Avid of course. Petsmart? The Chameleon parent company? The new insurance carrier to be? This is a very, very valuable commodity for any retailer. Who gets this private information and at what price?

Value Vet CEO Misstates VV's Fees to the Public

According to the minutes of the August 25, 2008 Animal Services Commission meeting minutes,

http://laanimalservices.com/PDF/commission/2008/8_25_08%20Minutes.pdf

Ed McCobb, CEO of Value Vet addressed the concerns about their prices. They work with Pet Orphans Fund, who helps to pay for veterinary services for those who can not pay. Value Vet also offers low cost office visits and their costs in general are in the lower 25th percentile. Value Vet also works closely with rescue organizations and they have rescue organization pricing.

Really? The lower 25% of all veterinary service providers in the area?

Let’s take a look at what Value Vet charged me for Lakshmi’s care:

3 sets of X-rays at $110.00 each... $330.00

Feline Comprehensive
C1 blood test (Antech),...............$166.18

I.V. Fluids (lactated Ringers)
($2.25 a bag at Costco)...............$ 65.00

6 “Admin. of Meds”...................$300.00

Anesthesia, Isofluorane..............$100.00

Exploratory surgery
(45 minutes!!!).........................$500.00

Fecal Culture..........................$114.43

Fecal Combo/Giardia Test...........$ 51.00

Biopsy (Antech)........................$187.14

The total bill was.....................$2,170.00

They did charge on the low side for items like hospital stay, $30/day, initial exam, $30, and catheterization, $28.00, but the cost of prescribed meds was average to high average. For example, Cefa drops, 15ml was $28.00.

These charges certainly are not in the lower 25% of the prevailing rates in the West Valley. $500 for a 45 minute exploratorysurgery fee alone? That is $670/hour.

Now, I was told repeatedly that I was a preferred customer getting the best price break. What would Value Vet at Canoga Park charge for the average LAAS referred animal for spay/neuter surgery? How many “extra” services would they charge and at what rate?

More from the August 25 minutes:

Commissioner Riordan requested a price list for their other services and products. Mr. McCobb stated that that list was part of the proposal documents submitted. Commissioner Riordan expressed concern over Value Vet’s high prices for optional services to the public. Since such prices can be disapproved by the Department, she asked if Value Vet would lower the spay/neuter prices to the public. Mr. McCobb answered that he could not compete with his prices across the street at Value Vet’s private clinic.

Ms. Barth reminded the Commission that Value Vet would be doing all the shelter animals. Commissioner Riordan asked what the average daily adoption is at West Los Angeles. Ms. Barth stated the average would be around five a day. Commissioner Riordan clarified that after the five animals sterilized a day, Value Vet’s services will be for the public and it is required that those prices are for persons of all income levels.

(My comment): Value Vet gets to charge the public for general veterinarian services whatever it wants after performing 5 City animal spay/neuters a day. This is a good deal for Value Vet as they get totally rent free medical clinic facilities in a brand new shelter, free utilities, free cages and surgery table. Their only overhead is surgical equipment and salaries.

What does the City get?

It gets 5 spay/neuters a day, and 2% to 3% of the gross income for years 1 through three.

Let us just look at the spay/neuter fees the West LA Value Vet will charge:

Dog spay

Under 25 lbs...... $165.00
25 – 50 lbs......... $175.00
51 – 75 lbs......... $200.00
Over 75 lbs........ $280.00

Dog neuter

Under 25 lbs...... $150.00
25 – 50 lbs......... $160.00
51 – 75 lbs......... $175.00
Over 75 lbs........ $240.00

Cat spay........... $135.00
Cat neuter........ $ 90.00

Since outside contract vets are accepting City $68 vouchers for many S/N surgeries, is the cat spay price of $135 of benefit to the public? What about the large dog spay price of $280 or neuter of $240?

Compare these prices to the $25 to $55 fee for all dog and cat spay/neuters charged to the general public by Clinico.

AND, as Commissioner Riordan asked, what is Value Vet’s pricing for all their other general veterinary services? Do you think Ed Cobb will mention the $670/hour exploratory surgery rate? Recently I priced a general vet in the Northridge area re exploratory surgery charges: $440/hour ($110/15 minutes).

I might mention when I complained to the vet who did the surgery, he bragged he had charged someone the day before $800.00 for exploratory surgery.

In summary, the Value has gone out of Value Vet since it won a City contract. Ed Cobb stated a mistruth, to say the least, that Value Vet’s prices are in the lower 25% of the area prevailing.

Is anyone at the City monitoring their vet contractors’ charges, performance and complaints? What is the bad surgery and mortality rates for these contractors? How many extra services are they charging for and at what rate? Is there a mechanism by which the public can file a complaint against outside contractors like Porter Pet hospital, or on site contractors like Value Vet or Clinico?

I would remind you that the West Valley facility is miniscule and dangerously chaotic for the volume of S/N surgeries it performs on weekends, so chaotic that Lakshmi had very poor care and monitoring for four days of hospitalization. Will this be the case at the West LA City shelter site too?

AVOID VALUE VET!!

Remember how supportive I have been of Value Vet in the past and supported the City award of the S/N contract for West LA?

Boy, was I mistaken. Since they are now a major contractor of vet services at their three sites, they have decided to upscale their fees big time. Yet in the West Valley, their facilities and staff are so small, they cannot safely support the services they are offering.

Value Vet is now providing Third World Veterinarian Services at VCA prices.

Remember too how I said I rescued this little old cat off the street--Lakshmi? Well, this is her and my story.

The Below was sent to the Animal Services Commissioners:

Dear Commissioners
Ed Boks
Linda Barth
Dr. Jeremy Prupas

Many of you know I have championed Value Vet during the past three years as an excellent provider of veterinarian services, including the Department awarding it the West LA spay/neuter contract against some opposition.

I first went to Value Vet three or four years ago where I met Dr. Feldman, who was always gracious, had a great bedside manner and provided quality veterinarian care at a budget price. In my estimation Dr. Feldman provided care at about a 30+% discount compared to other vets in the West Valley area.

However, things have changed. Since the City awarded Value Vet the West LA spay neuter contract, and since VV performs a large number of spay/neuter surgeries, VV now has a large, City-sponsored and supplied captive audience.

It appears that Value Vet is taking advantage of this City captive market and has moved from supplying excellent care at a discount, to providing ever more ambitious care at a much higher prevailing fee rate, however, without the staff to safely supply these procedures.

My recent experience with the Canoga VV has been a nightmare, with a rescue cat receiving a 45 minute abdominal exploratory surgery on Friday afternoon, and being left unattended, while receiving fluids on an IV drip for four days, sometimes being unsupervised, unmonitored and unfed for up to 19 hours at a time. She was not given pain medications on the second day. None of the two weekend veterinarians was asked to look at her to see how she was doing. She did not eat for 4 days, yet no one attempted to syringe feed her.

I have asked around for professional opinions and universally they say no cat having received major surgery and while on an IV drip should be left alone beginning three hours later, for 15 hours until the morning staff came in. The next day she was left alone at night, unmonitored for 16 hours, and Sunday evening for 19+ hours. This is not an acceptable level of care for an animal having received major surgery.

My experience in summary:

The fees at Value Vet are no longer a value as in the past. For all intents and purposes their charges are the same as those at VCA or other large multivet clinics that have huge overhead in terms of large facilities, large numbers of very expensive diagnostic and treatment equipment, large staffs, near round the clock veterinarians on duty, as well as night vet tech staff.

The Canoga Value Vet does not have a round-the-clock staff to monitor animals overnight and the physical plant itself is miniscule and chaotic with huge potential for medical mistakes.

My cat Lakshmi spent a total of 5 days during two hospitalizations, including 4 after major surgery, on an IV fluid drip without a night staff to monitor her health. Why I allowed this I do not know. I put her life at risk by letting her be without medical supervision for as many as 19 hours at a time. The surgery was Friday afternoon, and the clinic closed at 6 pm, leaving her alone until 9 am Saturday morning, and then again from 2 pm on Sunday to 9:00 on Monday morning.

The total cost of treatment was essentially the same as if I had taken her to a specialist, given a far less intrusive endoscopy with biopsy, rather than the long abdominal exploratory surgery she did have, followed by 4 days and nights on an IV, totally alone at night. Yet, I was told since I had such a long relationship with VV and they had treated several pets in the past, I was given their top, lowest priced, best discount. This leads me to ask how much are they charging to the general public who now comes mostly as a City referral?

On the weekend, she was locked in a single bank of cages, next to very noisy cages with lots of frightened dogs kep before and after S/N surgery of animals referred by LAAS. The room where she was caged is also the surgery prep room, is incredibly small (maybe 80 sq ft) and therefore very crowded with the cages, the animal preparation area, people going in and out of the bathroom, or in and out of surgery attached to that same room carrying comatose animals to cages. On week ends, due to all the business the City of Los Angles sends their way, there are many spay/neuter surgeries and the animals recover or await surgery in the same bank of cages she was in. That little room is chaotic and rife with the possibility of medical treatment error.

Lakshmi was never looked at by a weekend (Saturday and Sunday) relief vet until I insisted on Sunday. The vet with a Russian sounding name told me on Sunday (the surgery was Friday afternoon) no one had told him he should look at Lakshmi, the only cat that was there when he arrived, and who had been there in a cage, on an I.V., for two days following major surgery. Why he had not been asked to check on her condition as part of his duties on Sunday points to some sort of communication problem within the clinic.

Dr. Sherif Abdelmalak did not see Lakshmi until Monday morning, 2-1/2 days after the surgery, despite my telling staff on Sunday that Lakshmi was not doing well. She had not eaten since surgery on Friday. She subsequently vomited 4 different places in her cage between 2 pm on Sunday and 10 am Monday morning.

When I came on Sunday to see her, they were already closing up early (2 pm) and I found to my utter shock and depression that Lakshmi had not had any pain medication that day---the second day after major surgery. I finally demanded she be given pain medication.

I was told by staff that Dr. Abdelmalak had stated pain meds were only to be given on Saturday, because the pain meds could mask her symptoms. But so what? No vet looked at her on the weekend, and she would be alone in the cage for an additional 19 hours from Sunday at 2 pm to Monday at 9 am. What good did it do for her to be in pain, alone for over 19 hours so that no one could see whatever symptoms she was having, and Abdelmalak didn’t think not eating for 2 days and frequent vomiting was worth a visit by him.

In fact, on Saturday I saw the note on her cage that said she was to be given pain medication on Saturday only. I asked Tony (office manager) if the pain meds were only going to be given on Saturday as the note said, and why none were prescribed for Sunday. Tony said that those notes were for Saturday only, and certainly she would be given pain medications on Sunday and Monday. But they did not until I insisted on Sunday as they were closing. Rather than give Buprinex 2 X a day, it was given only once every 24 hours.

Dr. Abdelmalak was told by staff at my insistence at about 2 pm that she was not doing well. He made no attempt to come in and see her. He said there was nothing he could do but wait.

Lakshmi did not eat at all from the time of her surgery until I picked her up on Tuesday—4 days. Dr. Abdelmalak insisted she only be fed Science Diet i/d for abdominal symptoms. She did not touch i/d for 4 days. Apparently he thought it better for her not to eat at all than to eat anything besides Science Diet i/d.

Dr. Abdelmalak only once talked to me on the phone during the 4 days Lakshmi was in the hospital despite his promise to advise me of lab results and her progress. He talked to me that one time on the phone when I was in tears demanding she get pain medication on Sunday afternoon, and after I complained to staff that Dr. Abdelmalak never talks to me on the phone—he has others do it. Communication was never initiated by Value Vet. Never. Of course I did talk to him when I came in on Monday.

Later when I talked to him he told me his father had had a heart attack
That weekend and his personal life was in chaos. I can understand his viewpoint, but, at the same time, my cat’s life was in danger, she had no pain meds, she was not eating, and no attempt was made to syringe feed her. And, the weekend vets were not even told to look at her.

Value Vet closed at 2 p.m. on Sunday. She had not been eating so they left a small dab of Science Diet i/d on a small plate as her only food. On Monday morning, I waited until 10:15 a.m. to call to see if she had been eating. I had assumed they would have tried to feed her first thing since she had nothing fresh for 19 hours. Incredibly, Tony said they had not fed her yet, but they would “In about 15 minutes.” She went 20.5 hour without food.

On Monday afternoon I suggested feeding her something other than i/d, such as a/d, which she had eaten before. Lakshmi did not eat this either when offered. My feeing was it was because of under-treated pain.

Tuesday morning when I came to see her she had still not eaten. They had not tried any other food. It is my understanding that if a cat has not eaten in two or three days, it is better to get her to eat anything rather than just the “correct” prescription food. Dr. Abdelmalak stated he thought it better she remain the another day, as though she was not eating, she was still getting fluids and medication. I said no, I wanted to take her home. I had brought a can of Fancy Feast with me. Lakshmi wolfed down a half can in 15 seconds. I did not feed her any more at that time, but made arrangements to take her home several hours later when it was less busy. Tony and the doctor were both surprised and happy that she was finally eating.

Dr. Abdelmalak said the three sets of X-rays were very difficult to read and understand because they showed poor organ definition. He stated that the poor definition may be due to the presence of abdominal fluids or rampant inflammation in her belly. He did state he did not think it was fluid after palpation.

The oncologist I took Lakshmi to at VCA on January 8 (Dr. John Critin) stated the X rays were of relatively poor quality but clearly showed multiple organ enlargement, spleen, liver but especially stomach. He stated that Dr. Abdelmalak should have told me this. However, it was clear that Dr. Abdelmalak did not know this at all. He was perplexed by the results. Critin also said her heart was small and she had a heart murmur. Dr. Abdelmalak did not mention this either.

Regarding Lakshmi’s cost of treatment. When I first brought her in, a week before the surgery, Abdelmalak said because I was a long time customer, had been supportive of Value Vet and knew Dr. Feldman, I would get the highest discount, their very best prices. Instead:

Regarding prices, I believe 6 “administrations of meds” (over the 2 admissions) charged at $300.00 was excessive.

The Antech C1 blood panel was charged at $166.18, high average. VCA charged $165 and change.

The Fecal Combo Giardia test was $51.00, I think high normal prevailing rate. Fluids were $65, the same as VCA. Catheterization was $28, $20 less than VCA, and the office vistit was $20 less than VCA.

Additional Urinalysis was an additional $25.88, again, slightly lower than VCA.

The $500.00 charged for exploratory surgery was excessive in that I could have taken her to my own internal med specialist I’ve used before (Dr. Broome) for a far less invasive and painful endoscopy for $425.00. Biopsy, of course, was necessary in both cases. Dr. Abdelmalak never suggested referral to someone else for less invasive treatment, nor to defer surgery until after the weekend, when he would be the attending, or to take her to another clinic with a night staff. He did suggest I could take her to an emergency clinic after surgery so someone could monitor her at night if that made me more comfortable. However, that would have cost hundreds more. Apparently he did not think leaving her alone for 15-16 hours (Friday closing to Saturday opening) was a concern.

It was a concern of mine at the time, but the concern became extreme after I saw with my own eyes how she had been treated.

I was given an estimate for the exploratory surgery procedure and dental (we talked about the extraction of one tooth beforehand), and was shocked to hear an estimate of over $1,400. This was in addition to the well over $700 I had already spent. She was already in the back room being prepped and I had no idea if I could get her to see my usual internal med specialist (Dr. Broome) in Westwood in a reasonable time as an alternative. I did not know how sick she was so I thought immediate treatment was essential and gave in---extremely reluctantly. I found out later that Dr. Broome was out of town until the following Wednesday and I didn’t see much use in taking her to another general vet like Adler, which would have required an entirely separate workup and perhaps redundant testing, although Reimer may have been less aggressive or suggested an endoscopy. Nor did I know whether Reimer was available or what other doctor might be on call. Lastly, I had had 3 cats die while hospitalized at Reimer’s clinic in the previous 18 months, so I was not in a rush to take any other cat there. (Two kidney failures on fluids and one cat with exploratory surgery and cancer tumor removal.)

I asked Tony if I could get a discount, and Dr. Abdelmalak told him that this ridiculous charge already had a razor sharp profit margin, but he did give me a 5% discount.

After the exploratory of her belly, while she was still under, I was talking to Tony and he said Dr. Abdelmalak said she needed a dental and extraction, which would cost another $65, even though we had already discussed the dental need this prior to the estimate. I had assumed the dental was included in the quote. Of course I said yes. He also said a fecal culture was needed and that was another $114. I felt he had misinformed me with a lowball estimate or else he should have been more careful in preparing it and added in the dental. I learned afterwards that Tony may not have put the dental charge on the final bill. I am awaiting copies of all the bills as mine appear different from what the doctor said I was changed.

I feel I was given first world charges for what turned out, in my opinion to be third world care, with no night supervision for as many as 19 hours at a time while she was on an I.V., and no pains meds after Saturday until I insisted. I was deeply hurt, depressed and feeling guilty by what I put Lakshmi through as well as feeling I had made a fool of myself for going along with Dr. Abdelmalak’s treatment plan of exploratory surgery. I just did not know how sick she was, if I could see a specialist in a short period, she was already being prepped for surgery. I felt under pressure to make an immediate choice and chose for treatment despite misgivings as Dr. Abdelmalak indicated it was a medical necessity. Who am I to judge medical necessity? I still feel depressed and guilty almost two weeks after the surgery.

Given the extremely small size and layout of the Canoga facility, and given the volume of City-referred and funded surgeries taking place there, I fear for the quality of the care offered to these animals, and I wonder what is the final out the door charges are to new owners who are given essentially a free spay/neuter, but may end up paying substantially more.

If the bill I received and the care Lakshmi received was their premium best for a long-time customer, what is happening with the general public?

I think the Commission has to do due diligence in this situation as Value Vet is a City contractor, and investigate the Canoga premises as to the adequacy of the facility for high volume care of City adopted animals, and which treatment will reflect on the City with VV as a contractor.

I think the City should obtain a sample of the final bills given to adopters to check the fees and procedures.

I think VV should never be allowed to do a major surgery leaving an animal alone at night after major surgery, and especially while on IV fluids.

The biggest question in my mind is how could Value Vet go from being a good, solid discount veterinary providing quality services at substantially below market prices, until they get a City S/N contract, a rent free state of the art facility, along with no utility payment overhead, and then go to a VCA level of pricing offering services beyond their capacity to provide safely?