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.