A W

Highly disappointed and disgusted

I am actually quite upset that I have to leave such a negative review, as they used to be the best veterinary hospital. The most recent event: My cat had to have a portion of her tail amputated due to an accident. They amputated. After going for dressing changes, a nurse carelessly wrapped the bandage too tight which caused significant deep tissue bruising. After begging for antibiotics, they finally gave us some, and we were told they were ‘strong and effective’. However, when my cat was showing signs of sepsis, we called and asked for an appointment, in which we were told that she was not a priority and they were only going to see her for her scheduled appointment the following day, despite the vet telling us that we must bring her in immediately if she is showing any signs of sickness. Also, when she came home from her amputation, they hurt her throat so badly during sedation that she only regained her voice back after two weeks. They refuse to take accountability for their apparent mess-ups, but demanded R20,000 for this. We immediately took her to another vet and they told us the antibiotics Westville prescribed were not effective for the type of infection, and the tight dressing caused tissue death. They now have to amputate more of her tail. However, this new vet is incredible and empathetic, and charging R3000 for surgery, medications, and a three day hospital stay. Next, my dog was taken in to Westville three weeks prior with a stomach bug. Although more on the senior-side, she had no health issues. They took xrays and they gave us different answers over two days as to what was wrong with her. They asked me to come in and try feed her, but when I arrived, she was completely out-of-it and was battling to breathe. I immediately called the vet in and told her, and said it was just the drugs and that she was in no way shape or form in immediate danger. I was not happy with this at all and told them something was seriously wrong, but was assured she was fine. The next morning, we received a call to say that she had died after they fed her during the night, and she aspirated into her lungs and developed pneumonia. They then told us that over the two days that she was there, they suspected she had an issue with her oesophagus. But why did they feed her then? And they only called us after she had died. It was incredibly traumatic and did not make any sense. They then proceeded to charge us over R15,000 for this. They have gone from an incredible practice, to one that is money-hungry and apathetic. They do not have the best interest of the pets at heart at all. I am highly disappointed and disgusted at their behaviour towards pet-owners and the animals that come into their practice. We have tried to be understanding, but this has gone too far. Something needs to change, or people are just going to keep losing pets that are healthy.