Sawgrass Veterinary Cardiology

We were directed to Access animal hospital in Royal Palm Beach by our Vet in lighthouse point. She was in distress with a very low heart rate. After some test we were told she had 3rd degree AV block she needed emergency surgery because meds weren’t working , that she needed a pacemaker to fix the problem or she would likely go into cardiac arrest and die. We had many questions that the attending vet couldn’t answer but were told the cardiologist was unavailable. We asked for just a couple of minuets to consult with our vet, and the addending said sure but rather reluctantly. It was 5pm on Friday so we were unable to get our vet back on the phone. We called back in less than 5 minuets and wasn’t able to get either the attending vet Dr Martin nor the Dr Carpenter on the phone. Multiple calls and no return call, (found out latter our Vet called multiple times as well and they never called him either) After an hour or so we finally told the receptionist to rely to the Drs that we want them to do the “emergency” surgery. Mind you We’ we’re told by Dr Martin that it was life or death, that there was “no time for other tests”, but We didn’t here from Dr Carpenter for several hours until right before the procedure. He answered our questions leaving us Cautiously optimistic. After the procedure he calls us to let us know she made it through, obviously we are thrilled, only to be met with a bomb of him tell us that he and ALL of his staff was leaving for China and would not be available for her after care. Interesting and Troubling that that this was not disclosed prior to the procedure, perhaps even hours before when we might have been able to make other arrangements. So when our dog went into cardiac arrest a few hours later the staff at Access wasn’t 100% sure how to handle the situation, I know this because the Dr Martin told us she was trying to reach Dr Carpenter to “see what he wants us to do” and then she proceeds to give me a play by play over the phone of how now our little 13 lb baby girl had “blood coming out her ears, and now gushing out of her nose… “ Dr Martin and her team not only seem to lack the complete know how on what “exactly” to do, but she also lacked the common sense empathy necessary for this situation. We have been haunted by that deeply disturbing call since. As far as Dr Carpenter, we have Not heard a peep from him nor his staff, No “ back from China and heard the news I’m very sorry to here..” no call about what they think happened, and why all this blood…only thing we got was an email confirming our $7400 payment, which didn’t include the $5000 we had already payed Access to determine the issue, who we haven’t heard anything from since the chaotic and hard phone call in the middle of the night. We aren’t trying to sway anyone from seeing these Doctors. All I would say is, get all the facts you can, and trust your gut.Have a relationship beyond your vet, know your ER clinic and their capabilities and have a relationship with a Veterinary Cardiologist. Odds are you will unfortunately need these services and it will make your decision making process more comfortable.

Dr Carpenter and the entire staff our amazing. They took great care of our boxer and of us. Anytime you have to visit a specialist it is a stressful time, but Dr Carpenter and the staff made us feel like family. He explained all of the tests & procedures in detail, then provided us with the treatment the options making sure he laid out all the pro's and cons. He was very candidate yet compassionate, and also ensured we were very well informed in our decision making process. He invited us to be present in all of the testing which made it easier on us and our baby Ginger. There were no gotcha's or hidden surprises when it came to the cost of services. He again explained everything ahead of time and any associated costs. No one ever wants to have to see a Cardiologist, but when you do it is great to know you have someone like Dr Carpenter in your corner who has you and your pets best interest at heart.

I'm very pleased with Dr Carpenter and his assistant Alejandra. He takes good care of my baby Tipi. Only problem at times they are closed and hard to reach.

Dr.Carpenter and his staff have been wonderful. My chihuahua is very aggressive towards them and yet they laugh about it and handle her with such great care. Like many others have said, Doctor goes over every aspect of care and plan with you and makes sure you understand exactly what you have to do. Even her medical visit reports are extremely detailed and have all the at home instructions necessary. She is still alive because of her medical management and the medications prescribed. Bless you all for giving us more time with our Khloe!

I understand there’s one 1-2 cardiologist in this area, however, my dog is likely in heart failure and was told that he cannot be seen until 8/31. He could die before then. Super disappointing and scared.