Millcreek Animal Hospital

We've had a very difficult 8 days. Our sweet old man Puko had his yearly checkup last Tuesday, and we asked if they could do an X-ray to see why he had such a big belly despite having lost weight. None of us were prepared for what they found: his spleen was enlarged, and took up the majority of his abdomen. It needed to be removed. If not, it would eventually rupture and he would suffer a painful death. But the surgery to remove would be incredibly risky given his age and the sheer size of it. If his options were to die painfully vs peacefully under anesthesia, then there was no question to what we'd pick. We didn't hesitate to schedule the surgery. In the meantime, we tried to enjoy our time with him the best we could. The wonderful Dr. Vanessa Brooks and staff over at Millcreek Animal Hospital performed his surgery this morning at 8:30, and at 10:15 she personally came out to our car to tell us that he was awake in recovery. He stayed with them until about 4:45 until his blood levels stabilized. The spleen had a large mass on it, weighing a whopping 4lbs in total. The mass was sent off to pathology for testing, so we aren't completely in the clear yet, but this was the biggest hurdle for sure. To say we are relieved is an understatement!! We are so grateful to the staff and to Dr. Brooks over at Millcreek Animal Hospital for taking such amazing care of our old man not just today, but for the almost 10 years we've been seeing them. We are so happy to have him home 💕

I trust my babies with the vets here. They're very knowledgeable. When they explain medical information, they take the time to say things in ways you can understand. The staff trims my dogs' nails and they do a wonderful job, especially with my German Shepherd. They have a seriously clean office from the waiting area to the rooms. I appreciated the battery operated candle in the waiting area with the sign letting people know that if the candle is "lit" then someone is saying goodbye to their pet and asking to be as quiet as possible out of respect. It helps not having to hear any laughing while crying and having those last moments with a pet. Their staff has helped me get my dogs back in my vehicle when I've had all of them with me. And it's been when they offered - I didn't ask. They take that extra step in caring.

The dr at Millcreek sent us to the emergency vet for emergency surgery for the cost of $5,400. The emergency vet was willing to do the surgery but hinted at the notion that it may not be necessary. We called two other vets in the area and both agreed that antibiotics for the weekend and surgery down the road would be completely fine. The doctor at Millcreek should be educated on the difference between an open pyometra and a closed one. Thankfully we found another vet to care for our dog and took care of the surgery after the weekend as Millcreek would have done if they were competent. Absolutely reckless and careless on behalf of the doctor at Millcreek.

Last Friday our little 7 year old chihuahua Luke was passing blood in his stools. That certainly alarmed us so my wife called our Vet Millcreek. She was told no appointments which was not surprising but also said he could not be worked in. Very surprising as we have been clients there over 15 years & Luke has a brother Oreo that goes there also. Was told to take him to emergency vet in Irmo which we did where he was quickly treated and taken care of well. I should also say my brother and his family have been clients at Millcreek there longer than us. From what my wife told me the lady on the phone was not very nice or understanding. I doubt the vets in the back even knew this. Needless to say we are changing vets. I do not think this is anyway to run a business and certainly no way to treat your established clients. There reviews are not always 5 stars and easy now to see why. A very disgusted soon to be former client.

Mill Creek Animal Hospital (Dr. Brooks in particular) has been seeing our animals, cats, dogs, rabbits and ferrets, since we moved to the Lexington in 2006. In my opinion there is no other finer veterinarian services than Dr. Brooks and her staff. These folks are so very caring with our animals and compassionate towards our feelings about our furbabies. We can't thank them enough for their kindness and professionalism.