VCA Elkton Animal Hospital - CLOSED

I want to start this review by saying the only reason this location is getting a 2 star rating instead of a 1 star, is because of the Vet Technicians and front desk staff. Every single one of them welcomed myself and my 2 dogs with open arms, and treated them like they were their own. They always went above and beyond what was probably required of them, and my dogs never feared going to the vet because of them. However, Dr. Towl was the exact opposite of his colleagues. My one dog, Nora, a Staffordshire Terrier mix is extremely friendly with anyone she meets. My other dog, Major, a Labrador Bulldog mix, is the exact same way, with the high energy of being a puppy. Dr. Towl would love and pet Major the entire visit, even kneel down so he could get some kisses from him. But the second Nora would walk up, he would completely ignore her, and go as far as shoving her away from him, even when doing an examination. Nora has both environmental and food allergies, so we were trying different treatments to help her. Back in January I started to notice her already thin coat, thinning, and developing small bald patches. I was told this was nothing to worry about. a month or so later She suddenly had a lacrosse ball size bald spot form on her side. He treated her for ring worm, and when that did nothing, Dr. Towl said there was nothing else he could do, and I would have to get used to her having bald spots. Never once did he take any skin samples. A few months later, her nail beds started to turn black, between her toes turned blood red, and she started to get bumps on her skin. I called and asked when I could bring her in, and what I could do to help her until then. I got a voicemail from Dr. Towl telling me I should put hydrocortisone cream on her, and give her Benadryl (something we have used in the past without it working) and told me to call if I had any questions. I finally had enough, and got a second opinion from a vet who comes to my work. She was immediately worried by the pictures, angered by the voicemail and told me to bring Nora to her office. Several skin samples and nail bed scrapings let her know that she has a major bacterial, fungal, and yeast infection all throughout different parts of her body. She is now on several medications (both oral and topical) to try and make her healthy again. We will also be switching her food soon so as to not shock her system with all these changes. I really hope the Vet Technicians end up with a better Vet to work under than Dr. Towl since he has disappeared without a trace. If he is dumb enough to come back to this or another practice, I hope you use caution, and make sure (if you have a bully type breed) you use another Vet offered at that hospital to make sure your dog gets the best car possible. Shame on you Dr. Towl. Shame on you for running me around in circles for 6 months, making me feel like I'm being a crazy dog mom, and imagining something was wrong with my dog, when she was fine. I hope you learn to accept all dogs, and if you can't, find another profession.

posted: 07/26/2018

We will definitely be returning should we need vet services for our cat! Dr. Charles was very knowledgeable and quick, and we left there fully confident that our cat would be well again. Also, the vet tech who initially helped us (can't remember her name) was very impressive in how she handled the cat, no hesitations, very deliberate movements. All in all a very good experience

posted: 11/01/2016

The staff was courteous, knowledgeable, and professional. I will definitely be returning with my cat for his next appointment(s). They even gave him a small (approximately 100 pieces) bag of treats to bring home, without charging for them. The office was also very clean and well maintained.

posted: 11/06/2018

I wish I could give this place 0 stars. From the moment we walked in, reception (Robin) was very rude and Inconsiderate. When you look up emergency vet , this place is the first name to pop up. If you don’t see emergency patients, DONT call yourself a hospital. I understand It was an hour until they closed, but you don’t treat people with ignorance. Dr. O was no better. Our dog had a bleeding cut and her idea of “cleaning “ It is by using a non sterile gauze pad to wipe the blood off. No antiseptic, no bandage, nothing. So we left and had to pay for her to do absolutely nothing. This place is a disgrace and I would not recommend them to anyone. I most definitely will not be returning. Erica the technician was the only nice person at that place and she deserves to be recognized.

posted: 08/24/2018

Stopped to pick up pet meds that they were getting ready - well, supposed to be getting ready. Didn't take long to get the order ready and it was a pleasant visit. We have a history of good quality pet care with VCA and I'd recommend them.

posted: 01/31/2019