Columbia River Veterinary Specialists

I cannot in good conscience recommend the services of the Columbia River Veterinary Specialists. Before helping our critically ill dog that was suffering from a blocked urethra and internal hemorrhaging, Dr. Elliott insisted on rerunning several very expensive tests that had just been done days before by our regular veterinarian -- despite holding the results of those recent tests in his hands. Some of these new tests were ostensibly inconclusive, so were run yet again, ultimately resulting in a recommendation of (expensive) surgery.



I told Dr. Elliott that I faced what appeared to be a dismal choice: I could lose my dog or lose a few thousand dollars and my dog. Regrettably, euthanasia seemed the least bad option. After much discussion, Dr. Elliott estimated that with the surgery, the dog had about a 70% chance of enjoying another six to twelve good, happy months. My wife and I were thus induced to assent to the surgery.



Much to our horror, within hours of Dr. Novo's surgery, the poor creature began suffering from seizures. Acutely concerned about our dog's immediate and long term welfare, we went to CRVS, where we dealt with Dr. Lanaux, the fourth veterinarian in two days. Apparently oblivious to the dog's wretched state, he asked if we wished to begin a chemotherapy regimen. Shocked, I asked if that would relieve the seizures. Dr. Lanaux admitted that it would not and that nothing likely would. The only real option would be to keep the dog heavily sedated indefinitely. Further, the surgery had not stanched the hemmorrhaging.



Sadly, the poor creature, now more miserable than ever, had to be euthanized. Despite he nearly $5,000 we had spent over the previous four days for what was clearly a failed therapy, we paid yet another $50 for the euthanasia -- and then not inexpensive options for disposing of the body were proferred. I declined and buried my dog at home. There were neither apologies nor expressions of sympathy.



I do not believe that the veterinarians at CRVS are malicious; however, it is clear that they are primarily driven by a business model designed to maximize profits while secondarily serving animals' medical needs.

I took my dog there because he had been vomiting and having bloody diarrhea and at no time did I ever expect a bill for over $900 for a stay of less the 24 hours . What really bothered me was that they tell you how sick your pet is then they present you with this estimate and then your told you have to come up with every last dime or you can take your animal home because they won't treat him or her , they wont work with you in any way on payment for services so if you don't have the money you might not want to go there! This is the only reason I'm not giving them five stars . Yes they treated my dog and made him well but were all business I didn't feel like the care was anyway personal it was all about the money and not once did I ever get a call after I brought my dog home to see how he was doing being that he was on medication for a week after he was released!