rahila zaman
Consultations are extremely expensive for what feels like a very minimal examination. In most cases the vet briefly checks the cat’s weight and glances at their eyes, but there is very little effort made to properly investigate symptoms or listen to concerns. It often feels like the focus is on treating surface-level symptoms rather than attempting to diagnose the underlying cause. Medication is hugely overpriced. On multiple occasions I have been prescribed medication that costs double the price compared to buying the exact same medication online. This seems to be the case with almost every prescription. The “Wellness Screen” in particular felt very misleading. It’s advertised as a £89 full health check or medical MOT but in practice it did not resemble a comprehensive check at all. Many of the items listed as part of the check were either not done properly or not done at all: • Weight and joints check: only her weight was checked; her joints were not examined. • Teeth and gums inspection: these were not looked at - the nurse simply referred to a note in her records. • Eyes, ears, skin, and coat exam: her coat was barely looked at and only after I prompted it. • Joint and mobility assessment: no physical check was done, I was simply asked about how exercise. Just how is she with excercise, not how often does she exercise, no follow up questions about whether she struggles given her age. • Parasite protection review: I was asked when I last treated for fleas and the cat was briefly combed. No questions about worming. Didn't ask what I use to worm her. No advice or follow up questions. • Nutrition and preventative care advice: no advice was given. Nutrition wasn't acknowledged at all. Just asked what type of cat food and when I said wet there was no follow up questions about the brand etc. • Vaccination check: I was asked if vaccinations were up to date with no further discussion or guidance. Blood tests were also presented as part of the wellness screen, but unless your cat is completely placid, they apparently cannot take blood without significant difficulty. We were sent home with anxiety medication because they could not take the blood sample. If your cat continues to resist you will be slapped with a £300 to sedate them which begs the question of whether the staff have received sufficient training to do blood tests. And why take from the neck rather than other areas of the body which may be less distressing, such as the back leg? Overall, the “comprehensive health check” claim feel quite misleading. It was as lacklustre as the usual £70 consultations. And please be aware that once the results come in you will be booked in for another £70 consultation to discuss the outcomes with a vet. So you'll find the £89 wellness screen quickly becomes £190 with anxiety meds and follow up consultation but can go up to £490 if your cat needs to be sedated! Another concern is the overall culture in the clinic. While waiting, I have on many occasions overheard reception staff openly gossiping about clients, which creates a very uncomfortable and unprofessional atmosphere. It also often feels like there is constant pressure to add additional procedures and costs. I’ve heard many similar experiences from friends and family who also attend this clinic. A simple visit can quickly escalate blood tests, then sedation because the cat is “too stressed”, then xrays and before you know it you are facing a bill of £1000+ which would be fine if you left with a clear diagnosis but I find that that is rarely the case. Wait times are also frustrating. I have waited 15+ minutes past my appointment time, yet if a client were that late they would likely be charged a missed appointment fee. To be fair, there are a few staff members who have been excellent. Zoe and Anzal have both been thorough and considerate of treatment costs, and Poppy is also very kind and helpful. Unfortunately, they seem to be the exception rather than the rule. .
