In Oct. 2010 I brought my faithful canine companion to Brian Higgins, owner Animal Medical Ctr, after switching from Pioneer Medical Ctr because for 2 years in a row I had full lab tests done on my now 12 yo dog Ben and several results were very HIGH but they could not tell me why or if I should follow-up to find cause. So hand carried the lab results to Brian Higgins DVM and stood there while he looked them over and basically said everything ok, nada, nothing to concern with (only that he needed to lose weight and only that each time seen w/o a clue or care that it could and WAS caused by Cushings) and proceeded to anesthetize him for teeth cleaning and an extraction. After 16 months with Higgins, made an appointment with his partner, Robert Mangold who immediately noticed Ben's pot belly and strongly suspected Cushings disease so I asked him to look at those same lab results; he immediately zeroed in on Alkaline Phosphatase results of Feb. 09' @ 314 & Oct 10' of 634 w/ the normal range of between 10 - 85!!! New labs were taken and that same test is now 1749!!! I told him my story with Higgins (also why his advice was completely opposite his partner ?? I mean what the hell). Mangold only works on Friday and Sat anyway so now must switch to new Vet again. I spoke with Higgins who hung up on me three times,made the receptionist answer the phone while he secretly listened on the line like a child, had no interest in hearing concrete concerns or keeping his customers just making the almighty dollar (btw they charge an office call $29.00+ w/ EACH vaccination and every single time I had to ask him to check ears, heart, etc.). I have spent nearly $1300.00 in the short time there (incl. new kitten 10-1-11). Now must consult new Vets for competent care..more $$$$$, time etc., while my dear friend SUFFERED and SHOULD HAVE BEEN TREATED 3 YEARS AGO HAD THIS BRIAN HIGGINS AND DR MAIER @ PIONEER VET CLINIC THOUGHTFULLY READ THEIR LABS and diagnosed this very common illness then.
Will follow up with new Vet info here after my consults this week. BEWARE PET OWNERS: STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE and it's UNPROFESSIONAL AND UNCARING SO-CALLED VET!!
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