Interim HealthCare of Wheat Ridge

Many negative awful experiences in reviews - yelp, google+, yellow pages, facebook. Wish I had read them before going to their emergency department. Money making machine. The vets (revolving door of 25 year olds) are probably trained on sales techniques.\r \r They took a vigorous 18 yr old cat who had an upper respiratory infection/viral infection, and we took him home as a disoriented, confused, agitated cat who will probably need to be euthanized. After 3 visits with no results in getting him over the respiratory infection, he was given 4 strong medications all because we asked them to give him something to help him sleep when we left him overnight ($1200). They initially gave him METHADONE (WTF?? An OPIOID to help him sleep??). My cat then had a seizure from the opioid (never had a seizure before), so they gave him something to reverse the seizure - Midazolam which is a benzo also used as a sedative. Googling opioid + sedative will result in very scary warnings about not mixing the two - kills people. Then they gave him naloxone to reverse the opioid, and flumazenil to reverse the midazolam. If that happened to a person, there would be a malpractice lawsuit.\r \r My cat is now out of his mind, just paces back and forth (for over 18 hours) from one water bowl to another - doesn't drink, doesn't eat, doesn't sleep, doesn't recognize us. Before and after the unbelievable amount of medications, we were recommended one diagnostic procedure after another - x rays, rhinoscopies, MRI's, CT scans, ultra sounds, neurology tests, steroids, antibiotics, anti-nausea, appetite stimulants. We did some of them and racked up a bill of $2,200. If we did all of it, it would have been over $5,000. \r \r Their answer is the medications they gave him are not causing the new problems - but they need to see him again to give a definitive answer - yeah right, just one more way to get $$$. They did a physical neurologic exam on him after giving him the seizure, said that he probably has some neurologic issues but without biopsy that it is not clear what the cause is - could be cancer, could be benign, could be bacteria. How anyone can do an accurate neurological exam after pumping opiods, sedatives and drugs that amp up his cortisol, and after having a seizure is beyond understanding. Again, just one more procedure to make money.\r \r He was a social cat 2 days ago who could jump, walk, and sleep. I'm beyond rage and heartbreak at what they did to him. They will cover their tracks and never admit responsibility. more

I brought my dog there bc she is very sick. A two year old dog, in her prime and she hadn't eaten like normal for 3 days. She seemed to have trouble going number twin and seems to be in pain when walking. Long story short, I spent 4 hours there and over $700 for an X-ray, urinalysis, a bag of lactated ringers (to take home), and bloodwork to be completed only to not find the cause. \r The next day (today) I called asking someone to look at her file and tell me if it is possible she could have been poisoned. They said yes, it is possible. So I asked if she ingested rat poison a week ago was there any treatment options available to help. She gave me generic bs avoiding the question. I asked her 2 more times, phrased differently, and she still wouldn't give me an answer. \r I hung up, called back, asked the lady ( Megan) to look up my file and get me a doctor who would answer a direct question directly. At this point She started jumping to their defense, claiming that it, ""Depends on what the question is."" For whether or not they would be able to answer it. I began to explain what the direct question was asking and she interrupted me, claiming that I was yelling (I absolutely was not) then she hung up on me. Called back, same thing. Oh, and apparently they have no supervisor there at all times. Guess that's how they get away with treating customers this way.\r To spend over $700, not make any kind of diagnosis, then refuse to answer a question simple as this for my dog, who is still suffering from the same thing as the day before is way, way unacceptable. \r Also, they will not allow you to stay with your dog, which I am not a fan of either and for something routine, I would have found someone who would have. Guess I really would have been better off doing that this time too. All about the $$$ here, not about your animal.\r Don't get me wrong, most of the people are nice in the office, so long as customer don't expect simple, direct questions to be answered. \r I have done my job, proceed at your (your pets) own peril!\r I just really hope to find someone competent tomorrow if she still doesn't improve. more

My experience here was every pet owner's nightmare. My cat was butchered by Dr. Jonas in 2004; I ended up paying approximately $5,000 when all was said and done, but I would have paid more if my cat could have lived. They inserted a stomach tube into her to force feed her, since her liver disease, from what I understand , would have killed her otherwise; the doctor evidently performed a bad operation, because her stomach acids leaked into her abdomen. She was clearly in agony as a result of this, so when I brought her in in a panic for them to put her to sleep to relieve her of her suffering, they informed me that they needed $100 to do so. This if after the $5,000 I had already spent, and the fact that their bad operation ultimately killed her. I had run into the clinic in tears and had left my purse in the car; I told them that yes, I would pay it; I just wanted her to stop suffering. They refused to do it until I went out to the car and paid them the money. I wrote a letter to Jonas afterwards seeking answers; he never bothered to answer. I am left with daily guilt for the rest of my life that I am responsible for turning my baby over to be butchered by evil people. I am a young woman but am dreading the day that I will have to answer to God for what I did. Please, please do not go to this place. You will be stuck with endless guilt like I am. more

They only care about money. My dog went in on emergency and they wanted $1300 just for X-rays and a catheter. Then they said the surgery could wait until Monday (which means that they probably shouldn't be charging me like its a surgery that needs immediate attention). Then they told me that the surgery would cost $3000-$4000 (the surgery was so remove a simple blather stone that was inabeling my dog from going to the bathroom. I told them I could pay them half up front, but since a bank transfer took a couple days, the est wouldn't be available until two days later. So they refused to help him, told me I had to get the catheter in him in two hours or he could die. So we were left frantically calling other vets to get him in immediately because he had minimal time before his blather ruptured. \r \r 1. I found the exact same treatment for $800 at another vet\r 2. They suggested putting him down if I couldn't pay the $3000-$4000 immediately OVER A BLATTER STONE\r 3. They wouldn't give him back until I paid them which I didn't have all on hand and needed some time to gather, but had to frantically figure it out because my dogs clock was ticking and they wouldn't give him back or help him. \r \r This place cares about money and money only. They take advantage in a time of desperation and have no compassion. Also, I worked a a vet hospital, so I know how it works internally. And I'm begging all of you who rated them well to take your pet somewhere else. more

TORTURE AND DECEIT! My experience there was awful. They said they were taking my dog into a back room for a catheter --gone just a moment. Instead it was a half hour. I saw three of them holding a dog down on its back, but I didn't know it was mine or what they were doing to it. They brought her back with both rear legs bandaged and said they first cath didn't work, so they ""let her relax"" before inserting the second. I saw them holding her down on her back. Then they had to do it again --this time in front of me. They said her ""thick skin"" made it hard. They really hurt her putting it in; she writhed and squealed in pain --they did that to her at least twice in a back room without me there. When I called to complain, they said they had her back there for so long because techs were unavailable. I SAW THREE OF THEM HOLDING HER DOWN. If they were having trouble, didn't I have a right to know. If they were causing her pain, didn't I have the right at least to comfort her? Having paid for her cremation, I thought better of it and went to pick up her body. She had been thrown in a pile or something because her whole face was twisted to one side and frozen that way. These people are evil. DO NOT TAKE YOUR BELOVED PET THERE! more

I'm sad to see others had a bad experience here, but I found just the opposite. We took my dog in on an emergency visit. The staff was compassionate and gentle with him and us. They understood my financial concerns and did not do anything without our consent. We ended up making an appointment to see a specialist. Dr. Wise was kind and thorough, but without doing any unnecessary tests that I couldn't afford. From the initial phone call, and through two appointments I feel my guy is in good caring hands belonging to those who understand and empathize with what we are going through. I would take my pets there again any time if needed. more

If I were able to give these people zero stars, I would. At 1:30ish on Easter morning, our six month old Newfoundland was hit by a car. Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital was the first 24 hour vet listed when I Googled. \r My two sons, my husband, and I rushed Teddy to their clinic. At first it seemed we had chosen the right place to take him. Once they stabilized Teddy, who had a serious injury to the right paw (probably needing an amputation according to the vet) and a less serious injury to the left paw, they came in and told me they would need a minimum of $2500.00 to care for him. I explained that we would be unable to obtain that money on Easter as our savings account is at a bank out of state. I was then given the option of taking him else where (of which he was in no condition to be moved) or putting him to sleep. After an hour of trying to work some sort of arrangement out with them, we were left with no choice of putting our baby to sleep. \r As I gave them my answer through more

WOW! I have been digging up all sorts of reviews about WRAH. Folks,the proof is in the pudding. They have at the most a 2 1/2 star review all throughout the internet on rating websites. Out of Yelp, Denver City Search and many more. If you read the reviews, it is the same message. Basically you will be taken advantage of and you with not get the care you need for your pet at exsorbanant prices.\r Our experience was horrible. Our pet had many needless surgeries and several infections. It has been a drain on our finances and Dr. Jonas and his staff could have cared less at the frustration, time and our pets suffering. We had begged and pleaded to get our money back and they refused while they held our pet hostage. we were so taken advantage of and not listened to after they severly damaged our pet. I would not trust them with your animal and please reconsider. There are plenty of vets out there with a 4.5 rating for a good reason. more

WOW! I thought I was the only one that had been taken advantage of at this clinic! Every single word that was said including about Dr. Jonas is true when it comes to what I experienced as well. He is arrogant and runs the clinic like a mill. We took our pet there and I feel horrible that I trusted this vet with her. It is sad the lack of empathy or sense of fair business practices. They are fair weather and I would heed the warnings that you read before you go there. I am sure they are fine with routine medicine, but are fair weather when it comes to complications or a major problem. We feel mistreated and abused. more

This place has gone downhill! I have spent thousands of dollars over the years and won't spend another dime there! I made an appointment and was told that I needed to show up 10 minutes before to fill out their paperwork. I showed up 20 minutes early and filled out the paperwork. I then took my dog outside until appointment time as he doesn't like being there in the first place! I returned and waited to be taken to a room. I waited and waited and waited! While I was waiting 3 other people brought their animals in and were immediately take to a room! When I complained about not being seen on time, I was taken to an exam room. That's when Jonas came in and asked what the problem was. I informed him that I didn't appreciate being made to wait 20 minutes when it was obvious that they were taking others ahead of my dog. He told me that maybe I should take my dog someplace else! I told him that's exactly what I was going to do, he turned around and walked of of the room! This place has at least 15 veterinarians working there. There is no excuse why a client should be made to wait more than 5 minutes. I had to cancel another appointment to make this one and they think they can treat you like dirt! From the minute this idiot opened his mouth, I knew I had made the wrong decision to bring my Elkhound there. Oh yeah, when I brought my last Elkhound there, they miss diagnosed him and charged me a small fortune! If I was you... I'd beware of this place! more

Come to this place if you are interested in over-paying and being taken advantage of!! Its great, they'll take you for all your worth, and in the end, your animal still does not get proper care. I have had a horrible taste in my mouth for weeks in regards to this establishment. I believe this institution takes advantage of a pet owner when they are in an ""emergency"" situation. First off, I did not feel the most serious concerns were addressed first. The whole kit and caboodle was presented to me. My initial projected costs of treatment was over $1,200.00. Treating everything from most serious to preventative. My initial reaction was to question the cost of the prescriptions and requested to get a write up for the medication because I was going to have it filled elsewhere. Following that, the vet told me it would be possible to have this very prescription filled at King Soopers for $4 and WRAH wanted to charge me over $50. This should be the first indication as to how corrupt this establishment was. I then paid for x-rays and to have a radiologist review the xrays. However, a decision was made as to what was medically best for my dog with out a radiologists opinion as they were not in the office on the weekends, but if I wanted to pay an additional fee I could have an ""on call"" radiologist examine the x-rays, or I could pay additional charges to splint the leg that was believed to be broken. Monday, when the radiologist returned, it ends up the leg was not broken. So instead followed the instructions I was given to keep the splint on, and re-visit with my regular vet in one week. After a few days the splint began to smell and I noticed discharge coming from the covered paw. I called Dr. Leavitt and explained the situation. I did not hear back from Dr. Leavitt until I called her again a week later. I returned to my regular vet, who believed that if you were to put a splint on an open wound it needed to be changed in 2-3 days not 7! And he also concluded that the foot was not broken, and the splint was overall not necessary. AND...because it wasnt changed in a timely manner infection brewed! After expressing my frustrations to the ""Client Relations"" rep, I got no where. I was ignored for nearly a week. I had to continue to contact several individuals at this place before I heard back and the consensus was a difference of opinion by vets as to what the best care was for my dog. This place makes me want to hurl. They take advantage of people and their pets in situations of panic. They insist on treatment that is not pertinent and costs that are magnified significantly. I will single-handedly spread the word as to how disgusting this place is. My suggestion to anyone reading this...dont go here! more

DO NOT take your animal here!!!\r \r I had a terrible time here last week. My dog was sick, we thought he had an upper respiratory infection (which turns out he did) I took him in the emergency room at about 7 pm. He was coughing, snorting had a runny nose and a fever. The vet kept saying he "had something lodged in his throat" which didn't make sense to me because he wasn't throwing up, it was like he had a common cold like a person gets. \r \r I told the vet I didn't understand. All he kept saying is they needed to do blood work (Price of 300 dollars) and xrays (price of 900 dollars). \r \r HONESTLY I FELT AS IF I WAS AT A SALON AND THEY WERE TRYING TO UP-SALE ME ON SERVICES! THIS IS MY DOG WE ARE TALKING ABOUT! MY CHILD! HE IS SICK! HES NOT SOME HAIRDO THAT I WILL PAY EXTRA FOR! HELP HIM, DON'T TRY TO GET MONEY OUT OF ME! \r \r I told the vet I just needed a antibiotic. He wouldn't give it to me!!!\r HIS CLAIMS WERE HE TOLD ME HE WAS AFRAID I WOULD LOOSE THE PRESCRIPTION!!! omg I AM 26 YEARS more

DO NOT take your animal here!!! I had a terrible time here last week. My dog was sick, we thought he had an upper respiratory infection (which turns out he did) I took him in the emergency room at about 7 pm. He was coughing, snorting had a runny nose and a fever. The vet kept saying he ""had something lodged in his throat"" which didn't make sense to me because he wasn't throwing up, it was like he had a common cold like a person gets. I told the vet I didn't understand. All he kept saying is they needed to do blood work (Price of 300 dollars) and xrays (price of 900 dollars). HONESTLY I FELT AS IF I WAS AT A SALON AND THEY WERE TRYING TO UP-SALE ME ON SERVICES! THIS IS MY DOG WE ARE TALKING ABOUT! MY CHILD! HE IS SICK! HES NOT SOME HAIRDO THAT I WILL PAY EXTRA FOR! HELP HIM, DON'T TRY TO GET MONEY OUT OF ME! I told the vet I just needed a antibiotic. He wouldn't give it to me!!! HIS CLAIMS WERE HE TOLD ME HE WAS AFRAID I WOULD LOOSE THE PRESCRIPTION!!! omg I AM 26 YEARS OLD I HAVE NEVER LOST A PRESCRIPTION IN MY LIFE!!!! Finally after 30 minutes of ARGUING WITH HIM and steem rolling out my ears (and them holding my dog hostage in the back of the hospital) he finally wrote me the prescription. Needless to say, its what my dog needed, 2 days later after taking the antibiotic he stopped coughing, and his runny nose and sneezing stopped. turns out, my NEW vet that is wonderful, told me that the vets at Wheat Ridge Emergency have interns working for them! I know they have to start somewhere but I don't want my dog as their experiment! Do not take your animal here. My new vet is Jefferson Animal Hospital in Arvada. They are reasonably priced, they work with you on payments, and they actually care. they are in on Saturdays too! Use ACCESS for emergencies! They are on Colfax and Wadsworth. PLEASE dont just take your animal ANYWHERE! more

My 15 year old dog died 10 days ago. It was unexpected and devastating to me and my three 9 year old boys. We took him to Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital and the staff there was wonderful. They diagnosed the problem very quickly. They were so patient with my boys, explaining everything and answering every question with compassion. They gave us all the time we needed to say goodbye and were so kind. I truly appreciate their understanding of our grief. They made the loss bearable. Pros: compassionate more

I took my older cat to the hospital on a Saturday. The charge for bloodwork and to give her a bolus of saline solution under the skin, and an antibiotic, was over $400.00. They immediately went down a path of suspecting she had cancer, or irritable bowl syndrome, even though it was completely sudden onset after I brought home a kitten 3 weeks ago. My thought was, it was a virus of some sort, or the fact she'd been drinking what turned out to be soapy water out of my tub.\r \r She went home but was still having diarreah and was not eating or drinking the next day. I brought her back and they gave me a laundry list of things they could do-feeding tubes, ultrasounds, colonoscopy. They kept her overnight, gave her IV fluids and administered the antibiotics through the IV. That cost another $800+. \r \r As some of the other reviews have stated, this clinic pushes panic on owners, and is very high cost. I was ready to put my cat down based on their gloom and doom scenario-until I told them I cou more

Never ever take your animal to Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital. I had a wonderful dog named Billie. She was a 7 year old Samoyed. She became very sick. In the middle of the night I drove down the mountain to Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital... Pros: open 24 hours Cons: Expensive, lack compassion, seem more profit than service more

I waited a few days to write this so as to not have too much emotion involved. My 8 month old puppy is dead now because Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital did not run two basic routine tests that could have diagnosed the correct problem. I have had one other bad experience in the past and know two other friends that have also. I never would have taken my dog there in the middle of the night but it wasn't me who found him. So basically, emergency boarding and check-up, a few IV's, blood test, and an x-ray... cost $2000.00. All Wheat Ridge did was give him a ""low dose antibiotic"" as the ""blood test came out OK"". He was bleeding from the rectum and puking for God's sake. Then in the morning I was told it would be $6000-$10,000 to operate. Rushed my puppy to my personal vet in the morning and he was horrified that they hadn't run one basic test that would have shown an intestinal blockage. By knowing of this then strong antibiotics and steroids could have been given and the infection lessened. Unfortunately by this point he was so bloated from a bacterial infection that he died. UNBELIEVABLE! Do yourself a favor and familiarize yourself with two emergency vets nearby. VRCC in Englewood which is simply the best emergency vet in the city or Access Animal Critical Care in Lakewood not far from Wheat Ridge but half the cost. Put the directions and their telephone numbers in your car in case you ever need them. I believe that Wheat Ridge charges WAY to much and a law suit will be forthcoming. God Bless our little puppy. Pros: open 24 hours Cons: didn't even attempt some basic tests. more

Seriously, they just want your money. Anyone shammed into paying those kind of prices for their services and rude treatment has clearly not shopped around.\r \r My boyfriend and I's cat became very ill one night and had to be taken in for emergency services. The cost just to see him was $100, which was the typical going price for the other emergency vets in town so we went with it. Turns out his urinary tract was clogged and he needed it to be unclogged immediately, as well as go through a day's worth of electrolyte treatments and get a potential surgery. We didn't know much about this problem at the time and were quite panicked. We're both in college and can afford small luxuries for our animals but nothing prepared us for the list of prices we were about to be given.\r \r To remove the clog and run some blood tests- $500\r For 24 hours of electrolyte treatments- $2000 minimum\r For the Perineal urethrostomy (PU) surgery to prevent the clog from happening again- ~$3000\r \r Needless to say we more

I have used Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital for over 10 years for everything from emergencies to routine yearly examinations. I trust them immensely with my furry children. Every veterinarian I've had to deal with, including the interns, have been friendly, knowledgable and compassionate. I had a dog with a terminal illness (unknown at the time) who was hospitalized at this facility to try and treat him after I took him in emergently. He spent the night being monitored; I was contacted with updates every few hours. During the next day, he went into cardiac arrest - Dr. Mausbach worked to try to resuscitate him - but he could not be. She not only personally called me, but was herself very emotional - knowing they had done everything - with complete understanding of my immense grief. My current dog had an orthopedic injury - was treated by Dr. Petersen and with his and Dr. Mausbach's treatment - completely recovered. The office staff are also very good and caring. I now drive across more

I was 1st referred to this hospital with my terminally ill pet. I did find the pricing high, but on the other hand ~ the quality + knowledge of the people we dealt with was phenomenal. I liked that because this is a hospital that hosts many new veterinarian interns, pet health care + the most current knowledge was always foremost in my pet's care. Because this hospital represents and provides the best possible care 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week I have since made them my chosen veterinarian. I've had a small dog who in the last year has developed Diabetes and the testing, care and personal attention they've provided has been World Class. We receive follow-up contacts at home, and I"m in contact my with Dr. by e-mail any time i want + have always received concerned response. Because our pets are part of our family, I can't imagine providing them with anything other than the best and this IS The Best! more