OCEAN STATE VETERINARY SPECIALISTS

I went to see the veterinary oncologist there with my cat for a second follow up appointment and an x-ray. I asked when scheduling to make an appointment for her at a time that I could get there and get in and get out as last time she was there all day just for an exam and ultrasound. I find it unnecessary to put animals through the stress all day of sitting and waiting in a cage just to be seen. The person on the phone told me to drop her off at 7:30 that way everything would get done early and she would be out early. When I showed up at 7:30 I asked how long she would be and the girl who took her said it would only be an hour or two because there was not many other animals on the board. I told her I would wait for my cat. At 9:15 I was called by the oncologist and he said she was too active and not staying still for the x-ray and reviewed the sedation protocol which I consented to. I figured that was a good sign if he was asking about that, it had to mean she would be done soon and it was also almost at the 2 hour time that I was originally quoted. After another hour went by and I had not heard anything I called the front desk at 10:30 and asked for an update and explained I was originally told 1-2 hours to wait and now it had been three. They checked on my cat saying she was waiting for her xray but she was getting it soon. I asked them if I should just go home because I was already upset I had waited three hours when I was originally quoted 1-2. I was assured that she was almost done and I should keep waiting. Another hour went by after this. I called again at 11:30 and they said she was about to go under sedation and get her x-ray. I explained the situation again saying how now I had been waiting 4 hours, they told me at 3 hours to stay and wait, and I was originally told 1-2 hours. I was told she would be out soon as she was getting her x-ray done now. I called 30 mins later upset that now it had been 4.5 hours asking to leave with my cat and was called by the oncologist and told I could leave with her but there was a risk due to her being under the sedation and they would prefer to monitor her. My cat did not get returned to me until 12:30, five hours after I dropped her off, three hours more than what I was originally told. The doctor told me there was a miscommunication because just because I dropped her off at 7:30 does not mean I had an appointment and I should have never been told to stay and that they never encourage people to stay. This is poor customer service. I never once was checked on when they knew I was waiting outside in my car, I was never called or got an apology when the office knew how upset I was. I am very upset with the care I got at this hospital and that they think my time means so little to them. I could have gone and seen my regular vet for an x-ray and had them fax it to the hospital and saved four hours of my life. There was no need for me to sit and wait for five hours for an x-ray. Due to this experience I am highly considering not coming back. I am better off at it taking less time if I drive an hour to another specialist and back to get seen, because that would not take five hours in total. I did contact them with this story personally and never once received a call by them.

We had a horrible experience bringing our dog Lady to Ocean State. They were pretty insistent we needed to put her down. After telling them we were going for a second opinion the veterinarian was so rude. They stated they were going to call the ASPCA because we were not taking their advice. Their office gave incorrect and unprofessional information to next vet we went to. They spoke to me with zero respect and like I was a total idiot, for simply saying I wanted to go elsewhere. Clearly they don't understand how much some people love their pets. I ended up spending over $2,500 for them to tell me to put my dog down. If I left it up to them Lady would be dead. It is over a month later and Lady is doing wonderfully. I highly suggest people go elsewhere.

We have used them in an emergency in the past, and they are great.

The vet called us the next day in tears. When a vet responds that way, it means a lot. They bill us after the fact, so we didn't have to deal with it during the emergency, sad, grieving time. They just said they would bill us. In an emergency, absolutely would use them again.

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As devastating as it was. Ocean State Veterinary Clinic showed real compassion and extreme knowledge in my exotic pet, even the technician. The care my Chinchilla was given was absolutely amazing. The price was extremely reasonable and I thought it would be triple than what it was. We even had her cremated and a paw print done. I thank them from the bottom of my heart!

Friendly, knowledgeable, prompt and professional.  I appreciate their 24 hour emergency services. Those are getting harder and harder to find.  Plus, I use a different vet normally and that didn't matter. I could get my puppy in for the care he needed.  Sure it was expensive, but that's what you have to pay for quality, emergency vet services.

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Everyone was very professional and caring. The cat neurologist contacted me by phone and discussed all the options prior to any tests. She was very responsive to my questions and phone calls. She made it easy to make a decision about the MRI and then how to proceed once the tumor was identified.
I felt my cat was in the best hands.

No pet owner wants to go through the heartbreak that is the end of a pet's life.  Pets become members of our families, and the staff at Ocean State Vet Specialists treated our cat like just that. They were incredibly efficient, professional, and knowledgeable, but also very warm and caring. At a time that was overwhelmingly scary for us, they gave our cat ? and us ? the best of care.
On both of our visits (which were less than 24 hours apart), I had called ahead. On the phone, I described the cat's symptoms and what we were doing to care for her. The staff listened carefully, consulted with a doctor, and gave me good advice.  When I then brought the cat in, they were waiting for us with paperwork ready and we were in a private room with a doctor in less than two minutes. We knew from some tests done with our regular vet earlier in the week that the cat was having heart problems. We had just started her on one medication and had scheduled her for a follow-up ultrasound the following week. On our first visit to Ocean State, the on-call doctor was able to give us further information by doing a preliminary ultrasound right there, and prescribed some medications. She also scheduled an appointment with a cardiologist just two days later, and made arrangements for the doctor on call that day to help us, since she herself wouldn't be in. Everything was handled for us and made very smooth. Over the course of the following day, the cat did improve a lot on the medication.  At one point in the morning, I thought I might need to bring her in but called ahead and was reassured that everything was going as expected. They told me what to expect as the medication kicked in, and indeed it went just like they said.  Unfortunately, later that eventing she took an unexpected turn for the worse, which I'm now almost certain was the result of a blood clot and not something anyone could have anticipated.  We called again, was told that indeed the new symptoms were not normal, and we rushed her back in. Again, they were waiting for us with the intake paperwork and we were seen right away. Unfortunately, the cat was just too old and her pulmonary system was failing on a number of levels. The on-call doctor came in to tell us it was time to make that most difficult decision. She was kind and patient as I burst into tears and asked some questions.  It took me a while to come to terms with what I had to do, and everyone we saw gave us the time and space and information we needed until we were ready.  We were able to go into the back to see her, and they had made her very comfortable with a blanket and a warmer and an IV. We got to hold her and say our goodbyes, and stay with her while the doctor administered the drugs. Then they helped us take her into another room where we were allowed to sit with her for a few last minutes (they gave us all the time we wanted). We were given several choices for what to do after that; we asked to take her home with us, and they asked us to bring our car around to the side of the building, where they brought her to us in a white box. There was a corsage-like arrangement of fresh flowers on top ? really, every care was taken.
Losing an animal who has been with you through so much is one of the most heart-rending things to go through. But the care and dedication we were shown at Ocean State were a balm on our grief in the very hardest moments. I am very grateful for what they did for us.

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Trully is "only game in town" so really at their mercy.
My cat rushed on Sunday evening by referral from vet and twice more during course of 3 months. Was in congestive heart failure. Reception and emergency treatment was fantastic. The animal was first priority. First visit,, the young vet was very professional, caring and understanding. Following visits Vet bedside manner but not competency varied.
Reception staff different every time but consistent quality service.
Worked very well with my Vet who had absolute faith in Hosp competency.
Greatful for them extending life of my cat for few months and helping me make decision to continue treatment vs euthanization.
THAT SAID....$$$ is outrageous. The first thing you are required to do (after animal is triaged) is sign a form to allow everything to be done to "save" your pet then put in a room to discuss treatment options with Vet.
Second visit learned that I could discuss treatment with Vet BEFORE signing form. Of course condition and severity of condition should be considered. AbVet tech willbthen come in with an "estimate. BE CAREFUL. ASK QUESTIONS ASK ABT GENERIC drugs, and which treatment neccessary. My 3 different estimates costs gwried greatly for somevof the SAME treatments medications!!! Charged once for treatment/meds not received. I requested rework of inital estimate AND compared three separate estimates and refunded $200.00+.

BOTTOM LINE: Quality care BUT costs vary and be inflated.vAttending Vet DOES have some flexibility with price. SEEMS THEY REALLY TAKE ADVANTAGE OF emotional situation of emergency pet situation. Dont go into debt UNTILL you discuss treatment options AND have them or you contact your vet to discuss treatment & collaborate with them. OF COURSE depends on severity of condition and emergency.

Cocoa was diagnosed with largeneal paralysis several years ago.  I had read varying opinions on the surgery from the surgery making the condition worse to it adding years to a dog's life, so I postponed the surgery.  I am happy to say, Dr. Coronado and Dr. Brabson are responsible for making an outstanding improvement in my dog's quality of life.  I had managed Cocoa's condition by feeding her in raised dishes, keeping her in A/C, reducing her walks, but this summer was particularly difficult for her.  I was not aware she remained outside after my other 2 dogs came in, and her breathing was severely labored when I finally realized she was in my screened-in porch.  Although shaded, the temperature was in the 90s and she was in distress.  I rushed her to OSVS and Dr. Brabson examined Cocoa.  We discussed the surgery, and it was her confidence in the outcome that made me decide to have Dr. Coronado proceed.  That confidence came without any pressure, except the obvious, unspoken pressure that Cocoa was having severe problems breathing.  I am on a fixed income and the cost was difficult for me but Cocoa, like many other pets of those reading this, is my child with paws.  Recent blood work showed normal results, with slightly elevated liver enzymes.  She was otherwise healthy, and I owed her this.  She is a retired pet therapy dog ? she took care of others and it was her turn to be taken care of. 
The estimate was slightly over $2,000 and I was required to give that as a deposit.  Even if this wasn't an emergency, I
wouldn't shop around for the surgery.  I believe the state-of-the-art equipment and doctors at OSVS more than justify their fees.  In fact, I had another vet send Cocoa?s sonogram to Dr. Newell at OSVS (I believe she is the only board certified
doctor for these types of tests in RI) for a second opinion, not trusting the doctor he had perform the test.  After
the surgery and hospitalization, I had a credit of several hundred dollars.  Some reviews express dissatisfaction
with OSVS?s fees claiming they are only interested in money.  I have heard this, too, from neighbors.  I guess each case is unique, but I can say that I didn?t feel that way at all.  When I brought Cocoa to the ER, I was ready to take Cocoa home and go back to ?managing? her symptoms.  If Dr. Brabson had pressured me to have the surgery done, I probably would have walked out.  After surgery, Dr. Brabson told me Cocoa?s breathing before the surgery was like she was breathing through a straw.  She could have used that visual to pressure me, but she did nothing of the sort.  I know she was right because before surgery, Cocoa?s chest would heave up and down when she slept and now I have to look closely to see movement. 
This is not my first experience with OSVS.  About 9 years ago, my 11.5 year old Basset Hound looked like he had a stroke ? half his face drooped.  I brought him to OSVS, and the ER doctor I saw asked me to wait when he checked out some information on what he suspected was wrong.  When he returned, he explained that every symptom pointed to brain stem cancer and all the tests available would only confirm and not change the need to euthanize Beauregard.  Beau had already had loss of bowel and bladder control and was essentially blind due to the cataract in the eye not affected by the facial muscles drooping.  The staff at OSVS are compassionate and kind in these circumstances and he passed peacefully.  They could have pushed tests, but did not.  In both situations, I am very grateful that they were NOT only looking for money.
In my eyes, the staff at OSVS are my heros.  At a time in my life when I am facing my own challenges, my dogs are my support system and I will be forever grateful to OSVS.  Thank you Dr. Coronado and Dr. Brabson.

My dog developed a disc problem with which over the course of about 10 hours he went from slightly limping to being unable to walk or move the rear part of his body. I took him to OSVS at about 3 a.m.after he woke me up and was in pain and unable to move. He was given attention as soon as I arrived with him. In the morning he was given an MRI to diagnose the problem. It was determined that his spinal cord was being compressed and he was in danger of rapidly becoming permanently paralyzed. He was taken from the MRI into spinal surgery. He had a very rapid recovery and was able to walk within a few days. After taking it easy for a few weeks, he is now able to walk quite normally and is not in pain. He  is reluctant to walk up a full flight of stairs, but otherwise is back to normal. This treatment was very expensive, but I am very grateful to OSVS as I feel they saved my dog's life. If OSVS had not been available for such emergencies, I probably would have had to put my dog to sleep. As it is I have my beloved companion, happy and healthy.

Our dog was admitted to the hospital to receive an advanced level of care that was not available from my family veterinarian's office.  Over the course of 24 hours, he saw 2 different doctors, who also consulted with an oncology specialist.  Upon admission, we were given an estimate of $1300 - $2500, depending on what additional testing and procedures might be required.  As it happened, none of the additional costs were incurred, and our final bill was actually a few dollars lower than the $1300 low end of the estimate.
I can't say enough about the level of professionalism, caring, compassion, and dedication we saw from every person we encountered, from the receptionists, to the doctors, to the vet techs.  We had no doubt about our dog getting the best possible care available.  Although the hospital was quite busy every time we were there, the staff treated us as if we were the only clients in the place.  We feel very fortunate to have this facility nearby.
Our dog was released from the hospital on that second day, and we took him home.  Sadly, he passed away later that night, but we know it was the care he got from OSVS that made it possible to be at home with his family, where he was able to pass peacefully.  This was of course a sudden and unexpected turn of events.  We called OSVS at about 10:30 pm to notify them; and again we were treated as though ours was the only case that mattered.  Our beloved family pet was treated with all the dignity and care that he deserved, right through to the end.
I cannot sufficiently thank the staff at OSVS for helping my family through this difficult process.

Our Black Lab suddenly started to vomit violenly without any reason we could see. Ocean State Veterinary clinic is an emergency hospital open 24/7. The doctors had tests run quickly to rule out a number of causes as some could have been serious. A diagnosis was made, meds were prescribed and wihin hours our Lab was on the mend. 
    We had a chocolate Lab that had been sick for quite sometime. The staff was great, our dog was made as comfortable as possible. They ran tests to find out the reason for blood in her stool, she  had been previously diagnosed with  severe arthritis and was able to get around with the help of a custom made support to help her walk . We were pleased with the frankness of Dr. Trow Our dog had a severe blockage of her femoral arteries in her rear legs, at this point there was not much that could be done
except to make her comfortable,which the Dr. did. We took her back there when it was time to put her to sleep
again the staff was both compassionate and professional. We would highly recommend this hospital.

Great receptiveness from the initial phone call at 8am, 5am and other hours that other vet's aren't open. You may pay more but they are there when needed and for this I'm thankful and have their number saved in my phone! They suggested a plan for follow-up visits with a "regular" vet to save $$$$....they are in the urgent care business and we're lucky to have such a facility and staff in RI.

Unfortunately my dog was so sick she had to be put down.

They offered poor service. I feel they are interested in only the money. Money first and pet second. They do not do what they are supposed to do fast enough. My experience was horrible.

We had a good service from them. They were very caring. I like everything that they do for us with our dog. They have reasonable price.

We never did find out the cause since we elected not to do a bone marrow aspirate. The staff and vets were kind and professional and gave us every consideration, but we didn't return again, since OSVS was further away than a similar facility.  Nonetheless, I must say, thank goodness for a 24 hour vet facility such as this. If another pet were extremely sick, we would definitely take him to OSVS for a doctor's professional opinion.   Our kitty died on Aug. 20.

I've used them a lot. They are expensive but they are specialists. They also offer emergency care 24 hours. They have internists, surgeons and a neurologist there. If I have an appointment they are punctual but if it is an emergency they are not punctual.

My 14 week old puppy had been vomiting most of the night. She was very dehydrated when she got to the clinic. They gave her some fluids under the skin on her back and recommended that she stay with them for a day or two while they ran blood tests and performed an Ultrasound or an Xray to see what might be causing the problem. They gave me a written estimate of the cost. At that point she hadn't vomited for about 5 hours so I decided to take her home and see how she did. On the way home she started to vomit again so I turned around and took her back to the clinic. She spent two days with them. They installed an IV to give her fluids and after running blood work that turned out to be fairly normal they decided she probably ate something that really disagreed with her so they reintroduced easily digestible food in small doses. They didn't need to do the expensive tests they thought they might need to so I received a credit from my bill. They sent her home with clear instructions about how to feed her the special diet for the next few days, how to make the special diet if I didn't want to buy it from them and how to reintroduce her regular food.