Suburban Veterinary Clinic

Write a Review770-926-5003

CLOSED NOW - Closed

I took my almost 7 year old chocolate Lab to see Dr. Richardson because he seemed very ill. Dr.Richardson did x rays and blood work and could not tell me exactly what was wrong. I was told he may need to go to ER but it was not made to seem like a matter of life and death. He was given antibiotics and fluids. I was told someone would call to check his condition the next day. Never did Dr. Richardson make his condition seem like it was going to kill him in hours. I took him home and 7 hours later he was dead. He died of toxic shock from his stomach twisting and finally bursting. He suffered a tremendous amount before taking final breath. No one from Suburban Clinic ever called to check on him. After consulting with several Vets they concluded an experienced Vet should have noticed his symptoms along with the blood work and x rays was more than likely a severe/critical stomach disorder called "Bloat" or Gastric Dilatation Volvulus. My dog displayed nearly every symptom of bloat, which I had never heard of until after he died. Thanks to Google I did not have to wonder why my dog died so suddenly. I was glad to know how he died but not how I had to figure out on my own.This kills dogs within 2 or 3 days. I told her it had almost been 40 hours since I noticed his symptoms and told Dr. Richardson that it seemed like his chest was expanding. This disorder acts very rapidly. On Sunday I was playing with him and he was dead on Tuesday. 2 days. It would have been to late to save him at that point, but I should not have been given the advice to take him home. I should have taken him to be put down instead of witnessing his death and pain beyond anything I could imagine. "Poor guy." Dr. Richardson lives directly across the street from me and since she or none of her staff followed up with me I went to the clinic and realized it was closed on Thursday. I then went home and walked across street to speak with her regarding all that had transpired from his death to the fact no one cared enough to call to why she could not understand what was happening to my buddy from all the testing and the very obvious symptoms he displayed. She would not answer her door. If Dr. Richardson would treat her neighbor of 15-20 years in such a manner should make anyone weary of taking their beloved pet to see her. It has now been 3 months and Dr. Richardson nor her staff never contacted me. I am still not over how I was treated."No excuse"! She has seen him for heart worm test in the past and also outside and believed that my brown lab was a Rottweiler. Also, Dr. Richardson comes in the exam room with her dog and says: " I have something to cheer you up." She was talking about me seeing her dog. What would have cheered me up is if anyone from that place acted like they cared about my dog or me. If your pet becomes ill you should take them to a knowledgeable doctor or this could happen to you as well. If you have a large breed dog you should be aware of this disorder called Bloat, because it will take your dog in 2 or 3 days if not treated immediately. Web MD and ASPCA are the sites I used to educate myself on what killed my best friend. I walked out with absolutely no answers as to what was wrong and a false hope my dog would be may be okay. If I get another dog, It will go to a well educated vet.

Great clinic. They tell you what you need to know to take care of your pets and they don't try to sell you something you don't need. Very convenient to Publix shopping center and a very friendly staff.