I've been with Riverside for over 20 years and before that my parents used Riverside for my childhood pets. All 3 of my dogs are registered with practice and up until last week my 20 year old cat also. Sadly I had to bring her in for a quality of life discussion. The vet was caring, compassion and honest, she spent a lot of time with us, and I didn't feel rushed into to making a decision. It was the right time. My cat wasn't stressed and appeared completely relaxed with the vet, enjoying her scratches. Thank you! The practice arranged her cremation and sent a lovely personalised card to our house.
I feel really bad highlighting this as it was such a postive experiance, but there was one minor thing, the staff in the back were making quite a bit of noise, laughing and joking during my final moments with my cat. I completely understand working in that environment requires time to blow off steam, but a more sensitive customer might find this a little difficult. I can't fault the vet, I appreciated your honesty and it helped me make the right decision for my little cat.
Fantastic with my cat remus, he was in to get neutered, they were great with him, would definitely recommend
The receptionists are always warm and friendly and always very helpful.
Friendly and well organised. Ample parking.
Absolutely avoid this place
I have no major issues with the Practice they seem interested in my pet, they are a bit pricey but after my second visit again I have noticed that the practice really is quite grubby, I am no clean freak but the floors and walls really need a good steam clean from top to bottom, including the consulting rooms on my last visit an overpowering smell of a damp bleached Mop was in the air it was overpowering and really hit you in the nose to the point where you could not wait to get outside again, the doors have long standing dirty marks on them, the steps down into the practice are lethal when its wet and covered in fine grey grit from the parking area and its a narrow awkward access I also cannot see any ramps into the practice for wheelchair users nor do they have sliding doors to accommodate disabled people, if they are there then they are very well hidden
AVOID!
Stress, dismissive attitude, pressing atmosphere, gaps in knowledge and plain refusal to listen. That’s the short story.
The longer is that after an extensive labour of 36h our Great Dane gave birth to 7 healthy pups. Two days later she run a bit of a fever, with no additional worrying symptoms, hence we took her to be seen by the vet. Worst 3 hours of my life. Ultrasound done on my dog, we weren’t given any diagnosis. Either some membranes are still present and she’s cleaning up the uterus, or she’s in life threatening condition of mastitis. 48h after the birth. She can die at any moment. She can go septic in a minute. She can spiral down and die! Blood work done, and all within the range. Yet she may die at any time.
We had to leave her for an IV and treatment - all while having the 7 pups with us in a basket. Called to come back in an hour, told she’s good. Temperature went down. Dog is happy, eating, going to toilet, nothing changed here. She was given paracetamol and amoxicillin. Basic - good it works. £600 for this party so far. And now we go downhill.
Consulted another vet - to know what right questions to ask - I’m a first time litter parent. The vet took it as an offence I dared to ask questions about treatment and diagnosis. Told me I can be frustrated but that’s her advice. Got treated very hostile and my questions / thoughts totally dismissed. Wasn’t frustrated - but genuinely wanted to know the answers about my pet. We are not in the 60’ when doctors gave you a shot and you never knew what your illness was. You have a right and an obligation to educate yourself when it comes to your pets wellbeing!!!
I was told it can be mastitis. That’s plain wrong. This can happen only after some time - when there was untreated infection in uterus. Usually 2 to 3 months even after season or giving birth. Impossible in day 2 two after birthing healthy puppies. And this is used to scare the owner to oblige - as we were FORCED to go to vets now for continued treatment. Overnight stay was made mandatory as the vet at riverside DIDN’T EVEN CONSIDERED any alternatives or options.
I was told to hand feed the 7 pups for 2 days, till Monday. 7 pups. That’s been sitting with us for hours at the practice.
We were told even when she could come home we need to hand feed, as she can’t be nursing after antibiotics. THAT IS PURE WRONG AGAIN. Amoxicillin is safe for nursing mothers and their pups.
I gave up on further discussions and we went to VETS now, only to be:
Charged additional £300 for a visit
Have the examination done again
Have the blood labs checked
Be told at the very end her condition is not much of a concern, she can take oral medication, can be monitored at home, and no problem can come back should her condition worsen, but it’s more important to let her nurse the babies when she’s felling ok, eating and drinking fine.
I am beyond disappointed. Never been so dismissed, not listened to, and plainly mislead in crucial information regarding my dogs health and wellbeing. I was accused of not having my dogs wellbeing in mind. I was told she can die at nearly any time should we choose not to carry on with the recommended treatment. I was treated hostile for asking questions and felt attacked for actually having a bit of common sense and knowledge. This could cost us lives of the 7 pups, not to mention stress and hell the mother goes through.
I will make it my mission to inform who I can about poor patient services, poor communication, gaps in knowledge and forcing fees in unnecessary treatments. That was sincerely the worst experience I ever had with a vet in Scotland.
say well or be still - Congratulations your knowledge...
