Forever Vets Animal Hospital at Jacksonville Beach

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• Ralph Felix 1 · a month ago

  THIS IS WORTH READING IF YOU LOVE YOUR PET. Teddy was seen at First Coast Veterinary Specialists by Dr. Dow on a Monday, showing obvious pain around his tail and rear. He was prescribed medication, but his pain persisted. After seeing no improvement, we researched online and wondered if impacted anal glands were the cause. We mentioned this, and that possibility became the primary focus of their treatment. Concerningly, there was no initial recommendation for bloodwork, radiographs, or diagnostic testing to investigate the underlying cause or rule out serious conditions. Instead, the clinic kept referring to a possible "back injury" based on Dr. Dow's report and my description of his pain location. No actual back injury had been diagnosed. What followed was a three-day series of separate visits and charges: expressing anal glands, a nausea shot after he lost his appetite, and stronger pain meds. Despite Teddy's steady decline, they still did not recommend diagnostic testing to see what was happening internally. After four days with no improvement—and Teddy completely losing his appetite—we repeatedly called and texted. We finally reached Dr. Jubilee Lassiter, who had us bring him in on Friday. By then, Teddy was critical, vomiting clear mucus/water, with dark orange urine. Only then were bloodwork and radiographs performed. We were charged for these tests, and the results were deeply concerning. We were directed to an emergency facility 45 minutes away for an ultrasound. By the time we arrived, Teddy had passed away. The emergency team tried CPR, but his heart had stopped. We are devastated. Earlier diagnostic testing could have identified the problem before it became irreversible. Bloodwork and radiographs should have been done much sooner, especially since the initial treatment failed and he was deteriorating. The entire ordeal cost nearly $2,700, with $1,800 charged on his final day. Despite the immense expense, multiple visits, and procedures, Teddy died. We are absolutely DEVASTATED, angry, and disappointed. We expected professional expertise and thorough investigation. Instead, too much time was spent discussing possibilities and reassuring us while the underlying illness went untreated. We are left questioning if this was a failure in medical judgment or if care was handled to prioritize separate charges over finding the actual cause. I deeply regret not going to No More Homeless Pets hospital despite the distance. Their approach is always to investigate immediately with necessary diagnostic testing. They previously saved my dachshund, Oscar, who was on the verge of death but lived another 14.5 years because they acted quickly. That contrast makes Teddy's loss harder to accept. We trusted these professionals to recognize an emergency and pursue testing. Instead, we watched Teddy deteriorate for days while the actual cause went ignored. Teddy deserved better. We deserved better. No family should leave a clinic wondering if their pet would still be alive if proper diagnostic steps had been taken sooner.