University of California Veterinary Medicine in Davis CA--- a distressed pet and owner’s best friend

University of California Veterinary Medicine in Davis CA--- a distressed pet and owner’s best friend.

Our dog Joey, who is a loving and easy-going (but timid) dog became ill, and our local veterinarian tried to isolate the problem through a series of tests, xrays and medication. But the vet couldn’t figure out what was wrong. And Joey kept going downhill.

When his gait turned from a happy saunter to a slow shuffle, we needed to do something different and asked our vet for a referral to take Joey to the University of California’s Veterinary Medicine in Davis CA where they have a teaching hospital. Many other pet-lovers have talked about taking their pets to UCDavis, and encouraged that we do the same.

Armed with a CD file our vet created of all the tests and treatments the she prescribed, my partner Gary drove 72 miles from Alameda to Davis to have the doctors and their students take a look at Joey. It was a long day that started at 7 am until they came home at 9 pm that night.

Here’s what Gary said about his experience

· Arriving at the campus, he was impressed with the lush grounds and the school environment

· He was met with a student who became the guide and case manager who explained what was going to happen at each station, and why

· The teaching hospital is like most hospitals he’s seen where there are all kinds of examining rooms, equipment and monitors, people hustling to and fro…except that instead of a human being on the gurney, it was usually a dog.

o There are special areas for other animals. This makes sense because of California’s farming community. The Large Animal Clinic offers Equine, Livestock, Alpaca & Llama Clinical Services.

· The hospital was spotless.

· People practiced good bedside manners --- a soft voice not only helps soothe a distressed pet, but also calms its distressed owner

· The medical team looked at everything --- took biopsy when necessary, drew blood samples, took x-rays. And at every step, the case manager explained the process and the reasons.

· The team provided pages and pages of what was done, when to expect the results, prescribed medication and provided clear instructions on what to do in the meantime.

Through it all, Joey soldiered on, didn’t whine or whimper. It was the human, Gary, who appeared more distressed and distraught. When they arrived home, Gary was so overwhelmed with gratitude at how well he and our Joey were treated at the hospital.

We will never hesitate, not even for a second, recommending UC Davis Veterinary Teaching Hospital to examine and care for an animal.

THANK YOU, UC DAVIS!