Horse And Hound Veterinary Services

Horse And Hound Veterinary Services, located at 22 Atlantic Hwy in Thomaston, Maine, offers veterinary care to the local community. They can be contacted at (207) 557-5669 or via their mobile number, +1 207-557-5669. Reviews from pet owners present a mixed picture of the services and capabilities of this pet hospital.

Several customers have shared overwhelmingly positive experiences with Horse And Hound Veterinary Services, particularly highlighting the compassionate and kind nature of Dr. Margo and her staff. One pet owner recounted multiple positive visits, emphasizing the exceptional treatment received by both themselves and their animals. They specifically praised the comfort they felt during visits and the responsiveness of the staff via email, which they found surprisingly efficient compared to other businesses. This reviewer concluded by stating that Dr. Margo and her staff deserve significant praise and recognition for their care.

Another heartfelt testimonial expressed deep gratitude for the care provided during a tragic situation involving their pet, Mimi. The reviewer thanked the entire team for making the experience as peaceful as possible, emphasizing their wonderful nature and the immense support received. They noted that Mimi, who was typically uncomfortable outside her home, appeared very relaxed in their care. Furthermore, they appreciated the time and space afforded to them and their mother to say goodbye, describing the staff as "absolute angels" and expressing profound gratitude.

These positive reviews paint a picture of a veterinary practice characterized by compassion, kindness, and a focus on the comfort of both pets and their owners, particularly in sensitive situations. The willingness of the staff to go the extra mile in providing emotional support and ensuring clear communication appears to be a significant strength of Horse And Hound Veterinary Services, based on these accounts.

However, a detailed one-star review presents a starkly contrasting experience, raising serious concerns about the diagnostic and treatment capabilities of Horse And Hound Veterinary Services, especially in emergency situations. The reviewer, a small business owner with extensive experience in animal husbandry, detailed a critical incident involving their 11-year-old St. Bernard who presented with symptoms of bloat, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention.

According to this detailed account, despite recognizing the emergency and arriving at Horse And Hound Veterinary Services shortly before their listed opening time, the initial interaction with Dr. Margo was perceived as dismissive and focused on their early arrival rather than the urgency of the situation. The reviewer described having to carry their large, ailing dog into an ambulance used as the clinic, without assistance, and being cautioned about the heat escaping.

The most critical aspect of this review concerns the assessment and subsequent lack of support for a dog with a rapidly progressing, fatal condition. The reviewer stated that Dr. Margo confirmed the likelihood of bloat but then informed them that the clinic lacked the necessary diagnostic equipment, specifically mentioning the absence of an X-ray machine, and therefore could not help. Furthermore, the reviewer alleged that Dr. Margo refused to provide a referral to a nearby animal hospital equipped to handle such emergencies, citing previous issues with referrals, and instead advised them to "just start calling around."

The reviewer expressed significant distress and a feeling of being let down by the lack of any stabilization or palliative care offered or even discussed. They considered this a critical failure in professional responsibility, potentially crossing the line into incompetence or negligence. The delay caused by having to travel to an emergency hospital in Portland, located some distance away, reportedly resulted in the dog requiring the removal of his spleen and part of his liver due to necrosis. The reviewer contrasted the care received in Portland with the lack of support at Horse And Hound, emphasizing the competence, capability, and kindness of the surgeon who ultimately treated their dog.

This detailed negative review raises serious questions about the scope of services and the preparedness of Horse And Hound Veterinary Services to handle critical medical emergencies, particularly those requiring diagnostic imaging or surgical intervention. The absence of essential equipment like an X-ray machine limits their ability to diagnose a range of common and serious veterinary conditions, including not only bloat but also trauma cases. The alleged refusal to provide referrals in emergency situations could lead to critical delays in pet owners seeking appropriate care for their animals.

For local users in Thomaston, ME, and surrounding areas considering Horse And Hound Veterinary Services as their pet hospital, it is crucial to weigh these contrasting experiences. The positive reviews highlight a practice with a compassionate and caring staff, focused on the comfort of pets and the emotional well-being of owners, particularly in routine or end-of-life care situations. Dr. Margo and her team appear to excel in providing a supportive and empathetic environment for certain types of veterinary needs.

However, the detailed negative review serves as a significant caution, indicating potential limitations in their diagnostic capabilities and a lack of preparedness for handling complex or emergency medical situations, especially those requiring advanced diagnostics or surgical intervention. The alleged lack of referral assistance in an emergency is also a serious concern for pet owners who may not be aware of the nearest specialized veterinary facilities.

Therefore, local users should consider the specific health needs of their pets when evaluating Horse And Hound Veterinary Services. For routine check-ups, vaccinations, and compassionate end-of-life care, the positive testimonials suggest a supportive environment. However, for pets with a history of conditions that may require advanced diagnostics or for emergency situations where immediate and comprehensive care is crucial, pet owners may need to consider whether the limitations described in the negative review align with their needs and risk tolerance. It would be prudent for potential clients to inquire directly about the specific diagnostic and treatment capabilities of Horse And Hound Veterinary Services, as well as their protocols for handling emergencies and providing referrals when necessary, to make an informed decision about their pet's healthcare.