Lakeside Veterinary Clinic

This introduction to Lakeside Veterinary Clinic, located at 18 Lake Simond Rd, Tupper Lake, NY 12986, USA, is based on recent customer reviews available online. It is important to note that these reviews raise significant concerns regarding the diagnostic accuracy and communication practices of this pet hospital. Potential local users are strongly encouraged to carefully consider this information when making decisions about their pet's veterinary care.

Details regarding the environment of Lakeside Veterinary Clinic are not provided in the available reviews. Therefore, an objective description of the clinic's facilities, cleanliness, or atmosphere cannot be accurately presented based on the current information. However, the focus of this introduction will be on the experiences shared by recent customers concerning the services provided.

Based on the two detailed customer reviews, the primary service discussed is diagnostic care, specifically in relation to suspected urinary tract infections. In both instances, dogs presented with symptoms suggestive of a UTI. However, in both cases, Dr. Scranton reportedly diagnosed diabetes based on urinalysis alone, without conducting further confirmatory testing such as blood work. Following these diagnoses, the reviewers stated that they received inadequate information regarding the diagnosis, treatment options, or potential complications of canine diabetes. One reviewer explicitly mentioned receiving "no treatment options or explanation how the diagnosis was determined." The other reviewer detailed a lack of education on canine diabetes, no discussion of next steps, symptoms to watch for, or potential complications like diabetic ketoacidosis.

A significant feature highlighted by the reviews is the alleged misdiagnosis of diabetes in both cases. Subsequently, both pet owners sought care at other veterinary facilities. In one instance, an emergency vet in Syracuse performed a blood test and urinalysis that did not support the diabetes diagnosis but instead confirmed a urinary tract infection. The other pet owner also sought emergency care due to their dog's worsening condition and received a diagnosis of a severe UTI after thorough testing, contradicting the initial diabetes diagnosis from Lakeside Veterinary Clinic. These experiences raise serious concerns about the accuracy of diagnoses provided at this clinic, particularly when relying solely on urinalysis for a complex condition like diabetes.

Another critical issue raised in the reviews is the lack of thorough communication and follow-up. One reviewer stated that their concerns were dismissed and that they left after a very brief visit with no answers. They were also reportedly told that individuals who were not the primary caretakers of the pet could follow up in a week. This lack of direct and comprehensive communication with the primary caregiver regarding a serious diagnosis is concerning. The other reviewer also reported a lack of explanation regarding the diabetes diagnosis and no discussion of next steps or potential complications.

The potential consequences of the reported misdiagnosis are severe. Both reviewers expressed significant concern about the implications of administering insulin based on the initial diagnosis of diabetes when their dogs did not have the condition. One reviewer explicitly stated, "Had I administered insulin based on the initial diagnosis, the consequences could have been fatal." This underscores the potential danger of inaccurate diagnoses and the importance of thorough and accurate testing. The financial burden of seeking emergency care due to the worsening of symptoms following the initial misdiagnosis is also highlighted, with one reviewer incurring over $1,300 in emergency vet bills.

Based on the information available in these reviews, there is no positive feedback regarding promotional offers or specific positive features of the clinic's services beyond the speed of the initial consultation, which was not seen as beneficial due to the diagnostic concerns. The overwhelming sentiment in the reviews is one of caution and concern for the well-being of pets under the care of Lakeside Veterinary Clinic.

In conclusion, the available customer reviews for Lakeside Veterinary Clinic in Tupper Lake, NY, raise serious concerns regarding diagnostic accuracy, particularly in the case of suspected urinary tract infections leading to a diagnosis of diabetes based solely on urinalysis. The reviews also highlight a lack of thorough communication, follow-up, and education provided to pet owners regarding diagnoses and treatment plans. Potential local users are strongly advised to carefully consider these experiences when choosing a veterinary care provider for their pets. The reviewers themselves explicitly recommend staying away from this clinic due to the potential for misdiagnosis and the associated risks to pet health. Due to the severely negative nature of the recent feedback concerning critical aspects of veterinary care, a cautious approach is warranted for anyone considering Lakeside Veterinary Clinic for their pet's health needs. Further investigation and potentially seeking second opinions from other veterinary professionals in the area may be prudent.