MedVet Chicago

Had to take my 6yo cat to Medvet for an ER cardiologist visit after getting concerning x-rays at my vet showing inflammation around his heart. His breathing patterns had changed over the course of a couple weeks to sound mucus-like and more effortful than usual. After speaking with Medvet's cardiology department via phone, I was encouraged to take my cat into the ER for an emergency echocardiogram (ultrasound) so they could get a clearer picture of his heart. From the moment I arrived at the front desk they had a tech immediately come to rush him into care just in case it was more serious. Unfortunately I was not able to go see him during this time but was given updates that he was being kept in an oxygen cage and was comfortable. After waiting 3 hrs for the procedure, Dr. Tennyson had to break the bad news that my cat had very advanced heart disease and that euthanizing him could save him from further suffering. It clearly pained her to give me this diagnosis as this was a very sudden turn of events for me. I made the difficult decision to help him pass peacefully and was given the appropriate time, space and counseling to feel comfortable. I only wish I could've seen the ultrasound for myself to confirm and better understand. But the compassionate way that Dr. Tennyson gave me the diagnosis put me at ease and assured me that his condition was more severe than he showed symptoms of. Apparently cats can mask symptoms pretty adeptly for a long time before you even have an inkling that something is wrong. So please get your animals regular x-rays & ultrasounds with your vet so you can prevent or treat anything that might be happening without symptoms. My only criticism of Medvet is that the whole place is covered in photographs of very distressed looking animals. It's one thing if you're bringing your pet in for a simple, treatable mishap. But these sad images really weigh on you and increase your anxiety if you don't know what's happening with your pet or dealing with a very severe issue. It would've put me more at ease and given me hope to see photos of happy animals while dealing with such a difficult and distressing situation.

MEDVET NEGLIGENCE & INCOMPETENCE KILLED MY DOG. On 9/29/24, my beloved dog Patrick was hospitalized in the ER to be monitored for respiratory difficulties/distress after a mucous plug blocked his airway earlier in the day. A treatable condition he was diagnosed with days earlier left him at an elevated risk of such obstructions. Close monitoring & delicate care was needed as he awaited an appointment with a specialist the next day to begin treatment. An evening update let me know Patrick had done well all day and could go home. I arrived to pick him up, and after waiting almost an hour, he was brought out. Patrick exited treatment held by a tech, from across the lobby, I could see that he was choking. Upon approach, it was clear he was already in extreme distress. Struggling in the tech’s arms, gasping for air, excessively salivating, gums completely white. I said he was not breathing well and needed a vet. I was told he was cleared for discharge as the oblivious tech began reviewing discharge instructions. Again, I said he was choking and needed help. Patrick’s terrified eyes were wide with panic as he thrashed about. I was told he was just happy to see me. Repeated pleas for help were met with blank stares from the tech & receptionist. Precious minutes wasted. It was horrifying & surreal. An employee from across the room finally ran over and rushed him back for aid. It was too late. Almost as soon as he made it back to treatment, his heart stopped. The vet who informed me of his death did not care for him during the day, admitted they were not very familiar with his case and could not answer my questions with any certainty. Thousands of dollars were charged for MedVet to monitor my Patrick and render aid if needed. Records should have been sent to his regular vet immediately. After repeated requests, records sent two days later DID NOT INCLUDE THAT HE PASSED AWAY. More calls questioning why his death was not recorded initially in his record result in “updated” records sent. Patrick's risk of developing another airway obstruction was high, needing constant monitoring. Record reviews indicate he was only checked every 1-2 hours, with one gap in monitoring of 5 HOURS while there. The process of retrieving his remains was even more delayed and mistake-riddled. There is no doubt his death was due to gross negligence. The INEPTITUDE of a tech not recognizing the difference between an excited dog and a distressed one is mind-blowing. The lack of concern and care expressed by the vet who declared him deceased; was chilling. No follow-up, outreach, or apology from MedVet after the event. No acknowledgement PATRICK WAS PRESENTED AS STABLE AND READY FOR DISCHARGE IN MORE GRAVE CONDITION THEN WHEN INITIALLY BROUGHT IN. I left MedVet that evening, not with my treasured companion as expected, but with a million “what ifs,” and the horrible image of my dog’s terrified, panicked face burned into my brain as he struggled and suffered through his last moments of life that will haunt me forever. My final memory of him, his eyes desperately pleading for help in a building filled with people who should have helped him but did not. I pray my sweet boy can rest in peace because he certainly did not die in peace at MedVet. It's hard to fully describe all the ways MedVet failed Patrick in the character limit allowed here. A more thorough review can be viewed on FB for those inclined. I've been a multi-dog home & worked with dogs professionally my entire life. Inevitably, after hours or urgent care is needed several times a year. I've experienced an alarming decline in quality of care since MedVet acquired Chicago Veterinary Emergency Services. Experiences in recent years have gone from bad to worse, culminating with this horrific, traumatizing event. I rue the day that I left my beloved Patrick in their care and recommend avoiding MedVet ER at all costs. Do not be fooled by the swanky aesthetics. This is an unprofessional facility that cares more about profits than quality care. Cost of care certainly does not = quality here.

Thank You MedVet Chicago for your Compassion and Empathy with our pet. Rest In Peace Hercules ….My Dog was very sick and we didn’t know he had cancer we had to take him to a vet aka emergency…We found one online ..the place was so clean ..the staff was helpful and have empathy ( that’s very important ) the Vet was nice and knowledgeable..I would recommend anyone who need emergency services to come here

This place is heartless! I took my cat in that was already receiving treatment for a paw injury/bone infection but got out of his bandage overnight and was bleeding. After first seeing him I was told that it would probably be easier to put him down than to go through with treatment as it could take weeks for it to heal. This was before any test or cleaning of the wound were even done. This cat was a stray that my niece would feed from time to time. He showed up to her house hurt, in pain and asking for help. We were not going to put him down because of an inconvenience! He was tolerating his medications well and he was in very good spirits so putting him down was never even something that was talked about with his vet. His wound was starting to heal a couple weeks later but because of his FIV+ status the infection was not getting better and we opted for the amputation. It’s been a few months now and he’s a spoiled happy kitty that the whole family is in love with. I did not like how quick they suggested we put him down because the process would be long. That’s a horrible reason to put an animal down! People don’t take their pets to the ER at 4am because they’re an inconvenience. They take them because clearly they care for and love them.

My pup was diagnosed with lung lobe torsion in Indiana and we were sent to Med Vet Chicago for surgery! Very stressful event but the surgery team and ICU doctors were amazing! They called daily with updates, eased any concerns we had and made the best accommodations for us to visit our boy in ICU since we had a long drive. I will forever be thankful for Dr. Krier doing the surgery, his amazing ICU doctors, Dr. Eisenbarth and Dr. Sands and all the techs and assistants!