Veterinary Cardiology Specialists

Pet HospitalMinnesotaDakota CountyInver Grove HeightsAmana Trail

7781 Amana Trail, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077, USA

3.0

My 10 year old Havanese/Tibetan Terrier mix was diagnosed with Chronic Degenerative Valve Disease and Pulmonary Hypertension. I took him to Dr. Olson in January of 2020. At the time, she appeared very competent and caring. She performed an EEG on my pup and created a very thorough summary of his condition and prescribed medications. Dr. Olson encouraged me to call her or email if I had questions or concerns. My pup was also being treated by a naturopath and that practitioner wanted some information from Dr. Olson in order to complement Gem's medications with natural supplements. I tried several times to reach Dr. Olson and SHE WOULD NOT RETURN ANY OF MY CALLS OR EMAILS. I only heard from her when I called the woman who made my initial appointment and explained the situation. The appointment setter told me that Dr. Olson's lack of response was unacceptable and she would contact the Dr. After that call, the doctor did respond to me, but only then. Three months down the road, my regular vet wanted to talk with the doctor to verify the amount of furosemide my pup was taking as he was on the highest dose that my vet had ever seen and her concern was that Gem was becoming dehydrated. AGAIN, DR. OLSON DID NOT BOTHER TO ANSWER ANY OF MY OR MY VET'S REQUESTS FOR ANSWERS. So, once again, I called the original appointment setter for Dr. Olson and explained that for the second time, she was not responding to us. Finally, Olson contacted my vet via her website and demanded a $185 consultation fee to discuss my dog's medication levels THAT SHE HAD PRESCRIBED!!! OUTRAGEOUS!! This doctor is a horrible communicator and I highly recommend that you choose a different doctor or you will be as frustrated as I am with such disrespectful treatment.

JoAnn Grundhauser
  • Overview
  • (612) 353-7440
  • www.vetcardiologist.com

Welcome to Veterinary Cardiology Specialists

Veterinary Cardiology Specialists, located at 7781 Amana Trail, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077, USA, falls under the Pet Hospital category, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions in animals. When seeking specialized veterinary care, particularly in a sensitive area like cardiology, local users rely heavily on the expertise and professionalism of the practitioners. The available reviews for Veterinary Cardiology Specialists offer a critical perspective on the clinic's communication and patient management practices, which potential clients should carefully consider.

Information regarding the environment of Veterinary Cardiology Specialists is not explicitly detailed in the provided reviews. Typically, a specialty veterinary clinic would be equipped with advanced diagnostic tools relevant to their specialization, such as echocardiography machines, electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) devices, and potentially telemetry systems for continuous heart monitoring. The environment would likely include consultation rooms for discussing the pet's condition and treatment plans, as well as areas for performing diagnostic tests. Given the specialized nature of cardiology, one might expect a focused and technically equipped setting. However, the reviews do not offer specific descriptions of the clinic's physical space.

As a veterinary cardiology practice, the primary services offered by Veterinary Cardiology Specialists would logically include the diagnosis and management of various heart conditions in pets. These services typically encompass:

  • Cardiac Examinations and Consultations: Comprehensive assessments of a pet's cardiovascular health.
  • Echocardiography: Ultrasound imaging of the heart to evaluate its structure and function.
  • Electrocardiography (ECG/EKG): Recording the electrical activity of the heart to detect arrhythmias and other abnormalities.
  • Holter Monitoring: Continuous ECG recording over an extended period to identify intermittent heart issues.
  • Blood Pressure Measurement: Assessing systemic hypertension, which can be related to or exacerbate heart disease.
  • Radiography (X-rays): Imaging of the chest to evaluate heart size and the presence of fluid in the lungs, often associated with heart failure.
  • Treatment and Management of Congestive Heart Failure: Providing medications and guidance for pets diagnosed with this condition.
  • Management of Arrhythmias: Diagnosing and treating irregular heartbeats.
  • Diagnosis and Management of Congenital Heart Defects: Identifying and managing heart abnormalities present from birth.
  • Pulmonary Hypertension Assessment and Management: Evaluating and treating high blood pressure in the lungs, often associated with heart disease.

One reviewer specifically mentions that Dr. Olson performed an EEG on their dog, which is unusual for cardiac evaluations (ECG is used for heart function). This might indicate a broader neurological assessment was also part of the workup, or it could be a typographical error in the review. The reviewer also notes receiving a thorough summary of their pet's condition and prescribed medications. However, the subsequent issues raised in the review overshadow this initial positive aspect.

The critical feature highlighted in the negative reviews is a significant lack of communication and unprofessional behavior, allegedly on the part of Dr. Olson. One reviewer recounts multiple instances of unanswered calls and emails, both from the pet owner and the referring veterinarian. This breakdown in communication reportedly led to delays in adjusting medication dosages and discussing complementary treatments. The demand for a consultation fee to discuss medication levels that Dr. Olson herself had prescribed is described as "outrageous" and "disrespectful."

Another review echoes the sentiment of unprofessionalism and accuses "Ms. Olson" of having "no desire to communicate." This reviewer claims that Dr. Olson was unprepared for their cat's medical needs and preferred to cancel rather than address the situation, labeling her behavior as "criminal and disgraceful."

These reviews collectively paint a concerning picture regarding the communication and professionalism at Veterinary Cardiology Specialists, specifically concerning Dr. Olson. While the initial assessment for one patient was described as competent, the subsequent lack of responsiveness and the alleged demand for a consultation fee for medication adjustments prescribed by the same doctor raise serious red flags about patient management and client relations.

No information regarding any promotional offers or unique features of Veterinary Cardiology Specialists is available in the provided reviews. Given the critical nature of the feedback, any potential positive aspects are overshadowed by the reported communication issues. Local users would likely prioritize reliable communication and professional conduct when choosing a specialist, especially in a field as critical as veterinary cardiology.

For local users in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, seeking a veterinary cardiologist, the reviews for Veterinary Cardiology Specialists present a strong cautionary note. While the clinic offers specialized care for heart conditions in pets, the serious allegations of poor communication, unprofessional behavior, and demanding fees for addressing previously prescribed treatments should be carefully considered. Potential clients may want to seek further information or consider alternative veterinary cardiology specialists in the region to ensure their pet receives both expert care and respectful, responsive communication.

The importance of clear and timely communication between a veterinary specialist, the primary veterinarian, and the pet owner cannot be overstated, especially when managing complex and potentially life-threatening conditions like heart disease. The reported failures in this area at Veterinary Cardiology Specialists, as described by multiple reviewers, raise significant concerns about the overall quality of care and client experience. Local users are advised to weigh these experiences heavily when making a decision about their pet's cardiac care.

In conclusion, while Veterinary Cardiology Specialists in Inver Grove Heights, MN, offers specialized services for pets with heart conditions, the publicly available reviews highlight significant concerns regarding the clinic's communication practices and professionalism, particularly in relation to Dr. Olson. These accounts of unanswered communications and unexpected fees for discussing prescribed medications should prompt local users to exercise caution and potentially seek alternative veterinary cardiology specialists who prioritize both expert medical care and effective, respectful communication with pet owners and referring veterinarians.

Veterinary Cardiology Specialists Location

7781 Amana Trail, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077, USA

Reviews

My 10 year old Havanese/Tibetan Terrier mix was diagnosed with Chronic Degenerative Valve Disease and Pulmonary Hypertension. I took him to Dr. Olson in January of 2020. At the time, she appeared very competent and caring. She performed an EEG on my pup and created a very thorough summary of his condition and prescribed medications. Dr. Olson encouraged me to call her or email if I had questions or concerns. My pup was also being treated by a naturopath and that practitioner wanted some information from Dr. Olson in order to complement Gem's medications with natural supplements. I tried several times to reach Dr. Olson and SHE WOULD NOT RETURN ANY OF MY CALLS OR EMAILS. I only heard from her when I called the woman who made my initial appointment and explained the situation. The appointment setter told me that Dr. Olson's lack of response was unacceptable and she would contact the Dr. After that call, the doctor did respond to me, but only then. Three months down the road, my regular vet wanted to talk with the doctor to verify the amount of furosemide my pup was taking as he was on the highest dose that my vet had ever seen and her concern was that Gem was becoming dehydrated. AGAIN, DR. OLSON DID NOT BOTHER TO ANSWER ANY OF MY OR MY VET'S REQUESTS FOR ANSWERS. So, once again, I called the original appointment setter for Dr. Olson and explained that for the second time, she was not responding to us. Finally, Olson contacted my vet via her website and demanded a $185 consultation fee to discuss my dog's medication levels THAT SHE HAD PRESCRIBED!!! OUTRAGEOUS!! This doctor is a horrible communicator and I highly recommend that you choose a different doctor or you will be as frustrated as I am with such disrespectful treatment.

May 09, 2020 · JoAnn Grundhauser

Criminal Has no problem leaving animals who need help in peril. She forgot to be prepared for my cats medical help and would rather cancel on your beloved furry family, than own up to her laziness. She didn't fix her mistake and expected me and my cat to wait more when help is dire. Absolutely has no desire to communicate or be professional. You are criminal and disgraceful Ms. Olson.

Feb 19, 2021 · Maria Brereton

Best vet cardiologist around and bedside matter is top notch. Dr. Olson and her tech are on time and very responsive to calls/emails. I love working with them.

Sep 28, 2021 · Jesse Priebe

Very nice people to deal with. Excellent with our big dog.

Oct 06, 2022 · Richard Hibbs

Feb 12, 2025 · Stephanie Herrera

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