Saturday Veterinary Emergency

[Kelena]

...a PASSEL of cats.....

[Lin W]

Kilauea treats (spays/neuters) ferals for Hui Pono Holoholona and they're terrific, can't recommend them highly enough.

I established with East Hawai'i when I first moved here and they have never let me down. They've been there for us through some tough times, with even the occasional house call.

I've never heard anything good about Aloha, and that trend continues.

Incidentally, it's a clowder of cats.

Aloha.



use it up, wear it out, make it do, do without

[JerryCarr]

We "inherited" Aloha because the dogs had been treated there before we got them and they seemed comfortable with the people there. Of course, we never had something like this happen, and now feel a need to re-evaluate.

Cheers,
Jerry

[macuu222]

I still like Aloha Vet Center. Things like not having a doctor available can happen at any Vet center including Aloha. Aloha has "3" doctors working there.....Monday through Friday from 8am-7pm..and 8-12 Saturday. I don't know of any vet center on the island open 7 days a week.

[JerryCarr]

Aloha, macuu222,
I should be clear that we have not had issues with Aloha in the past on quality of care or empathy with the dogs. Both have been good. The crux of the matter at hand was the fact that they had no coverage for the practice for the entire weekend. The office was closed Saturday, in contrast to the usual, and they had no one on call and no back-up arrangement with another office. I realize that even with three doctors on staff, they can't be there fully operational 24-7, but they should have some fall-back plan for a practice that large. Several of the vet offices we called on Saturday said they already had more than they could handle because of emergencies from Aloha. One even guessed why we were calling before we told them who our regular vet was.

In all honesty, I have to add that when I called Aloha this morning they got me an appointment today that we will leave for as soon as I finish this post. I'm going to them because they have cared for Makai in the past, done a good job, and have awareness of his history. They will get a piece of my mind about the weekend thing, though. I may or may not change vets, based on how they respond.

Cheers,
Jerry

[Kelena]

I have a regular vet here in Southern California, and two dalmatians. I have spent thousands at her office. One day while out for a walk after dark in my own neighborhood, my boy dalmatian, Ben, stepped on piece of glass. It was a large triangular piece of glass with a solid, but transparent base that got on the sidewalk when someone threw the bottle out of the car and into the shrubs along the sidewalk. It was hidden from my view by a leaf. But he stepped on it...and he couldn't walk anymore. Instantly. It severed the tendons in his foot. Called my vet and she said "Go to emergency". She had closed shop about an hour before. I didn't want to drive 12 miles to emergency because he was losing blood very rapidly (it was getting everywhere). But I had no choice.

I was very mad at her. She does handle this type of trauma. But didn't want to handle it then. She provides truly excellent care otherwise and I have continued to see her. But I don't see her the same way. And, I guess it is some comfort to know I can get to a 24 hour vet emergency hospital in 25 minutes.....and they are building one less than a mile from my house.

I am counting my blessings in anticipation of the day when options are more limited.

[frossie]

I agree Aloha Vet is good when it is open. However, even when they do claim to have out-of-hours cover, I have rung twice and was not called back.

The situation for after hours coverage is dire around here. I once spent all night holding the skin of a lacerated pet together until a vet would see me (another big vote for Kilauea Vet, who has the best record of seeing me without an appointment).

There are many vets in Hilo - I wish one would routinely work late hours (say 5pm to midnight). I am sure they would get lots of business - for one thing many people work and only start noticing problems when they get home. By the time they figure "gee, Fido really doesn't seem to be himself tonight", all vets are closed for the day.

[JerryCarr]

Makai is in the hospital with a catheter and IV. We will know in 24-48 hours if he will make it.

Not at all cheerful,
Jerry

[StillHope]

Jerry,I am praying that your furry friend will make it.

[Kelena]

Sending Makai my very best wishes Jerry, from across the ocean. They bring us so much and they ask for so little. More loyal and devoted than many primates. Sending you much aloha and wishes for his recovery.