We have taken our animals here for many years and have always had a great experience. The care for animals, cleanliness, and kindness from every staff member shows how much they value every animal and person! Dr Osgood is an amazing doctor and cares deeply about everyone!
I seriously do not recommend this place. I had an initial check up here for 3 guinea pigs I adopted at HAWS. I had a sneaking suspicion that one had a reproductive tumor, due to previously owning another guinea pig who had the same uneven and odd body shape, which was caught once the tumor was the size of a mango. I was told she was just fine and that her body type was normal to be odd sometimes.
Now I come to yesterday, that same pig was wheezing and I suspected a URI. Since I did not trust this place and my previous vet, Dr. Martel, both worked and got her degree at UW Madison, I took her to their small animal hospital. I had complete confidence in them, as Dr. Martel saved my precious baby who has since passed. She succeeded in removing the tumor that ended up being the size of the vet tech’s hand and my heart pig lived another 2.5 years after being operated on at the age of 5, which is extremely risky and not recommended.
Yesterday was not fun, it was $1,800 that could’ve been avoided if this clinic actually knew what they were doing with guinea pigs. They were also extremely rough when handling them, both my mother and I were taken aback by it and returned silent, concerned looks the entire time. Regardless, yesterday we had a CT to confirm a reproductive tumor. It was big enough to have been felt during our appointment at this clinic, due to how they grow and develop quickly; especially when she was already showing signs of an abnormality in the left side of her abdomen during the visit. I am beyond disgusted with the staff and quite frankly, seasoned vet that simply dismissed it, rather than looking into it further.
I now have to pay probably upwards of $4,000 more for the surgery I will be proceeding with. She has excellent chances of being alright and able to handle the procedure. I am much happier at this clinic despite the cost. They are thorough, kind, and extremely helpful. I have also had to start a GoFundMe because of all these bills. My credit card is maxed and my emergency savings are completely drained because of this clinic’s incompetence. I had to pay ER rates instead of being able to make an appointment and avoid such high costs—given I left immediately at 7:40 in the morning after noticing the wheezing, since URIs in guinea pigs are more often than not deadly.
I cannot explain in words how furious I am with this clinic, as I now am scheduling appointments for my other piggies because of this. I was given a recommended clinic list from HAWS and this was one of them listed. I will be calling and notifying them that this needs to be removed on the list. I have recently adopted another pig there who lost his left eye by severe infection due to horrible previous owners who just didn’t want to take him to the vet. They left him there to die all the way back in February and I finally got to adopt him in early May once he was medically cleared. He is so spunky and happy for a 7yo pig and I will NOT be risking taking him here. He has been through enough, I don’t trust that he won’t be hurt or undiagnosed here. I am pissed that I now have to pay AGAIN for a general yearly check up for 3 pigs. I’d argue I just threw out money for an uncalled for, anxiety inducing experience—not an exam. You will waste your money here—I honestly want a refund and compensation for the expenses I had to and will pay because of them.
At Madison, my pig was spoiled with treats and in a warm incubator until her slot for the CT scan came. She then returned there while we went over the images, which were educationally explained to me and genuinely confirmed my decision to proceed with surgery. I’ve attached that visit sheet with the most important information. Personal identification is redacted.
Again, TLDR:
DO NOT TAKE SMALL ANIMALS TO THIS CLINIC, I am unsure about other species, but I doubt it’s any better. THIS CLINIC IS INCOMPETENT AND DISRESPECTFUL TO YOUR PETS.
TAKE THE PAINSTAKINGLY LONG DRIVE TO UW MADISON VETERINARY HOSPITAL, THEY WILL ACTUALLY TREAT AND DIAGNOSE YOUR PET PROPERLY AND WITH RESPECT.
Unbelievably terrible place. The head doctor is extremely rude to all of her staff and they look positively stressed and terrified of her! Her exam feels very rushed and chaotic, which is crazy considering my appointment lasted nearly 3 hours. I understand clinics get busy, but it's a primary vet and I had a scheduled time. It's also very awkward while you're waiting in an exam room to hear her shouting at her staff, who can't be older than high school age. Would not recommend if you care about the safety of your pet, your time, or going to a well run and well managed business.
