I have absolutely no problem with the Alta Vista Animal Hospital. We’ve made use of both their emergency and referral services over the past years. In terms of the referral services (if that is your question – I see you live in the US), we are quite happy insofar as Dr. Liptak got the tumor out of his mouth. (The regular vet was certain it was a surgery that only a specialist could perform – and Dr. Liptak is one of the few oncological surgery specialists there is.) His personality, however, is not unlike a high priced surgeon on a TV show. (Hence the oblique references to “Grey’s Anatomy”!) We’ve also dealt with Dr. Bravo, who is an internal medicine specialist, and she has been quite good too.

I think Dr. Liptak’s follow-up could have been a bit better. It is impossible to get him on the phone. You have to go through his technician/assistant who relays information between you and him. And, at his suture removal, we asked if he should have another recheck with him to ensure that he was healing properly. He assured us that there would be no more problems and that he was all but healed. Turned out another appointment was in order as we suggested!

All said, if you have a pet with a tumor or needing some other sort of “complex surgery” that requires a specialist, I would, all the same, recommend the services at AVAH. I would similarly recommend their emergency services (we’ve had a few bladder infections over the years and Igge’s recent constipation) and their internal medicine department (Igge and Mickey both saw Dr. Bravo).

Hmm…cat plastic surgery. Do I detect poutier cat lips in Calvin’s “after” vs. “before” head shot?

I’m confused though…
In the final analysis, did McSurgeon do a good job, but the follow-up (or lack thereof) sucked?
Would you recommend going to that vet practice again or trying elsewhere because of the problems that arose after surgery?

Meanwhile Lucy has tested positive for heartworm, so there’s an ordeal and a week’s paycheck coming up.
Anyway, photos forthcoming.
Best to you and yours Craig.