Banfield Pet Hospital Harrisburg, NC Misdiagnosis and infected my cat with pink eye. Harrisburg NC

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On July 3, 2019, I took my 7-year old cat to Banfield vet for a yearly exam in Boise, ID and no concerns were noted. We moved to the Charlotte area and within a few days, My cat had been exposed to a new environment, Pest control spayed inside the home and had come in contact with Hydrangea flowers.

My cat had mild dyspnea and I took him to Banfield in Harrisburg on August 20, 2019. He was seen by Dr. Bob Strong. He checked all his vitals which were normal and recommended several tests. My thoughts were that a bunch of tests might be a bit excessive given no other symptoms were present. We agreed on the treatment of a steroid shot and antibiotics.

On September 7, 2019, I dropped off my cat at Banfield because of an eye infection. I received a call and was informed that Bob Strong wanted to test for corneal ulcer which was $50.00. My cat did not hit his eye and declined to be charged for this.

Bob Strong did note on my cat's records that he could have pink eye. I agree with this diagnoses and my cat was infected at this Banfield location because he's an indoor cat and no other cats are in the home. Bob Strong also stated that my cat had a heart murmur grade 4-6 and Pro-BNP test should be done immediately.

I went to the Banfield to pick up my cat and spoke with Bob Strong. He claimed that my cat left value had collapsed and blood was backwashing. I knew what he was describing was mitral valve dysplasia and he confirmed this when I asked. He said this very serious matter and he had a referral to a cardiologist.

He wanted me to make an appointment before the test results came back. He also stated that my cat should not have any surgery but went on to say that out of the five dogs that he recently operated on, the only one who came out of anesthesia easily had a murmur. This did not sit well with me since I was taking my dog in the following Monday for a dental cleaning. I also inquired about my cat's eye. Bob Strong snapped at me and said: "you didn't want the test so I don't know."

I was informed that the Pro-BNP test would take 2 days. On September 10, 2019, I called for the test results and spoke with E. Whitmore, She informed me that the test was still pending and Dr. Bob Strong would call me. I requested that the test results be sent to my email. She said: " you will not understand the test results and Dr. Strong needs to explain the results to you." I reminded her that I paid for this test and I wanted the test results regardless. On September 11, 2019, Bob Strong called and said: "test results are normal, you've got a healthy cat."

On September 18, 2019, I spoke with Stephanie, the office manager. I expressed my disgust with Dr. Bob Strong for his unprofessional behavior and the fact that my family suffered great emotional turmoil over his misdiagnosis. She did seem sympathetic and apologized for his behavior.

On October 8, 2019. I took my cat to another vet. She examined my cat and did hear the presence of a murmur, a grade 2-3. The fact that he had a negative pro-BNP and the murmur is more than likely a side effect from the steroid, she wasn't concerned. She wants to see him again in a year. It is apparent to me that Banfield relies on up-selling to make a profit.

I'm usually very cautious about bogus charges but I disregarded my common sense when I was lead to believe by Dr. Bob Strong that my cat's life was in danger. I would not recommend Banfield to any pet parent.