Services Animal Medical Hospital of Centereach practices at 2425 Middle Country Road, Centereach, NY 11720.

Veterinarians offer general and emergency pet care services. Some veterinarians offer 24 hour emergency services-call to confirm hours and availability.

To learn more, or to make an appointment with Animal Medical Hospital of Centereach in Centereach, NY, please call (631) 585-5353 for more information.

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Services Performed:
1. Surgery for shell rot (debriding)

2. Nine days inpatient care following surgery

3. Second surgery for shell rot

4. Prescription for topical antiseptic (Betadine)

5. Prescription for two antibacterial injectables

6. Progress monitoring visits

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I brought my Red-eared Slider to the Animal Medical Hospital located in Centereach, NY to determine if the animal had “shell rot”. Dr. Elisabeth Simone-Freilicher was the attending DVM. The turtle was under her care from 6/23/11 through 9/22/11, and was an “inpatient” from 6/23 through 7/1, following surgery/anesthesia. There were eight visits totaling $1178.00. The animal again underwent surgery on 9/22; she was anesthetized and unconscious when discharged. She never regained consciousness and died during the night of 9/23 - 9/24. This turtle was under my care for 8 1/2 years. She ate well and was consistently active until treatment began. She was in a 100+ gallon tank with other turtles and fish. The water quality was more than sufficient because of the water requirements for fish also in the tank (see photo); correct lighting conditions, UVB levels, and in- water/basking conditions were also maintained. I chose this vet by recommendation. The DVM confirmed “shell rot” and prescribed a course of treatment.

1. On the third visit (7/10), Dr. Simone-Freilicher asked about my daily use of the topical antiseptic Betadine. I replied that I was not instructed that Betadine was part of the treatment. The doctor reviewed her patient chart and was unaware that I had not been advised and apologized, explaining that the office was training new staff. Thus, following major anesthesia/surgery, the animal was potentially exposed to infection from other animals in the tank for 10 days.

2. The animal remained unconscious following a one-hour drive home. At home, I called the vet because the sheet entitled “Take Home Instructions for Bijou" (the turtle) appeared to be written for a cat or dog, etc (see photo). The technician did not address the instructions, but advised that the turtle should be kept dry for all but 20 minutes daily for one month. I was not previously given these instructions. I replied that the animal was still unconscious and that I did not foresee the turtle eating with only 20 minutes daily in water for 30 days, given that she was usually in water. I repeated several times that the turtle had always been hand-fed for 1½ hours every other day. The technician replied that the turtle would have a “hissy-fit” but that this was the correct treatment. I followed the instructions. Both in and out of water, the turtle remained limp. She died during the following night. The above instructions were the only written instructions provided throughout the course of treatment.

3. On three visits I received vials labeled with different names (see attached photo). I was confused and called the Hospital, and following the receptionist’s check, was advised all names were synonymous. Inconsistent labeling was attributed to ongoing staff training.

4. In three separate instances, Dr. Simone-Freilicher did not return calls for several days. In one instance, I followed up on a call after no response for three days; the receptionist apologized and replied that she would forward the message to Dr. Simone-Freilicher. Two days later (totaling five days following my initial call), Dr. Simone-Freilicher called, and apologized that her messages had not been forwarded to her because the office was training new staff. Despite my repeated and ardent statements to the veterinarian and the technician that the animal was eating less and was listless as treatments became more aggressive, treatment changes were made only when the turtle refused to eat for more than two weeks.

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I pursued these complaints in small claims court, stating in open court that I was willing to donate funds from any verdict in my favor to Bideawee, a charitable animal organization. Verdict was for the vet. None of the above evidence was considered or viewed by the judge because I did not have an expert to prove "malpractice", and therefore the above was inadmissible. The veterinarian retains malpractice attorneys.

The vet contends that the animal had "40% - 60%" shell rot and that this was the cause of death. I brought recent current close-up photographs to court to dispute this. The veterinarian's attorney argued that these were inadmissible because they were not dated. Therefore, the only alternative would have been to preserve the dead animal and retain an expert to dispute this in court. Admission of any other claims would also require an expert.

The vet disputes that the animal was released unconscious following the second surgery. When the turtle was returned to me it was limp, would not respond to handling, and its eyes were closed.

The instructions following the second surgery were not disputed. If they are disputed by the vet in response to this review, see photo.

The "staff training" responsible for the mistakes in the course of treatment was repeated by the technician and office manager.

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Although the results of this veterinarian's services were unsatisfactory, it appears that the oversights and mistakes were not due to the veterinarian's or technician's lack of skills; rather the practice appears to be unable to be acutely over-extended -- there are far too many clients to allow staff to devote sufficient care and attention and to the animals under their charge. Addressing the overburdening of staff is ultimately the responsibility of the proprietor.

by Alan xxx.xxx.232.169

May 13, 2012

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Were you confident that your pet was safe in this veterinarian's care?

Absolutely! I knew I was being cared for by an expert!

Did this provider listen to your input and concerns?

Absolutely! This provider always listens carefully to what I have to say!

by Anonymous xxx.xxx.200.158

November 20, 2012

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