I have been taking my dog here ever since I adopted her about a year ago. She was seen several times over the past year and I was very happy with the care she received until her annual exam on Saturday, 8/23/08. Dr. Larkins did not look at her eyes, her ears or her mouth/teeth nor did he ask me any questions about her general health. All he did was feel her belly and listen to her heart. When it came time for her injections he tired to hold her and give the first injection. When she jerked away he tried a second time to give her the first injection - again without success. My dog got very upset and tried to bite Dr. Larkins. He responded by grabbing her around the throat. When she tried to bite him again he slammed her down on her back on the metal exam table. I can understand not wanting to get bit but we are talking about an eight pound Chihuahua! Was it really necessary to choke her and slam her down on the table? If this is the way animals are treated when their owners are present can you imagine what happens when they aren't? While the Altamonte Veterinary Hospital is run down and usually seems disorganized, and some of the staff behave in an unprofessional manner I was willing to overlook those things because I was confident that my dog was getting good care by compassionate and dedicated people. After what happened on 8/23 I'm not so sure. I was very disappointed and a little stunned at what I witnessed, and I felt like they just wanted my $225.00 and did as little as possible to get it. I wish I had a video of what happened so people could judge for themselves. However, since that isn't the case I can only state what happened and people will have to make there own decision. In my case, I will not be returning to Altamonte Veterinary Hospital and I will not be able to recommend this facility.
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