Buffalo Ridge Animal Hospital?

[Taltarzac]

Has anyone taken their pet(s) to the Buffalo Ridge Animal Hospital? I am wondering what their prices are like for seeing pets (routine exams), vaccinations, teeth cleaning, emergency visits, and the like?

[Cinco]

I'd love information on this also. Do we know the name of the vet?

[Cinlite]

I don't know what happend to the the reply that I attempted before, but yes Buffalo Ridge prices are comparable to other Vets in the area. Our dog just had surgery there and Dr. Rake is excellent. We had experience with her at another practice before she temporarily left the area. We were thrilled that she is at Buffalo Ridge and we are confident our pets will continue to have great care there. Buffalo Ridge is very friendly and very efficient. They are a big thumbs up!!

[Taltarzac]

I don't know what happend to the the reply that I attempted before, but yes Buffalo Ridge prices are comparable to other Vets in the area. Our dog just had surgery there and Dr. Rake is excellent. We had experience with her at another practice before she temporarily left the area. We were thrilled that she is at Buffalo Ridge and we are confident our pets will continue to have great care there. Buffalo Ridge is very friendly and very efficient. They are a big thumbs up!!


This is useful information to have Cinlite. Thank You.

[Cinlite]

You are welcome! There is one other Vet that I am aware of at Buffalo Ridge. Her name (I think) is Dr. Kelly Krauss. I do not know anything about her other than she is very personable and she was affiliated with the Peterson Smith Group out of Ocala. I believe that is the parent organization of Buffalo Ridge if I am correct. That group out of Ocala enjoys a very prestigious reputation in the central Florida area. I have only spoken with Dr. Rake which is the Vet that we use. I work during the day so my husband has been taking our dogs to her for care. She had called me at work and I was very impressed with her. She asked me numerous questions in her quest to help our pup. She virutally saved the life of our young pup that could not get a proper diagnosis where we were taking her before. Dr. Rake did not stop until she had her problem solved and for that we are grateful. Last week she operated on our older dog and he is doing great. He had a couple of tumors removed and thank God he is OK. Hope this is more specific.

[Barefoot]

Tal ... I recently took my geriatric cat to the Buffalo Ridge Vet Clinic. I think they do an OK job. They have nice new facilities and are very polite. But I wasn't impressed. They wanted to take my cat in another room to draw blood. I said OK, but I was coming along. So they did it in front of me. I think they didn't want me to see that it took them a few tries.

You asked about prices, I don't remember exactly. But I think it was approximately $175 for an examination, blood test and urine analysis.

I recently met Dr. Angel Smith, who runs the Healthy Pet Mobile Vet Service.
352-470-9537. I loved her "bedside manner".

[Cinco]

Thanks for that post, Barefoot.

I go ballistic when they want to take my three pound yorkie into "the back" for procedures. Last summer, I switched to a new vet (Mulberry Grove) and took yorkie in for his annual physical in December. They took him out to draw his blood. At least 10 minutes later, I was ready to blast through the doors and see what they were doing with my baby.

While I like this vet very much, neither she, her assistants, nor ANYONE else will take my dog "to the back" to draw blood again.

[Barefoot]

Thanks for that post, Barefoot.

I go ballistic when they want to take my three pound yorkie into "the back" for procedures. While I like this vet very much, neither she, her assistants, nor ANYONE else will take my dog "to the back" to draw blood again.

:agree: Good for you Cinco.

[Cinlite]

You are so right about placing our beloved pets in the hands of someone else. It is common practice to take pets to a more clinical setting to take care of procedures that require NO DISTRACTIONS from nervous owners. I have no problem with that and find it somewhat comforting. (Although it wouldn't bother me to be there) We took one of our pets to THE Ohio State University small animal hospital when she was going through cancer treatment and they took her to another area for the more invasive procedures. I have experienced this practice of taking the pet to another area of the facility to receive care. No problem! I don't know about you, but my children frequently behaved better for others than they did for me. I am convinced they know how to manipulate us and our pets can do the same.

[Barefoot]

It is common practice to take pets to a more clinical setting to take care of procedures that require NO DISTRACTIONS from nervous owners.

Perhaps in some States it is a common practice. :shrug: I've never had a vet take away a pet to draw blood. And my previous Vets took blood from my two dogs regularly for heartworm testing. They liked to have owners hold and comfort their pets to keep them calm.

Of course for surgical procedures and anesthetic, obviously pets have to be removed.

[Cinlite]

Hi everyone!

Just wanted to let everyone know that there is a Grand Opening for the Buffalo Ridge Animal Hospital.:pepper2: It is next Saturday Feb. 7th from 12 to 3pm. I took a tour of their facility last Saturday and it is state of the art. Most importantly, I am very confident of the care given there based on what we have experienced thus far. I will be there with my precious pups. I would encourage everyone curious about this practice to stop by and give a look see.

[Taltarzac]

Hi everyone!

Just wanted to let everyone know that there is a Grand Opening for the Buffalo Ridge Animal Hospital.:pepper2: It is next Saturday Feb. 7th from 12 to 3pm. I took a tour of their facility last Saturday and it is state of the art. Most importantly, I am very confident of the care given there based on what we have experienced thus far. I will be there with my precious pups. I would encourage everyone curious about this practice to stop by and give a look see.

Can you bring your dog(s)?

[Barefoot]

I just had a second experience with Buffalo Ridge. I took my dog in for an ear infection. I think they do an OK job, but they seem expensive to me. The bill for the visit was $94.50. The visit took approximately 40 minutes (you always see a "technician" prior to seeing the Vet).

Perhaps I've been spoiled but my "at home" Vet would have taken ten minutes to diagnose an ear infection, and the bill would have been around $50.

Nevertheless, the new facilities are beautiful, they have a huge staff, and it is golf cart accessible.

[Taltarzac]

I went to the Buffalo Ridge Animal Hospital Open House today and found the facilities impressive and the people friendly.

I was mainly interested in there being a vet right here in the Villages on Sunday if for any chance my dog needs to go and it sounds like one is not available yet at Buffalo Ridge Animal Hospital.

The tour guide today at BRAH just said that the vet in Leesburg is available that kind of emergency.

[Barefoot]

Maybe you are just very hard to please barefoot? Things are more expensive here, Florida is more expensive and especially "The Villages", but we all chose to live in "The Villages" so we have to expect higher prices.

:undecided:

Actually, crbsoul, I find things are less expensive in The Villages .. especially clothing and dinners out.

I do think Buffalo Ridge is a great new facility. Everything is brand new and there are lots of staff available.

[KathieI]

Perhaps in some States it is a common practice. :shrug: I've never had a vet take away a pet to draw blood. And my previous Vets took blood from my two dogs regularly for heartworm testing. They liked to have owners hold and comfort their pets to keep them calm.

Of course for surgical procedures and anesthetic, obviously pets have to be removed.

Bare, maybe it is a thing we do in the States different than Canada, but you know how many animals I've had over the years, and I have never had them take blood from one of my pets in front of me. I agree with Cinlite that I feel more comfortable that they can treat and handle the animal better without me there. I think you and I are both the same about our babies, we are like mother hens but I must feel very comfortable with a vet before I'll even let them touch my dogs.

[chelsea24]

Just a note from a vet's wife on this... When the doctor takes an animal out of the room to draw blood it's usually one of two things. Either the doc knows the pet's owner is squeamish or overly protective ... or, that doc doesn't know how to find a vein easily. It's harder with fur folks!

My husband never removed an animal from the room unless the owner didn't want to see or he felt they would over-react in some way. ;) OK, I'm bragging, but vetman was and is the best veterinarian I've ever seen. Alas, he's retired.

[F16 1UB]

Our Irish Setter had her annual check up on Feb 2 in KY. $156.04 and that was after a discount because the vet said she was 20% off. :loco:

[Taltarzac]

Our Irish Setter had her annual check up on Feb 2 in KY. $156.04 and that was after a discount because the vet said she was 20% off. :loco:


or was your Irish Setter?? :laugh:

[Barefoot]

Just a note from a vet's wife on this... When the doctor takes an animal out of the room to draw blood it's usually one of two things. Either the doc knows the pet's owner is squeamish or overly protective ... or, that doc doesn't know how to find a vein easily. It's harder with fur folks! My husband never removed an animal from the room unless the owner didn't want to see or he felt they would over-react in some way. ;) OK, I'm bragging, but vetman was and is the best veterinarian I've ever seen. Alas, he's retired.

Vetman is my kind of vet! Too bad he's retired! I've had a lot of animals, dogs, cats and horses. It has been my experience that Vets always draw blood in front of me and I'm not squeamish or overly protective. I've also had to draw blood from my horses and give them shots, so I'm comfortable with that.

Also when I have a pet euthanized I always stay with them.

When the Vet at Buffalo Ridge did agree to take blood with me present, she said it might take several attempts. And that if she couldn't find a vein, she would ask the Vet assistant to do it. So .. I believe it was the case that she didn't know how to find a vein easily.

I'm not trying to discourage anyone from using Buffalo Ridge. There have been many positive posts about them. Times change, and procedures differ. I do think Buffalo Ridge is a fine, modern hospital. And very handy for many people.

[pickleballer]

I have used Vets. who move pets to another room to draw blood and some who don't. However, as a retired Medical Technologist it was much easier to have parents out of the room when drawing blood from a kid. The kids are calmer and better behaved.

[Julie]

Just a note from a vet's wife on this... When the doctor takes an animal out of the room to draw blood it's usually one of two things. Either the doc knows the pet's owner is squeamish or overly protective ... or, that doc doesn't know how to find a vein easily. It's harder with fur folks!

My husband never removed an animal from the room unless the owner didn't want to see or he felt they would over-react in some way. ;) OK, I'm bragging, but vetman was and is the best veterinarian I've ever seen. Alas, he's retired.

Thanks for posting this Chels! It reaffirms why I love my vet so much. My pet's vet always removes the animal to perform certain procedures one of them being drawing blood. However, we are ALWAYS invited to join him.

I must say our vet must be in the same class as vetman because he is calm during our visits and finds the veins easily.

[chelsea24]

I have used Vets. who move pets to another room to draw blood and some who don't. However, as a retired Medical Technologist it was much easier to have parents out of the room when drawing blood from a kid. The kids are calmer and better behaved.

That may usually be the case with children, but not pets. We loved having the owner in the room, it always calmed the pet down, unless, as I stated the owner was an over-reactor. Animals take their cue from the owners usually. When you take an animal out of the room, not only does the pet feel unprotected, it feels it's owner is unprotected. But, of course, there are times it is necessary. However, you would be amazed, AMAZED, at the amount of vets that really don't know how to draw blood.

Julies, sounds like you found a great one. :coolsmiley:

[Cinlite]

I am convinced that Buffalo Ridge is marketably priced for what I have found in the State of Florida. I did not feel that I was being charged any more than anywhere else my pets had been. As a matter of fact, I felt they were more reasonably priced than one other practice in the area that I had taken my pets.
I also think they did a FIRST RATE job of their Open House and I don't know what else anyone could have asked for. They get a BIG A+++ for that event. That is a Classy Organization.

[duffysmom]

Had a fantastic experience having my maltese groomed by Jan at Buffalo Ridge. :eclipsee_gold_cup:

[malteselvr]

I actually take my maltese to Paws, but I tried out Buffalo Ridge, just to satisfy my curiosity when they first opened. Their prices seem a bit higher to me than others in the area. They have a nice facility, but when I asked to meet the owner of the hospital, he doesn't even work there. There staff was not very friendly either. I have to say I was not impressed with them, and I am planning to stay with Paws.

[malteselvr]

Betty from Paws Animal Hospital is a great groomer and very sweet to my maltese.

[beady]

I used Purr-fect Paws..Grooming on Wheels. The van comes right to your home. Robby (the owner,groomer)is the sweetest man and does a wonderful job. He took great care with my Bosun who was disabled and could not stand on the grooming table. So he rigged his grooming table with a sling to hold him up while grooming(at no extra charge). A regular bath and grooming was $50.00.
I will use him again for sure when we get our next cocker spaniel sometime in the fall.
You can reach Robby at 352-307-7695 or robbyd@pur-paw.com

[katezbox]

I actually take my maltese to Paws, but I tried out Buffalo Ridge, just to satisfy my curiosity when they first opened. Their prices seem a bit higher to me than others in the area. They have a nice facility, but when I asked to meet the owner of the hospital, he doesn't even work there. There staff was not very friendly either. I have to say I was not impressed with them, and I am planning to stay with Paws.


Wow - I had exactly the opposite experience. My Maltipoo was due for his shots while we were living temporarily in Myrtle Beach. The certificate we had from Connecticut was unclear as to when he was due for rabies and the vet in NMB not did follow up. I called Buffalo Ridge - they called my vet in Conn, got us in that afternoon and gave me a tour of the entire facility. Jan, the groomer, was doing a beautiful job - and took a few minutes to discuss grooming Finley.

I think their prices seem a bit high - but less than Conn and less than what my friend pays someone who comes to her home.

k

[ditzyfitzy]

Hi-
Can you tell me who the emergency vet is in Leesburg and where they are located? Are they open 24 hours?
Thanks,
Lynn

[Taltarzac]

Hi-
Can you tell me who the emergency vet is in Leesburg and where they are located? Are they open 24 hours?
Thanks,
Lynn

http://www.veconline.com/Home.html

The Veterinary Emergency Clinic
33040 Professional Drive
Leesburg, FL 34788
352/728-4440

Here's a map. It's the bottom one. http://www.veconline.com/Maps.html

It looks like they are only open on week nights and during the weekends.

[ditzyfitzy]

Thanks.
Can someone recommend a vet that is closer to 466A?

Lynn

[KathieI]

Ditzy, check this link. Fruitland Park is near 466A.. Let me know if you need directions.
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22058

[ditzyfitzy]

Do you use this place? Which vet?
Lynn

[ditzyfitzy]

I have been looking for a good vet for my new Yorkie, Hillary.....and after interviewing several of the vets in the area--I decided on Dr. Kelly Krause at Buffalo Ridge. I was unable to find a holistic vet in the area--and she is the closest thing to it. She practices conventional medicine--but, is very open to holistic approaches such as acupuncture, herbs, supplements. Anything that I asked about (including raw food) she researched for me...and gave me the thumbs UP or down....rather than just poo-pooing what I learned from my last Yorkie and my holistic vet in Cleveland. I found their prices in line with the other vets in the area with larger practices....VERY HAPPY WITH DR. KRAUSE! :pepper2: