Pet Hospital at Colony Plaza

[geri317]

Has anyone heard when the Colony Plaza pet hospital will open. It looks like it is finished and ready to roll.

[GeoGeo]

They unofficially opened on Monday and are taking new patients. They are open M-F 8-5 and Sat 8-1.

[Didiwinbob]

Great!

[MaryAnneW]

They unofficially opened on Monday and are taking new patients. They are open M-F 8-5 and Sat 8-1.
We are new customers there and love Dr. Drum and his staff. We have a small dog.

[Peggy D]

What is their phone number?

Thanks

[MaryAnneW]

(352) 633-7327 Dr. Steven Drum @ Colony Plaza

[Love2cruise]

Someone told me their prices are twice the cost of other vets because they have to pay the villages for being there. Those of you,that have gone there how do you think their prices compare to other vets?

[DianeM]

Fantastic news. Close enough to home for my furry friends.

[jblum315]

Someone told me their prices are twice the cost of other vets because they have to pay the villages for being there. Those of you,that have gone there how do you think their prices compare to other vets?

Would like to know

[kittygilchrist]

Yesterday I backed out of the garage where kitty sleeps. (He would be allowed to stay in the house but has toileting issues) He has always, for 15 years run when the car starts and he always got out of the way until yesterday when he did not. I ran over his rear, took him to Colony, was seen immediately, got xrays, pain meds, diagnosis, and info that the fracture was above the knee, not good and probably no internal damage but a possible ruptured bladder. Dr. Drum referred me to UF Vet school and had them expecting me when I arrived, cd with the exray in hand.
Raul the kitty stayed there overnight and should have surgery today. I miss the little guy. He's going enjoy the pampering when it quits hurting.
The bill was about $340.

[GeoGeo]

kittygilchrist,

So sorry to hear about Raul. I'm glad that UF was able to do surgery. Hope everything turns out okay.

[gomoho]

Kitty - I know how bad you must feel. Hope surgery goes well for Raul and I'm sure his homecoming will be special. Glad to hear you were happy with the new vet!

[janieb]

Yesterday I backed out of the garage where kitty sleeps. (He would be allowed to stay in the house but has toileting issues) He has always, for 15 years run when the car starts and he always got out of the way until yesterday when he did not. I ran over his rear, took him to Colony, was seen immediately, got xrays, pain meds, diagnosis, and info that the fracture was above the knee, not good and probably no internal damage but a possible ruptured bladder. Dr. Drum referred me to UF Vet school and had them expecting me when I arrived, cd with the exray in hand.
Raul the kitty stayed there overnight and should have surgery today. I miss the little guy. He's going enjoy the pampering when it quits hurting.
The bill was about $340.

That's so sad, glad that he will be alright. Wonder if his hearing is going. I love love love my back-up beepers and camera however hard to know if they would have helped in your situation because he may have been under the car

[mac9]

I don't want to beat you up, but how could you not check where the cat is before moving the car particularly since you have banished him from the house?

[DianeM]

Oh Kitty such sad news. Glad that he seems as if he will be ok and that you were able to get immediate care for him. Seems as if the new Vet opened up just in time. Give your baby a hug and a special treat when he gets home.

[kittygilchrist]

I don't want to beat you up, but how could you not check where the cat is before moving the car particularly since you have banished him from the house?

mac9, the cat has lived in and out of the garage for 15 years and has not been banished from the house. He spends less time in the house and more in the garage. If you didn't want to beat me up....

[kittygilchrist]

and thanks to the well-wishers which includes most posters. silly cat is going to love 3 months of pampering during recuperation. and dianem, you are so right abt having my eye on the nearest vet and being 5 mins away. I took emma for a walk around that area the day b4 they opened.
I hope rehab isn't too much fun. My Raul is a smart guy and he may try to keep walking on crutches long after he could throw them away.

[DianeM]

Just as long as he's okay, he's allowed to milk it for a while during recovery.

[DianeM]

Do you need anything for him - or yourself for that matter - until things settle down a bit?

[kittygilchrist]

Do you need anything for him - or yourself for that matter - until things settle down a bit?

thank you my friend. maybe some company sometime this weekend? let's pm.

[DianeM]

Deal

[kittygilchrist]

update on Raul, UF calls a couple of times a day. they are great and greatly to be paid, but worth it.
Plates and pins are in, he'll be out of recovery and to ICU in an hour. hopefully he'll get to come home Saturday, altho I won't be surprised if he meets a cute nurse and fakes ill to stay longer. I hope they have nat geo wild on tv.

[SpicyCajunPugs]

Kitty, good luck with Raul and UF...we need a new vet for our babies too, so keep us informed as to how Colony and UF have treated you. Wish your furbaby well

[SpicyCajunPugs]

I don't want to beat you up, but how could you not check where the cat is before moving the car particularly since you have banished him from the house?

Not Nice at all...:grumpy::grumpy::grumpy::22yikes:

[kittygilchrist]

Kitty, good luck with Raul and UF...we need a new vet for our babies too, so keep us informed as to how Colony and UF have treated you. Wish your furbaby well

thanks, I don't know about the cost w/colony. but I was glad for a vet really close. and glad he knew how and to whom to make the referral. some places might have done an amputation.

[Schaumburger]

update on Raul, UF calls a couple of times a day. they are great and greatly to be paid, but worth it.
Plates and pins are in, he'll be out of recovery and to ICU in an hour. hopefully he'll get to come home Saturday, altho I won't be surprised if he meets a cute nurse and fakes ill to stay longer. I hope they have nat geo wild on tv.

kitty, I am hoping Raul makes a speedy recovery. Give him a hug from me!

[kittygilchrist]

kitty, I am hoping Raul makes a speedy recovery. Give him a hug from me!

thanks Laura! when I get him home I'll do that.

[KathieI]

I'm so glad you took Raul up to UF (I'm presuming you mean the Vet School?) because I think they are wonderful. They saved my Sam's life, he had liver cancer, and its now 1 1/2 years and cancer free and is very healthy. My vet also was smart enough to send us up there since she was a grad of that school and she was very instrumental in helping me understand and decide what to do next. It was a very scary time but having good vets work on him, really made me feel much more secure. Expensive? YES, but so well worth it. Here's hoping and praying Raul makes a complete recovery, like Sam did.

[kittygilchrist]

thanks Kathie. I know he's in good hands. I'm from GNV so knew I was getting the very best for the little guy. You had told me about Sam earlier, and I'm glad you still have him. Thanks for the note, the hope and esp the prayers.
Kitty

[kittygilchrist]

update...Raul is home, eating well, using the leg a little. needs meds, tlc, confinement, physical therapy, etc. He's looking good for a half shaven scarred up drugged out dude.

[CFrance]

I'm so glad your kittyack (that's what our toddler called ours, and the term stuck) is back home safe and sound to your good care. Give us updates.

[gomoho]

Welcome home Raul - sounds like you look like my first husband.:22yikes:

[Sable99]

Kiity, We have been out of town a few days and I just read about Raul. I'm glad to hear he made it home. Great news! Keep us posted on Colony. I will be needing a good vet for my two kitties when I make it to TV and it would be great to have one so close.

I meant to mention that both of my cats love to be in the garage. They are either on the dresser looking out the window or napping on top of my van! We have to drag them in at night!

[pooh]

Get well soon, Raul.....

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r198/psylviaod/image_zpsb3ff0b4d.jpg (http://s144.photobucket.com/user/psylviaod/media/image_zpsb3ff0b4d.jpg.html)

[shcisamax]

Just ready this thread Kitty. Sorry it happened and thrilled you got such good care. Glad he is home as I am sure you and he is.

[kittygilchrist]

what a sweet picture. Raul is walking 40 steps or so on his bionic leg. He's ok!

[Schaumburger]

kitty, Glad to hear that Raul is home again. Hope his recovery is quick.

[kittygilchrist]

welcome home raul - sounds like you look like my first husband.:22yikes:

lol!

[DianeM]

Glad to hear he's home and doing well.

[kittygilchrist]

thanks Diane. a small gathering of singles going to Paddock tonight..join us.
Raul is usually a mouthy guy, but he's not yelling at me yet. I'll know when he starts saying "RAULL, RAULL" on and on that he's getting back to his irascible self.

[kittygilchrist]

update on Raul. I knew the tough old guy loved to eat too much to let a broken femur do him in. Today he started yelling his name at me again, and looking at me with greedy clear green eyes. He gets around well but needs PT to get the joints less stiff. Last night I forgot to enclose him in the shower stall and duiring the night he managed to do the steps up onto to the bed and slept with his conehead (don't lick the incision collar) on my pillow.

[jblum315]

Kitty, the best thing is that kitty will never blame you for what happened. It may be that he will want to spend more time in the house and not so much time in the garage!

[CFrance]

Good for Me-raul! So glad he's hungry and hobbling around.

[kittygilchrist]

Kitty, the best thing is that kitty will never blame you for what happened. It may be that he will want to spend more time in the house and not so much time in the garage!

Actually he blames me for his every waking moment that he is not eating exactly what he wants or is on any side of any door that is closed, and he is named for his frequent protests, "Raul, raul, raul, raul"

He always asks to go in the garage (but can't until healed) and then if the house door is open he wants to be in the house.
I had a handyman once who was very mild mannered, but got irritated trying to bring materials in and out bc Raul always wanted to be on the other side of any closed door and would wail and run under his feet anytime the door might open, no matter if to or from the garage. Allowed in the yard at the old house, kitty stood in the eye beam of the garage door to keep me from closing it.

That's just Raul's personality. He is a demanding, kingly, fabulous little old man with a limp that lessens by the day, thankfully.

[Fuzz323]

We had our little guys toenails cut there. It takes a pro to do this as he is a terror when we try it. They charged us $12.50!! The mobile pet van wanted $65.00 to come to the house and we have had it done at vets in the past for anywhere from free to $25.00. The job was done well too!

[DianeM]

Glad your fur baby is doing so well. Great news.

[spk7951]

Open House this Saturday, August 10th, from 1pm to 4pm at Colony Pet Hospital.

[Brendaleeg]

What is their phone number?

Thanks

633-7327. We have two small dogs and really like Dr Drum and his staff.

[LSUgirl]

Has anyone heard when the Colony Plaza pet hospital will open. It looks like it is finished and ready to roll.

I have taken my two dogs there twice. The front staff is very slow and seem to not have their act together. Both times I have been there it has taken them 45 minutes to check me in 45 minutes to check me out. Seems there was only one lady, Judy, that had a personality and knew what she was doing. Unfortunately, I only saw Judy there one time when they initially opened.

The vet seems to be personable and knowledgeable. I can't say the same for the remainder of the staff.

I boarded my dogs for a week while I was out of town. I took all their food/treats & provided the front desk with written instructions as to how to feed my babies. When I picked them up, almost 1/2 of the food was still in the zip lock bag. When I got the dogs home, one of them refused to eat or drink and threw up several times. I finally had to take her to Buffalo Ridge Pet Clinic for an after hours visit.

I was very pleased with Jason Sexton, DMV at Buffalo Ridge Pet Clinic. He was very caring and thorough. I understand Buffalo Ridge Pet Clinic provides grooming and boarding also. After my visit there, I am seriously considering taking my babies there vs Colony.

[CFrance]

I have taken my two dogs there twice. The front staff is very slow and seem to not have their act together. Both times I have been there it has taken them 45 minutes to check me in 45 minutes to check me out. Seems there was only one lady, Judy, that had a personality and knew what she was doing. Unfortunately, I only saw Judy there one time when they initially opened.

The vet seems to be personable and knowledgeable. I can't say the same for the remainder of the staff.

I boarded my dogs for a week while I was out of town. I took all their food/treats & provided the front desk with written instructions as to how to feed my babies. When I picked them up, almost 1/2 of the food was still in the zip lock bag. When I got the dogs home, one of them refused to eat or drink and threw up several times. I finally had to take her to Buffalo Ridge Pet Clinic for an after hours visit.

I was very pleased with Jason Sexton, DMV at Buffalo Ridge Pet Clinic. He was very caring and thorough. I understand Buffalo Ridge Pet Clinic provides grooming and boarding also. After my visit there, I am seriously considering taking my babies there vs Colony.

I wonder what you mean by "boarding." There are so many different options now for leaving your pet in good hands while you're away, and putting them with a vet is not high on my list. Are they put in a kennel with a run and left on their own? That's what boarding with a vet used to mean.

I would suggest doing a search on the pet forum for recommendations for pet lodges and/or people who keep dogs in their homes or will come to your home and stay with your dogs. There is a pet place who advertises here on the forum, and many have recommended them. And I can recommend Pet Lodge and Spa in Leesburg, who allows their dogs to be out playing all day and only kenneled at meal times and at night, plus someone on premises 24 hours. 29.50 for an 88-lb fur ball.

Your experience with the checking in and out process sounds like it could be typical start-up problems, but the boarding experience you had is not a good story. Getting half your dog food back and a sick pup is unacceptable.

[shcisamax]

I can't speak to Colony for veterinary medicine and care but I do use Buffalo Ridge and have been very happy with their care of both my dogs which have been under more demanding expectations than routine care. The emergency clinic works well and in tandem with the regular clinic and I believe both Dr. Vernon and Dr. Rakes are very qualified vets. Fro the most part, the staff is easy to deal wtih.

[MoeVonB61]

SO SORRY to hear about your kitty...........we had a similar problem with our cat 3 weeks ago and he has no fractures but a "soft tissue" injury. We took him to Emergency in Orlando that day and then to our Vet the next morning. He is on 6 weeks of "low key" activity and acts totally normally except for a limp. Looks to me like shoulder blade but we are waiting 6 weeks to see how he does. I want to take him to UF Gainesville since I heard they have a TOP physician there. PLEASE let me know your opinion/experience with them...Thanks! Maureen

[rn1tv]

Does anyone know how Dr. Drum prices compare with Paws Animal Hospital which is also on Village property? We found Paws no more expensive than Countryside Vet.

[kittygilchrist]

SO SORRY to hear about your kitty...........we had a similar problem with our cat 3 weeks ago and he has no fractures but a "soft tissue" injury. We took him to Emergency in Orlando that day and then to our Vet the next morning. He is on 6 weeks of "low key" activity and acts totally normally except for a limp. Looks to me like shoulder blade but we are waiting 6 weeks to see how he does. I want to take him to UF Gainesville since I heard they have a TOP physician there. PLEASE let me know your opinion/experience with them...Thanks! Maureen

thanks, Raul's doing very well and has his normal, constant, annoying demands back and I'm happy to see him all out.
i'd compare prices b4 using colony. they did a fine job with our case but seemed to have some charges higher than UF's emergency clinic, which is btw the very best IMO and only an hour away by I75.

[Susan G]

Does anyone know how Dr. Drum prices compare with Paws Animal Hospital which is also on Village property? We found Paws no more expensive than Countryside Vet.

Back to the original question posed on this thread...who has experience with the new Colony Vet Clinic and their pricing? Thanks...

[marc1985]

I took my dog there because it was sneezing all the time. He treated it for an upper respiratory infection to no avail. I ended up going for second opinion to Florida Vet Hospital and the dr diagnosed it as a tooth root abscess where the pus was draining into the nose. They pulled the tooth and it cleared up wonderfully. I don't think he gave a good examination as was needed. I also thought he was overpriced. The wrong diagnosis at any price is overpriced. Try Florida Vet Hospital. They are great.

:rant-rave:

[marc1985]

I took my dog there because it was sneezing all the time. He treated it for an upper respiratory infection to no avail. I ended up going for second opinion to Florida Vet Hospital and the dr diagnosed it as a tooth root abscess where the pus was draining into the nose. They pulled the tooth and it cleared up wonderfully. I don't think he gave a good examination as was needed. I also thought he was overpriced. The wrong diagnosis at any price is overpriced. Try Florida Vet Hospital. They are great.

[MoeVonB61]

Where is the Florida Vet Hospital please?? ALSO, does anyone know if there is a Vet that graduated from Gainesville in this area?????????? It is one of the best in the Country and would like to find one local here. Thanks!

[wendyw]

$340 is about what I paid for just xrays, diagnosis and emergency visit for our Jack Russell here in Michigan. Doesn't sound like that is out of line. Glad to know they took care of your pet so well. Hoping for the best for your little guy.

[KathieI]

Where is the Florida Vet Hospital please?? ALSO, does anyone know if there is a Vet that graduated from Gainesville in this area?????????? It is one of the best in the Country and would like to find one local here. Thanks!

Yes, Dr. Manganaro (sp?) at Park Heights Vet in Fruitland Park is a graduate. She is the one who saved my Sam's life by diagnosing liver cancer in a very early stage and recommended that I take him to Gainesville to Florida Vet Hospital where they performed surgery. Dr. Manganaro worked with me the entire time helping me to understand the process and expected outcome of his illness. She was wonderful and has since kept up with his progress and continues to research improvements for Sam's condition. Thankfully, he is still doing well and the surgery was a few years ago.

[CFrance]

Yes, Dr. Manganaro (sp?) at Park Heights Vet in Fruitland Park is a graduate. She is the one who saved my Sam's life by diagnosing liver cancer in a very early stage and recommended that I take him to Gainesville to Florida Vet Hospital where they performed surgery. Dr. Manganaro worked with me the entire time helping me to understand the process and expected outcome of his illness. She was wonderful and has since kept up with his progress and continues to research improvements for Sam's condition. Thankfully, he is still doing well and the surgery was a few years ago.

Ditto on Dr. Manganaro. I've used her since Kathie recommended her last year. Very competent and accommodating. Office us not glamorous, but that's okay. I'm paying for her skill, not a fancy facility.

[MoeVonB61]

THANKS Kathie! We ended up going there with my cat and saw Dr. Valdez instead....VERY happy with his knowledge, etc. Driving the 7 miles down 27 is worth it---I don't care what the facility looks like so long as it is clean!!..Our cat has shoulder muscle/nerve damage that may be permanent but he gets around fine and he is not in pain. Dr. Valdez is doing laser therapy on our "Lovey"............We think VERY REASONABLY PRICED!!.

[ladydoc]

Someone told me their prices are twice the cost of other vets because they have to pay the villages for being there. Those of you,that have gone there how do you think their prices compare to other vets?

Dr. Drum was much less then we paid at another vet. Our cattle dog had to have a huge cancerous tumor removed from her hind leg/hounch and the total bill with all pre and post meds, the surgery, boarding, and meds to take home was half of what we thought it would be. Dr. Drum is a wonderful vet; he is kind to the animals and calls the next day to see how your baby is doing. We are so glad we switched. BTW- our dog is doing wonderfully!!

[kittygilchrist]

if you board, there is nothing indoors, true?

[rdhdleo]

Where is the Florida Vet Hospital please?? ALSO, does anyone know if there is a Vet that graduated from Gainesville in this area?????????? It is one of the best in the Country and would like to find one local here. Thanks!o

Besides Dr. Manganara, at Park Hgts sister clinic in The Villages, Dr. Raquel Fox is also a graduate of Gainesveille and a very accomplished vet! Many years experience. I have used both clinic since moving here but Village Veterinarian is my main clinic. Love the staff and the Doctors.

[CFrance]

Dr. Drum was much less then we paid at another vet. Our cattle dog had to have a huge cancerous tumor removed from her hind leg/hounch and the total bill with all pre and post meds, the surgery, boarding, and meds to take home was half of what we thought it would be. Dr. Drum is a wonderful vet; he is kind to the animals and calls the next day to see how your baby is doing. We are so glad we switched. BTW- our dog is doing wonderfully!!

It would be helpful if you could name the other vet and give the price comparison between the two. For what was Dr. Drum much less than?

[Diveda]

The buffalo ridge one is soon to open. There must be a LOT of dogs here in the villages

[shcisamax]

We use Buffalo Ridge. We have been there during regular office hours as well as after hours and, unfortunately, also for euthanasia services. They have been great under all circumstances. I will probably use the new one that is opening on 466A for routine check ups as it is significantly closer but I have complete confidence in Dr. Rakes and Dr. Vernon as well as Sexton for after hours. I think they mentioned mid February would be the opening last time I asked.