BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospitals
Have you heard of them? No? Same here.
Until recently.
If you have cats long enough the odds are that at some point something serious will occur requiring your cat to need some serious veterinary care. Specialties beyond what most regular vets are easily able to provide. These are the times when you go to a specialized animal hospital, or to a university veterinary school hospital.
A recent serious feline medical issue resulted in an introduction to BluePearl and their expertise, facilities and practise. It was interesting, and painful.
BluePearl
About BluePearl
BluePearl (bluepearlvet.com) is (from their website) “a national provider of specialty and emergency veterinary care. Our network of pet hospitals offers advanced specialty services and compassionate care. Most are open 24-7 to treat your most critical emergencies.”
Currently in 21 states (2019), with 60+ hospitals they have 620 veterinarians. Most on the eastern side of the US and many in Florida they were created 21 years ago by 2 brothers, Neil and Darryll Shaw (a veterinarian and an MBA) from Florida who wanted to provide “high quality, cutting edge healthcare” for pets. This vision and connections to other veterinarians of a similar mind, and unique expertise, helped them to expand and slowly grow. Employing expert veterinarians in every field, state of the art technology, innovation and compassion they are now one of the leaders in animal health care. They also offer extensive internships for young veterinary students.
BluePearl
The Experience
Modern, clean, minimalist the local facility we visited was like a hospital. Open 24 hours a day 7 days a week the waiting area was large and well equipped with seats, television, coffee and tea and food vending machines. And lots of boxes of Kleenex. Dotted subtly around the space – and in every exam room – the tissues were a sign that this might not be a place with much happiness. Worrying, yet thoughtful.
BluePearl
The front staff were very efficient and processed us quickly. Communication between our regular vet and the BluePearl staff ensured medical records and test results were already there, the situation was well grasped, and we were expected.
Before treatment an estimated bill was presented with a baseline price (the very minimum) and the potential highest fee. A practice that most veterinarians do, as medical care for animals can be costly. But in a specialist facility it is essential as this specialism doesn’t come cheap.
Having signed the obligatory paperwork a speciaist nurse met us and took us to the examination room to meet with the veterinarian. The great benefit in facilities like this is that there are numerous veterinarians with a range of specialities and so you will meet with a medical specialist knowledgeable and experienced who can diagnose and treat the specific issue. No guessing.
The initial consultation with the veterinarian was quite brief. Both vet and nurse were well prepared with what was going on with the medical history and test information. Nevertheless, they took a complete history of overall health and a detailed account for what the current concern was. The veterinarian was thorough, personable and patient allowing time for questions and answers. Possible diagnoses were suggested depending on the further tests. The patient was then taken off for them.
Within a short time the results were available with a complete diagnosis. These facilities have hospital level equipment, testing and staff and things are taken care of quickly and efficiently. The diagnosis was not good, and there was basically 2 options – surgery, or not. The risks and benefits of the surgery were very clearly laid out, with potential for success or not. The veterinarian took his time discussing, considering, weighing the situation and options and potential outcomes. At no point was there pressure, rushing or anything that wasn’t helpful, supportive and professional. It was clear that they cared and wanted to help and ensure the best outcome.
However, the outcome was awful. The diagnosis required surgery that had no guarantee for success, or survival, or anything miraculous. The change in health was sudden and rapid, unexpected for a cat that had been healthy and running about just days before. But things change. The nightmare with this diagnosis was there apparently were things that could be done, with no guarantees, but the expense of the treatments were exorbitant. Mind altering in the amount, and with no guarantee, or possible relapse. What to do? With the realization that the cost of treatment was realistically beyond the scope of possibility the veterinarian and nurse gently altered the course of the discussion to what should be done. Again, much time was spent in this process and the staff were exceptional in helping through this heartbreaking and unexpected situation. Ultimately the decision was to return to the family vet. More of a necessity for the human parent than the patient but being surrounded by those who know you during these difficult times is essential.
The checkout process was quiet and understated, efficient. No smiling faces and cheery words here. With the tissue boxes gracing the various rooms it is clear they don’t get to laugh and joke with patients too often.
Final Thoughts
Overall the experience was one of a specialized facility that provides exceptional service and care. They are at the critical end of health care for animals. They exude efficiency, professionalism and compassion. They aren’t quite as warm and caring as your local vet – but they don’t get to know you, they are there when you are having a crisis. They are expensive, they deal with cutting edge and up to date treatments which doesn’t come cheap. They are open 24 hours all of which is costly. But if your cat is sick, or has an accident or you just want a level of highly specialized care BluePearl does provide it.
Hopefully you will never need to use them.
