Excellent service and they are always very welcoming. I would recommend them to anyone.
Serious Concerns Regarding Negligence and Professional Competence.
My experience with Riverside Veterinary Practice was extremely disappointing and, ultimately, detrimental to my cat's health and my finances.
Misdiagnosis and Incorrect Treatment
My cat was presented to Riverside Veterinary for an ongoing ear issue. Despite two separate examinations and my reporting the lack of improvement, the veterinary staff repeatedly misdiagnosed the issue as a simple ear infection.
On both occasions, they prescribed the exact same antibiotic treatment, which proved completely ineffective the first time and was entirely inappropriate for the true underlying condition.
The correct diagnosis—an aural polyp requiring surgical removal—was missed entirely.
Subsequent Diagnosis and Rectification
Upon seeking a second opinion from a different veterinary practice, the correct diagnosis was made immediately using the standard examination tool (otoscope) that was also available and used at Riverside. The subsequent surgery to remove the polyp completely resolved my cat's issue, definitively proving the initial diagnosis and prescribed treatment were incorrect.
Refusal to Acknowledge Error
Most concerning is Riverside's unwillingness to acknowledge their diagnostic failure, despite the clear evidence of a successful surgical intervention elsewhere. They continue to maintain that their incorrect diagnosis and repeated, ineffective treatment were justified. Their refusal to simply admit they missed the polyp and provided incorrect care—twice—shows a concerning lack of professional accountability.
Financial and Ethical Motivation
I believe this practice places a higher emphasis on financial gain than on competent animal care. I am now pursuing legal avenues to obtain a refund for the excessive fees charged for the prolonged, incorrect diagnosis and treatment that ultimately necessitated a costly surgical fix elsewhere.
⭐️ Recommendation
I would strongly advise pet owners to seek an alternative veterinary practice with demonstrable diagnostic competence and a clear emphasis on caring for animals, rather than one focused on maximizing revenue through repeated, incorrect treatments.
This is a wonderful vet practise from the receptionists,nurses and vets. Our beautiful husky boy has been coming here over 14 years ,and our vet Donna is an angel , her love and compassion shows no bounds . Yesterday was the worst day of my life, my boy went over the rainbow bridge and and everyone so lovely, but Donna is a standout vet , and made everything smoother on the most horrendous day ever .. I would recommend this practise to everyone , always …….
My much loved furbabies, passed and still here have been registered with this vets for over 25 years. I have recently noticed a shift towards exploring expensive procedures against trying less non invasive treatments first, there s very little about listening to the owner and more about wanting the pet to undergo scans, biopsies as a first option. After all the owner is with their pet 24/7 and an owners needs and concerns should be listenied to first. I have now removed both my dogs from this practice, I will not fund their new premises and pay for totally unnecessary consultations. Shame on you for exploiting the love an owner has for its pet. I had a dachsund whom I rescued, who you diagnosed with ivvd, your first response was surgery costing above and beyond £8,000. Research has now shown surgery should be a last esort, had I known this at the time, I would not have laid my Hugo to rest, Your predictions were that he had a 25% chance of it returning. Perhaps try returning to the values you once had, no vets should make a profit out of the people who love their pets. After doing some research I have discovered that you are no longer an "independent" you are owned by a large company IVC EVIDENSIA, a company that has bought out many independent vets and a company who include names such as Nestle; you no longer care about what is best for the pet as you have a profit and loss account to submit with shareholders who expect a return on their investment. I will not support any kind of business whete pet health is concerned, who only care about submitting a profit in their year end accounts
My much loved furbabies, passed and still here have been registered with this vets for over 25 years. I have recently noticed a shift towards exploring expensive procedures against trying less non invasive treatments first, there s very little about listening to the owner and more about wanting the pet to undergo scans, biopsies as a first option. After all the owner is with their pet 24/7 and an owners needs and concerns should be listenied to first. I have now removed both my dogs from this practice, I will not fund their new premises and pay for totally unnecessary consultations. Shame on you for exploiting the love an owner has for its pet. I had a dachsund whom I rescued, who you diagnosed with ivvd, your first response was surgery costing above and beyond £8,000. Research has now shown surgery should be a last esort, had I known this at the time, I would not have laid my Hugo to rest, Your predictions were that he had a 25% chance of it returning. Perhaps try returning to the values you once had, no vets should make a profit out of the people who love their pets. After doing some research I have discovered that you are no longer an independent you are owned by a large company IVC EVIDENSIA, a company that has bought out many independent vets and a company who include names such as Nestle; you no longer care about what is best for the pet as you have a profit and loss account to submit with shareholders who expect a return on their investment. I will not support any kind of business whete pet health is concerned, who only care about submitting a profit in their year end accounts
Always a lovely welcome. Staff always helpful & friendly.
Excellent service and they are always very welcoming. I would recommend them to anyone.
Excellent professional and tailored service. I have used Riverside for over 10 years and have stayed with them even after moving area as they are brilliant. I now have two dachshunds- one is always highly stressed about visits and I can’t speak highly enough of the care and support to manage this as well as the service we always receive. Very friendly, caring and supportive. I highly recommend.
I recently had to take my dog for a scan and blood test, I had to have a further urine test and was told it would be back the next. Two days later I called to ask if they had come back, I was told that they literally just come back and the vet will call back later today. No call . Called the next day and was told they came back 24hrs (not 48hrs) and that I will have to waiting until Monday. My dog has been tested for cancer, this is not professional and has left me worried sick for another 2 days. They where quick to take £700 from me. Let's see if they call Monday, not confident
Everyone at Riverside was so lovely when we took our chihuahua in this evening. Hes now recuperating at home after hurting his hip. Pain killers are helping. Thank you so much. Totally recommend this vets 🐕💖
