TAH Bellville - It's all about the money

I was very happy with the service I got last year October when I took my kitten to TAH Bellville to get her neutered. Not too expensive and no complications with the surgery.

On Thursday night, 30 January, my cat came home limping and not breathing properly. I called and asked if they are open and the receptionist informed that they were and that the after hour rate is more expensive that normal hour rate. I rushed my cat through to them, when I got there I was informed that the vet will be with me shortly. I waited almost 2 hours to be helped because it's apparently first come first serve, even if your cat might have been hit by a car.

After examining my cat the vet confirmed that my cat was hit by a car. The vet asked me what I would like to do next. I asked her to please save my cat and she informed me that they would have to do x-rays to see if there's any broken bones or lung contusions. She then told me that the x-rays would not cost less than R5 000 and if we have to do surgery then it would go to R15 000. The vet asked me if I would like to pay cash or card. In the rush of bringing my cat in I forgot my wallet at home. When she realized that I wouldn't be able to pay right there and then she refused to go ahead with any treatment or x-rays.

My cat stayed overnight and they did pain management. The next morning at 9am I had to pick him up and pay R1 000 just for them to discharge him. They informed me that his lungs were fine and that I just need to get an x-ray of his pelvis. After picking him up I took him to AACL in Bellville. I was almost helped immediately. The vet examined my cat and quoted me R300 on x-rays. They admitted him and when I called later that day they informed me that he has a pelvic fracture and a lung puncture. As I am writing this review he is still in the hospital and fighting for his life.

You say you're passionate about what you do but if I don't have the immediate money to pay for very expensive x-rays you refuse to save my cat's life? Please explain this to me. I know this review is going to get a reply denying all the things I say. I just need to make other animal *****s aware of the service you receive if you forgot your wallet at home or don't have R5 000 just lying around.