Rancho Bernardo Veterinary Clinic

Marc Michaud

Proceed cautiously. Or just don’t proceed. Dr Ko took one xray, told me it was lung cancer and to bring the dog back in to be put down when he doesn’t eat for 24 hrs. That was it. No further investigation. No attempt at treatment, no attempt to make my dog comfortable. I was the one who had to ask for the prednisone, which was really really helpful. I got a second opinion and discovered that it was actually fluid around the heart that was killing my dog imminently. I was able to get that fluid drained twice and we were able to get the incredibly valuable time together that we both so needed. The dog smiled until the last breath. The memories from those couple weeks will last a lifetime and will help ease the pain. I would never take my pet to this place again, for any reason. I’m completely disgusted by the way the doctor handled the situation. Had I not gotten a second opinion, the dog would’ve been dead days later instead of weeks later. Those weeks meant the world to me. Edit: Dr. Ko, your words in retrospect mean absolutely nothing. You can try to save face in these comments all you want. It is to protect your business and it is only to protect your business. When I needed your help, when the dog needed your help, you failed miserably. You made this situation infinitely more traumatic than it had to be. I am so grateful for the second doctor I went to. It gave me the unbelievably valuable time I needed. Had I listened to you, the dog would have been dead in days instead of weeks. You did not find the PRETTY DARN SIGNIFICANT PERICARDIAL EFFUSION. You didn’t even try. Again, I was able to get that fluid drained and I got more precious time with my dog. You said, without knowing of the pericardial effusion, to bring him in when he doesn’t eat for 24 hrs and implied that that’s when you have to put him down. It would’ve been a couple days that he stopped eating had I listened to you. He ate for 2 more weeks after we saw you only because we proceeded to find a competent doctor and had the fluid drained. There is no next time. You drastically, drastically, drastically let me down. You did not prescribe steroids until I asked. You did not check for anything other than what you saw in the initial x ray. I feel absolutely terrible for anyone who brings their dog to you unaware of how you run your business.

Nov 28, 2025

S H

Pier, my puppy, has the third vaccine here! Even though the wait time was long, we had a very positive experience that pier recovered from he vaccine very quickly! Highly recommend this office!

Dec 9, 2025

Daniela Borecky

Dr. Ko has been incredible in caring for our 12 year-old Yorkie, Lucky. He has performed thorough dental cleanings, helped manage his subluxed patellas, and expertly performed Lucky's eye removal surgery. His care and communication have made a huge impact in Lucky’s health. We couldn’t be more grateful for his expertise and dedication! Thank you, Dr. Ko!

May 16, 2025

H M

Everyone from Dr. Ko to his staff are kind, friendly, and very knowledgeable. I know my cat is getting great care from this team. I never feel pressured when there are recommended services, and the reasoning for procedures are explained clearly. The prices are standard of practice and reasonable.

Aug 23, 2025

Stephen Pavlich

Since we moved to Rancho Bernardo in 2014 from Connecticut we have been fortunate to have Dr. Ko and his staff as our veterinarians. Our previous dog a chocolate lab named Rocky lived to be sixteen years old mainly due to the kind and professional staff at RB Vet Clinic. We now have a six month old black lab puppy which we have introduced to the staff and hope to have many healthy years ahead.

Apr 1, 2023