Beaverdale Veterinary Clinic / Riordan Pet Hospital

Leslie Berckes

Riordan's failed us and our cat in our time of need. After serving as our primary vet for the last few years, misdiagnosis and unhelpful staff led to an emergency appointment with another vet and days of unnecessary pain for our cat companion. The poor response from parties at the facility was shocking, topped by a lack of any correspondence after they were informed of her passing. Their lack of support has proved that they can no longer be our vet. Background: I had seen the same vet at Riordan's for several years and found the routine check-ups adequate - nothing in particular stood out in terms of their service, people, or clinic. I took my cat in for a check-up with concerns about her recent change in behavior. At the appointment, I learned she'd lost a significant amount of weight and that something was going on with her mouth. I was assured the mouth situation was nothing to worry about, including assurances that she wasn't in any pain, and that the weight loss may just be old age. Over the next week, she refused to eat or drink normally and pawed at her mouth. During that week, I asked Riordan's for help and was given some pain medication to see if that could help. Unfortunately, the receptionist proved unhelpful about administering medicine, simply telling me to check the label for instructions. I relied on YouTube to figure out how to properly administer the drug. On another visit that I had to drive to the office for because I couldn't get ahold of anyone by phone, I spoke to one of the vet techs and multiple times emphasized that I was worried about my cat, I was told if we had an emergency, I could take her to Blue Pearl (the emergency vet hospital). Imagine standing in the office of your primary vet and being told to wait for an emergency situation - as if that's a real solution. Desperate for help, I found another vet that got us in on incredibly short notice - in fact, the vet came in on a planned day off before a holiday. That vet delivered the sad but accurate diagnosis of an oral tumor. Our cat had little time left and after failing to control the pain the tumor caused, was put to sleep within the week. The vet that delivered the cancer diagnosis notified Riordan's of the situation, I wrote them a note telling them how I felt let down in our time of need, and the service that performed the in-home euthanasia notified them. Not a single word from Riordan's. No acknowledgment, no condolence. I see a lot of people who have left reviews of great service from Rirodan's and I hope many others have that same experience. It is unfortunate that the only course of action for us after being let down by a medical professional is leaving an online review so that others may be aware and that maybe, hopefully, the staff and vets will take this message seriously and look at how they can do better for their patients in the future. For myself and my pets, we will not be utilizing their services any longer.

Jul 31, 2023

Lynn Longman

Riordan pet Hospital has the best veterinary care. I have always felt we were their number one priority at the time of our visit and the Doctors always have time for my animal. They not only care, but they love all the animals brought in to them. Lynn

Jul 5, 2023

Alyse Weese

Couldn’t ask for a better more compassionate vet. My dog had a bleed on the tip of her that I could not stop from bleeding. After multiple trips they took her and went to the Ankeny location and got her what they needed to keep her ear in place and covered so it could heal. Truly life savers!!!

Jul 25, 2023

Linda Schmitt

If you are looking for staff that gives 100%, goes out of their way & truly is there to help your dog. This is the place. Dr. Terry Riordan is knowledgeable, compassionate and truly treats your dog like its his own! A bonus is their secretary! She is wonderful!!!

Mar 3, 2023

Craig S

We have had great experiences bring our cat to Riordan. Dr. Garton has great bedside manor and it is immediately obvious that he truly cares for all the animals he sees.

Apr 17, 2023