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October 2024 by Beth Harris
it is very very expensive
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October 2024 by Lauren Carder
This staff was so kind and patient with my mom when she brought in a stray cat. From the moment she called the staff had a very how can we help attitude which was so appreciated. Keep up the great work y'all go above and beyond.
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October 2024 by Tammy Westfall
Dr. Nichols is fantastic!
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October 2024 by Lorna C.
I took my hamster Cookie. I was thankful I was able to see an amazing vet. She was so sweet and compassionate toward Cookie. Her name totally slipped my mind and I apologize. Cookie had a nasty infection. He was looked over thoroughly. She even made antibiotics special for him by diluting horse medicine. She also prescribed wipes to clean the infection. He is doing so so much better. I can’t describe how thankful I am. Thank you so much for taking animals big and small. I also found out cookie was a boy. I got him from petco where they had obviously made a huge mistake. Me and my boyfriend’s jaws dropped to the floor!
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September 2024 by Shelley Elizabeth
I’m so very happy to find such a great place to take my Cricket. She has such bad allergies to vaccines, bees and food. Dr. Adkins was amazing with her. I’m new here to the Elkins area and needed to get my pup seen. I’m a disabled veteran attending college full time and I’m on a tight budget. We ended up putting her on allergy medication which has helped her tremendously, gave her a shot of Benadryl before her vaccine and she’s doing great!! No reactions like before!!
I highly recommend this place. You can tell that they truly care for your pets and for their community by their kind attitudes and by being affordable for everyone!
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September 2024 by Trace Altman
We are new transplants to Elkins, and have been putting off finding a Vet for our beloved American Bulldog. He is very large and intimidating, and can be a grouchy handful around new people. Dr. White and her team handled him with obvious love and caring. For the human interaction, they were first rate. Professional, coordinated and communicative. Thank you Appalachian Animal Hospital for making us feel at home!
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September 2024 by Debbie Thacker
The staff was professional and friendly. Dr. Norris was amazing.
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August 2024 by Matthew Wood
Very wonderful and caring staff they got me in the same day which was great!!! Highly recommended
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August 2024 by Lisa Hall
Once again our Boston Terrier received excellent care. Thank you. Silas says thank you as well.
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August 2024 by Ronald Charmy
Always pleased with the care and compassion displayed by entire staff. All of the vets really make it a point to connect with both pets and pet owners before even approaching the animal.
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August 2024 by Clare Wadsworth
First visit: My cat is very difficult when she's at a Vet's office. Dr Norris is caring and very patient with her.
UPDATE: I have now visited this Clinic 4 times and have found the Staff to be VERY supportive, especially Mickey (Manager). I've spoken to her with questions and concerns about my pet's health. She is a wealth of information, kindness and patience. Dr. Norris continues to do everything she can to make my Cat's experience as easy as possible considering she is very difficult. THANK YOU!!!!
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August 2024 by Rhonda Tenney
I appreciate that they listen to concerns about Remi
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August 2024 by Stacey Crookshanks
We drive from Fairmont and absolutely love Appalachian Animal Hospital! Best vet, vet techs and customer service!!
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August 2024 by vicky chenoweth
Very nice and listened! Thanks
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August 2024 by Albert York
On 15 August I took my dog, a very healthy Corgi, to Appalachian Animal Hospital to be boarded for two days. As instructed, I brought copies of his health record, in particular, his immunization record. I gave this to the clerk checking my dog in and she took copies of all the veterinary records. Those records indicated that my dog had a wellness visit on July 18, 2024, along with the following treatments: Bordetella/parainfluenza vaccine; leptospirosis yearly vac; fecal float exam; and HEARTWORM/LYME/HER/ANAPLA. The same form noted that the dog would be due for Bord/parainfluenza vaccine on 07/18/2025. The latter meant that he did not require another Bordetella vaccine for a year.
At the check-in in the clerk said that the dog needed a Bordetella vaccine. I noted that he had that in July and that she was holding a record of that vaccination. He did not need the Bordetella. She said okay and asked if I wanted grooming to which I said no.
I left the dog in the care of the Appalachian Animal Hospital and a half hour later I received a call from them saying that the dog needed a Bordetella vaccine. I also told her that they had copies of his vaccine record showing that he had the vaccine in July 2024. She acknowledged that he had just had the vaccine. This ended the conversation.
When I picked up my dog on 17 August, I found that I was billed for a Bordetella vaccine. I pointed out to the clerk that he should not have had that vaccine since he was already inoculated. She said that he had to have it. I said, no, you have his vaccine records from July 2024. I also reiterated that I explicitly told the staff not to give him the vaccine. I asked for a refund of the charge for the vaccine. She refused. I left the office with the intention of following up.
The night of the 19th my dog began scratching as though he had itching all over his body. He was obviously uncomfortable and not only scratched but chewed at some areas although he has never, in his eight years, exhibited this behavior. By eight PM he laid down and would not get up. He was lethargic and would not move. This continued for several hours, and I started searching for emergency vets but there were none within two hours of where we stayed. I then researched the Bordetella vaccine, and I found that when an animal receives this vaccine twice, it dramatically increases the potential for side effects. My dog has had the Bordatella vaccine every year of his life and never had side affects.
The first reference to excess vaccinations I found says this: “When a dog is vaccinated twice for the same disease, the risk of adverse reactions may increase. These reactions can range from mild, such as soreness at the injection site, to more severe, such as allergic reactions or immune system disorders.”
Another reference notes: "While vaccines are generally safe for most dogs, there is always a possibility of adverse effects, especially when a dog receives the same vaccine more than once."
Here is a third reference – there are many: “What Happens if a Dog Gets Vaccinated Twice? Medical studies from Health school in Norway have proven that 90% of young dogs who undergo over vaccination might suffer negative reactions within 48 hours."
My dog has recovered from the lethargy but still is itching. This was a very stressful situation and one in which my dog could have suffered even worse side effects.
I contacted the Appalachian Animal Hospital on Monday, 19 August and spoke to the office manager. She appolgized and said they would refund the vaccination charge to my credit card. As of August 23rd, that has not happened.
The practice of giving a dog a Bordetella vaccine or any vaccine, without reviewing the dogs vaccine record is absolutely irresponsible. It is fundamentally unprofessional. This veterinary practice put my dog’s health in jeopardy. I will never trust my dog to their care again. I
