We adopted our dog from the humane society the day after Bienville performed his neutering. When we took him in for his complimentary health evaluation, they misdiagnosed him with Kennel Cough when he actually had Parvo. They didn't even bother testing for Parvo. Because of their negligence, our dog almost died and we are stuck with a $1400 emergency vet bill to save our dogs life. The emergency vet also told us that Bienville only removed ONE of our dogs testicles and MISSED the other. Our dog has been through enough trauma and we will not be taking him back to Bienville. Beware.

This post is a rebuttal of the unfair thrashing we took as a veterinary clinic three weeks ago at the hands of "Josh Q". As co-owner of Bienville Animal Medical Center, I now must respond to the accusation that our veterinarians "misdiagnosed" his puppy's illness. Now that all facts have come to light, it is only fair that I respond, since Google allows for this type of posting without validation. I personally responded to their complaint call off-line as soon as I was made aware of the situation. I immediately made an offer to personally provide a free exam and any ancillary services to rectify the situation. The person posting failed to communicate that a tentative parvovirus diagnosis was made over a full week later after one of our veterinarians had seen the puppy for a post-adoption exam, diagnosed an upper respiratory infection, and prescribed antibiotics. To address the choice they made to go to the emergency veterinary clinic, I can safely say that after reviewing the records provided to me by that clinic, the parvovirus diagnosis was still in question. The key symptoms of parvovirus are diarrhea, vomiting and anorexia. This puppy never manifested these classic gastrointestinal symptoms. Furthermore, the white blood cell count was 25,000-a leukocytosis, which is a far cry from parvovirus-related leaukopenias, whereas white cell counts regularly drop very low-under 3500. According to the emergency hospital records, the puppy was promptly discharged the next morning from a night-before admission. A parvovirus case? Highly unlikely. In the phone conversation, the client asked why the puppy was neither tested out for parvovirus by our veterinarian the week before, or by the Jackson County Animal Shelter. My answer was that unless a puppy shows the triad ( or at least two of the) symptoms (mentioned above), there is no reason for this type of testing. Besides, whether in a shelter or practice environment while puppies appear quite healthy, testing every puppy for parvovirus is cost prohibitive. Finally, I must address the accusation that our veterinarian, who performed the neuter on this puppy weeks before for the JCAS, left a testicle in the scrotum. This is simply not true. I believe my veterinarian and I believe her medical records. When I made an offer to give a free exam to these folks, I went so far as to offer complimentary lab work and even surgery to correct the situation if it was deemed necessary. Once again, I was never given the opportunity. Since Google chose not to see their negative post as the collection of unsubstantiated accusations that it was, I will leave final judgment to you-the intelligent blog readers. I must leave you with three points to ponder, in fairness: 1) Why, despite a free invitation, did these dog owners refuse to return? Keep in mind that since that phone discussion, these folks have not, and apparently will not darken our doors. I also put out during the discussion that if another veterinarian from our community substantiated their complaints and called me to discuss them, I would profusely apologize and make it right regardless of how the services were done by whomever. No veterinarian has called me in the last three weeks. 2) In their post, it seems that their biggest complaint was the cost of care at the emergency hospital. Could this be misdirected angst? By the way, you guessed it: the emergency hospital dispensed more antibiotics for this puppy! 3) Finally, it may be 2014, and using a computer keyboard as a weapon to damage reputations may make some people feel relevant and powerful. However, I will stake the reputation of our veterinarians and staff on the fact that these folks were treated fairly and professionally by Bienville Animal Medical Center-as ALL of our veterinary clients are. I truly believe that I did all I could humanly do.

I just want to say that Bienville Animal has been taking care of my fur children for years. I have also been rescuing animals for the past 7 years. I as all animal rescue people should know that rescuing an animal is like purchasing a used car, you don't know where it's been or what vaccines or care that the animal has had prior to rescue. Someone apparently is pointing the finger at the wrong person ( JOSH Q) These vets have gone above and beyond to help local recuses and shelters everyday. They have some pretty high tech equipment. All seven vets have a heart of gold and are truly compassionate for your fur children. Hey sometimes you get more than one veterinary's professional opinion. I recommend them to anyone new to the area or that is looking for a new veterinary

Much thanks to Dr. Don Palermo, at Bienville Animal Medical Center. In the last 3 months he has personally assisted us on 2 occasions with the most difficult decision a responsible pet owner has to make. In November we had the difficult decision to make for our 15 years old male Scottish Terrier, Angus. Dr. Palermo's insight as to Angus's condition and his caring and wonderful bed side manner made a most difficult decision bearable. Today we had the occasion to call on him again in the difficult decision to do the right thing for our 12 year old female Scottie, Darby. Once again Dr. Palermo's insight and caring way made this decision one that was not regrettable. I and my family owe Dr. Palermo and his staff at Bienville a lifetime of thanks and appreciation. We have been a part of the Bienville family for many years, They are the BEST!!!

Usually folks can't find time to give credit to those who deserve it. But I am making time to say good things about Bienville Animal Clinic. My Doberman was taken here to have his ears cropped and Dr Palmetto did a fantastic job! Also Dr Palmetto showed very personal service by contacting me himself not once, but twice to update me on my Dobermans status. After taking my Doberman home and unfortunate incident occurred when another dog at home pulled the bandage casts off of my dobermans ears. Back to Dr Palmetto we went! He showed us such great mercy and said we are going to have to put the Doberman back under and fix his ears again, also keep him over night. Dr Palmetto said he would not accept payment for this because it was just unfortunate that I just paid for this once. He did not charge me for the 2nd trip to fix Samson's ears. There are few good businesses still around and this is one honest and well managed business I will say. Thank you Bienville for your perfect service to Samson! Chris Lane