Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital

The only good thing about my visit was meeting Genevieve. She was such a sweetheart and really, truly cared about my dog, Chloe. Genevieve is going to be an amazing veterinarian! ON THE OTHER HAND. I had the worst experience. An intern named Cory was very rude, inconsiderate and so entitled. He continually talked down about my vet and the work he has done on my dog. We went there for HELP, not to be ridiculed for other decisions. And Cory also pulled his cell phone out to try to keep talking my vet down and saying he wasn’t a good vet. Cory made me feel so uncomfortable and I felt like I couldn’t trust him with my dog! I would never trust him with anything regarding veterinarian skills. I would never go back. Go to another emergency vet hospital if you can.

Our cat had to be hospitalized last year and our vet recommended we take her to CSU. I was a little skeptical about such a big facility, but am so glad we used the college. Once on site, both on-​duty vets kept us informed throughout the entire process and genuinely took the time to explain all the options instead of pressuring us into a decision. The staff truly cares about all animals and understands how pet illnesses can be a stressful time.
The check-​in process was quick and stress-​free. While the exam rooms are bit cold and clinical, the care our cat received was excellent and very reasonable (compared to average hospital costs). She made a full recovery and has had no similar issue since. The vets made multiple follow-​up calls and also coordinated with our local vet. While the NoCo area has a lot of great vets and vet hospital options, CSU will be our first choice!

I am so thankful I live so close to the 3^rd top vet school in the nation! The techs, vets, staff and students are all so compassionate and *smart*. I know what they chose to do is vetted by a team of experts since they share cases with each other during their rounds.
We were fortunate to have Dr. Laver be our resident vet and Aurora as our student. He explained everything thoroughly and honestly. Nothing was ever required ever, and no guilt about it if you choose to do nothing. I so love how others get to learn about it along side the treatment process. it is like getting two benefits from one experience. Your pet gets his best chance of getting better while others get to learn about it.
They took care of my pupper while he was there like he was their own. I am so, so happy we ended up making the trek up there. it was oh so worth it!!!

I cannot write good enough things about CSU. When our two-​year-​old lab puppy got sick we took her to our vet and two other hospitals all telling us she was going to pass away within hours. We immediately Drove up to CSU and saw Dr. FitzPatrick. Her bedside manner and love for our sweet sick little girl was unparalleled to anyone. The entire staff was kind and loving and tried to comfort us as much as they comforted her. They did as many tests as possible, did blood transfusions and really tried to make her comfortable during her last days. They believed it was her liver but because it was deteriorating they did not want to do a biopsy in case she passed during surgery. She ended up passing away six days after getting sick but I know that she went as pain-​free as possible. After she died I was destroyed. I felt like I could’ve done more as she was my baby. I got a handwritten note from Dr. FitzPatrick telling us that we truly did everything we could and how sweet Dolly was. When you lose your baby having someone tell you that is such a blessing. They also did the biopsy after she died as I never wanted anyone to experience the pain of losing such a young dog in such a quick time. Dr. FitzPatrick continued to call us to update us on what they found. I can’t say enough about this place and what a sweet lady she is. If you have a sick dog take them here. Despite the outcome they will be truly loved.

Had a sick kitty. On disability pretty broke. Was told the teaching hospital would most likely be the best and most affordable. The check in area was pretty crazy and full of leashed big dog’s. The tech came out pretty fast and gave awesome explanation of what it could be and what they would do. Said they have financial help but it was about 125 $ examine.

This a review for my dog Bear. He came in for mast cell tumor removal. Had to bring him back for a couple of Urgent care visits due to him scratching at and tearing through his stitches. The docs/​interns were all professional and cared for the well being of our pup.
I read one of the other reviewers state the prices were high and unreasonable. That’s far from the truth. We paid about a third of the price tag we got quotes for in CA! Plus they are willing to work with you on payment due to their grant services. We are definitely going back… just hope it’s not soon lol

In regards to diabetes, they lack current knowledge.
I do not recommend CSU for diabetes help.
Maybe they are knowledgeable in other areas but not diabetes.
I was disappointed.

In December 2014, our Roxy developed a ruptured disc. She wasn’t able to use her back legs. It was a sad, sad sight. Dr. Voss, our vet, said that Roxy needed surgery. We were quoted some astronomical prices by other surgeons in town. Dr. Voss called the University for us to see what they could do. Their quote was acceptable. Dr. Voss setup an emergency surgery, that day. We high tailed it up to Fort Collins, where Roxy was admitted right away. I had to leave my little girl there. It was heart wrenching.
The staff called me periodically to let me know her status. And entertained all my phone calls and questions. She was there a couple days longer than anticipated. And wasn’t making much progress with the rear leg movement. The surgery was a success and she was no longer in pain. They suggested we bring her sister with us, to visit. WOW! What a visit. They set us up in a room where we got to play with her and ask all the questions we had been brewing over. They said that she was not making much attempt to use her back legs and recommended a wheelchair. GASP!
They not only provided us with a make-​shift harness for her rear end, but also loaned us a wheel chair until her 6 week check up! After 6 days, they released her to come home. They sent us home with some physical therapy routines and strict instructions for her recovery.
On Christmas Eve, we came home to check on Roxy and she started walking. YIPPEE!!!
On our 6 week check up, we returned the wheel chair to the University and they cleared her from any further visits.
Not only did they give us «our» Roxy back, but the came in under the estimate for the hospital visit. AMAZING EXPERIENCE!
It’s only been 3 months. Roxy walks with a «drunk butt» but its the cutest dang thing.
The staff is well worth the drive from Denver!

I don’t know if we are done with our experience here yet, but unfortunately our first was not a good one. It’s been a few days, and I realized that I am very upset with the particular resident that we saw for a consult in cardiology for our boxer.
We have seen a cardiologist (a well experienced one, at that) here in Denver at VRCC, who recommended a pacemaker for our boy’s condition. He was definitive and even said that this is the gold standard for treatment. He told us the prices at VRCC and made us aware that it is much less steep at CSU, so wanting the best for our dog we took him there to have it done.
Every op requires a consult, which is where the service certainly fell short. We had blood work and another test done. Everything went fine until we had an extensive conversation with the resident. She had some sort of speech impediment or something; she mumbled a lot and didn’t seem to be able to speak clearly. I’m sorry, but with the complexity of everything going on, I need someone who can effectively communicate with me to lessen the confusion. And not be condescending in tone. That just makes me more upset. Don’t talk down on me; I’m not an idiot.
Alas, the brunt of my frustration and overall disappointment was when the resident said that they don’t like to do pacemakers unless the condition becomes more severe. Yes, his meds are working «ok» in the meantime, but he still by no means 100% back to normal for us. What about his QUALITY OF LIFE in the meantime? This is what angers me most. I am hoping that the entire teaching hospital doesn’t practice in this manner. We made this big decision to have this procedure done to make sure our boy is living the best life possible– we don’t want him to be miserable.
I know this is a teaching hospital. I am aware not everyone is well experienced. But at the very least, every practitioner needs to believe in improving the quality of the life of any living animal that walks through their doors. I think that’s why we care for our pets the way we do, isn’t it?

This place is amazing and was an answer to prayer for us and our bullmastiff!!! We’d seen 2 vets in denver and one emergency animal hospital and no one had an answer for our very sick dog. We dreaded the trek up to Fort Collins to hear the same story but we didn’t! They did a surgery at about ½ the cost of other vets and figured out what was wrong with him. He had grass awns in his paws that had spread over his body. They removed them and after 10 days of an antibiotic my dog is happy and healthy! It’s worth the drive denver folk and I will go there first in the future!!! Nixon and I thank you for the best care and follow up phone calls we’ve ever had. We’ll be back. Just hopefully not very soon:)

I have been brining my dog to this vet since she was only a few months old and, aside from their wellness plan, the prices are pretty steep and unreasonable. I didn’t want to buy a wellness plan again this year so I was going to be charged almost $ 50 for visit in addition to any shots or medications she needed (these are for routine visits like heartworm).
I really did like bringing my dog here and, when we did have appointments, the service was great, but I think we re going to start going somewhere a little more personable and reasonably priced.

CSU staff is the best and the pricing is cheaper than any vet I’ve found so far (and I’ve been to quite a few).
My cat was diagnosed with lymphoma in December. He did chemo weekly for 2 months. The staff was amazing. It’s obvious that they know their stuff and care about the animals. Whenever I brought my cat in, the nurses all knew him (even if I’d never seen him before) and they always raved about him and seemed genuinely happy to see him. Even if they weren’t working with him, they still came over to say hi and pet him before going off to what they were doing. One took me into a room to show me how to give him fluids subcutaneously and before she put him back in his carrier, she hugged him, kissed him, and told him that she loved him.
Before I put him to sleep, he was brought into urgent care. His doctor had the next day off so she gave me her personal cell phone so that I could reach her without having to go through the hospital. She also came in twice to check on him and once so that I could visit with him. He stayed in the hospital 3 nights and 4 days. He had a nasal feeding tube, 2 ultrasounds, x-​rays, IVs, oxygen, a ton of meds, and monitoring, plus the euthanasia and body disposal. It came out to less than $ 2500. (For comparison, I took my other cat to Aspen Meadow where they kept her overnight (10 hours) with a plain saline IV, and did an x-​ray and urine culture — $ 1100.)
On the 4^th day, they found that part of his intestine had died so despite all the effort to get his intestines moving and some nutrition in him (hence the feeding tube), he couldn’t get anything past the necrotic portion and he would starve to death without invasive surgery that could have fatal, painful complications and a difficult recovery. They were very straightforward about everything that happened with him.
When I put him down, they gave me as much time as I wanted with him in a large room with comfortable couches and chairs. They even put a sign outside telling people to be quiet. When the doctor gave him the injection to euthanize him, she got down face to face with him, stroked him, and told him that we all love him as he drifted off to sleep.
I had asked to donate his body, which meant that they do an autopsy on him and they would send the results to me.
After his death, they sent me a paw print and a children’s book about cat heaven and almost every page had a little paragraph from each nurse and doctor that dealt with him.
I’m very pleased with the service and pricing of CSU and I would recommend them to everyone. I will definitely be taking all of my pets here.

Why aren’t more animal loving Unilocalers Unilocaling up this place?
Rushed our pup there who had died an hour before to get a necropsy — animal autopsy — an extremely sad day.
Was met by a 4 year student — Morgan Curtis — most kind and considerate. If she becomes a vet in Colorado — we’ll all be better for it — and so will our animals.

I have to say that I feel very fortunate to have a resource like the CSU VTH so close to home, though I only have had to use them with my pets on a couple of occasions (knock on wood). The most recent was in the wee hours this morning, when one of my standard poodles was restless enough to wake me up with his whining and pacing. His posture was a little hunched and he was licking his stomach, and when I telt his stomach he let out a little belch. I was worried that he was bloating, so off to the VTH we went.
It was a little weird when I first got there — apparently I should have needed to buzz-​in, but the door was unlocked so I just walked-​in to an empty lobby. The resident on duty noticed me on their monitor after a few minutes and came out with a couple of students. They did a quick assessment right there in the lobby, and the resident determined that my dog’s condition was stable and he didn’t think he was bloating. He then had one of the students take us to an exam room for a more complete exam.
To make a long story short, it turns out that my dog most likely has an irritated GI tract due to «dietary indiscretion.» Depending upon what he got into, an intestinal blockage could be a concern. They could have recommended more procedures — in fact, before she went back to consult with the resident the student did mention that the next step would be to take some radiographs or do an ultrasound — but I appreciate the pragmatic approach the resident took. He took the time to explain what he noted during his clinical exam, what he would and would not be able to see on a radiograph, and clinical signs that he would look for to indicate it was a more serious intestinal blockage — basically telling me that he didn’t think further procedures were necessary without saying so in so many words. After this discussion, he documented everything we discussed — history, findings, recommendations, etc. — and sent us on our way.
So, in short, I may be a bit over-​reactive as a pet owner, but I appreciate the peace of mind that comes with being able to bring my dogs to the VTH at any hour and knowing that they will do right by my dog AND my pocketbook.

I absolutely cannot imagine what they could have done to make our experience any better!
Our Russian Peterbald, Mr Mewton, is the most amazing cat on the face of the planet. He’s a registered therapy animal, walks on a leash, uses the human toilet, and loves everyone. And he has great health insurance, which covers 80% of all vet bills.
When we found a mass in Mr Mew’s bladder, our vet told us to get an appointment with CSU oncology ASAP. In the end, Mr Mews spent 17 days in the CCU, had three
surgeries, and had at least five veterinarians on his case.
The doctors, residents, and vet students were all amazing! From the beginning, they made themselves extremely available to us. When they said they would call with results, they called and willingly answered all our questions. All were willing to discuss the options in extreme detail, while being perfectly blunt about how long we had to make a decision. I never felt rushed by any of the vets or staff, only by Mr Mew’s declining health at certain points.
Most importantly, our doctors all seemed to communicate amongst themselves. At one point we talked to our oncology surgeon immediately after talking to our CCU doctor, and it was great to have two different presentations of the same information. I felt assured throughout that we were all on the same page.
Just, amazing care! We did not expect Mr Mews to live more than a couple of weeks, six weeks at most. Three months later, Mr Mewton is doing great, and every day with him is a blessing for us!

The CSU Veterinary Training Hospital has more or less have given my family a positive experience throughout the years.
The first time around was not good though. My aunt’s Dachshund had to go in for something here and they had to keep him over night. The dog’s condition was believed to be kind of serious but we were not sure how much. We called to see how my aunt’s dog was doing and was told that during swimming therapy his bladder burst and he died. Very surprising and upsetting. My aunt blamed this veterinary school for her dog’s death and believed that since it was a teaching hospital that it was a bunch of wet behind the ears novice veterinarians that did not know what they were doing.
That was all some time ago though…
Years later I rushed my Chihuahua to this hospital and was very pleased with the outcome. My little Chihuahua was grabby with anything that fell on the floor. My aunt, my grandma and her dog were all on pills at the same time and all living under one roof. They were always getting their pills mixed up and pill bottles always spilled pills all over the floor. Mix and match I guess. It wasn’t so funny when my little one snatched up a pill that was my grandmother’s though. Before the pill could really hit her I called the CSU Vet Training Hospital and got a prompt call back. They ran the type of medicine that she ate and determined that it would harm her if she let it digest. I rushed her to the hospital where they put eye drops in her eyes to make her vomit. And boy did she. Her poor little tummy was all cleaned out after she was done. The student thought that they had to bring the puke for me to look at which was really TMI… I believe you that you did your task successfully. Thank you. The bill was a bit steep… over a hundred bucks but my little girl was ok. Of course she kept glaring at me all night after we got home trying to make me believe that I violated her human rights because of her trip to the vet but like I said she was ok.
My grandmother’s dog also went here for bladder stones and came out ok. There were a few complications (the medicine he was on made his urine too thin and he could not hold it and made lots of accidents) with the medicine he was on after wards but they did a good job on getting him back on the road to recovery with that particular ailment.