Bowen Veterinary Services

I brought my dog, Kona, to Bowen Veterinary Services about 4 years ago because she suffered a spinal injury. The vet, Alastair, took x-​rays of Kona, but in doing so, had to wrestle her to the table while she howled in pain and resisted him. I offered to make Kona sit and lay down (she followed my commands), but Alastair ordered me out of the room and watch behind a glass window. I watched as his assistant layed on top of Kona, and Kona kept resisting and was terrified. They never completed the x-​ray. It was upsetting to watch and I couldn’t understand why Alastair wouldn’t allow me to assist and he didn’t give an explanation. He’s a man with few words.
Alastair wasn’t able to determine the problem through his diagnostics and suggested that I leave Kona overnight for observation, so she stayed there awhile. Alastair promised to phone me with an update, but that didn’t happen for most of the night, so I phoned him. While we were talking, I could hear my dog crying with distress in the background, so I told Alastair that I wanted to get the Kona that night so I could bring her to Canada West Veterinary Specialists in the morning. He said that was not a good idea, but I insisted. Before hanging up, he said, «Bring your credit card or I won’t release her to you. And, I won’t make a referral for Canada West — you’re going to need one to go there.» I paid the bill — about $ 2,000. When I protested over the cost, he had some very unkind loud words for me. Very unprofessional.
My dog was quiet for the rest of the night — — with me at home. In the morning, I took the first ferry from Bowen and brought Kona to Canada West where she was immediately admitted, placed on life support because her health deteriorated quickly, and got surgery to repair two ruptured discs. Had I followed Alastair’s advice, my dog would likely have died in his care. His angry temper and his careless approach with my dog was unprofessional. As the only vet on the island, he assumes he doesn’t have to compete for business and that he doesn’t have to behave professionally.
Thereafter, I brought Kona to Mosquito Creek Veterinary Hospital for routine services. I suggest you avoid Alastair whenever possible — possibly even for emergencies. On Bowen, there aren’t many choices. That’s why I chose to write this statement after having moved away from Bowen. Glad I no longer have to rely on that fool.