I want to start by saying that everyone I interacted with at Nashville Veterinary Specialists was kind, patient, and compassionate toward both me and my cat. I could tell the staff genuinely care about animals. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed with his overall treatment, specifically how long he went without supportive care while his fever continued to rise.
I brought my 3-year-old cat in around 8:00 AM for sudden severe lethargy, walking hunched as though in pain, refusing food and water, and diarrhea. He was taken back immediately.
By 10:40 AM, I was told his temperature was continuing to rise, his abdomen was tender, and he was very dull and sleepy. I specifically asked about fluids and medication for his fever and agreed to bloodwork and a urinalysis.
Around 12:25 PM, I was told the testing did not reveal anything severely alarming. Some liver values were elevated, but otherwise he didn’t look nearly as sick “on paper” as he appeared clinically. We discussed additional diagnostic options, with estimates ranging from approximately $2,000-$7,500. I was upfront that cost was a consideration, and the staff were very patient while I weighed my options.
My biggest concern is what happened during this time.
Around 2:00 PM, I was able to see my cat again. He looked miserable, and I was told his temperature had risen to approximately 105.4°F. I asked if fluids had been started. They had not. I specifically requested fluids and asked about medication to lower his fever. I also requested abdominal X-rays to rule out anything serious since I knew I would not be hospitalizing him there.
At 3:20 PM, I was told the X-rays had been completed, but the radiologist was backed up and it could be another two hours for results. I again asked whether my cat had received fluids or medication. He still had not.
This is ultimately why I am leaving this review. My cat had been there since 8:00 AM with a fever that continued climbing to over 105°F, yet after more than seven hours—and after I had repeatedly asked about supportive care—he still had not received fluids or medication.
Around 4:00 PM, a veterinary technician brought me back and taught me how to administer subcutaneous fluids myself so I could continue them at home. She was wonderful, patient, and made sure I was comfortable doing it. I also administered his prescribed antibiotic and gabapentin before leaving so we could get the medications started as soon as possible.
I asked about an anti-inflammatory for his fever but was told they did not feel one was indicated without knowing the cause and that it could potentially worsen his GI symptoms. I understand medications have risks and veterinarians must use their clinical judgment. However, I had also consulted with another veterinarian who reviewed his lab work and felt controlling the fever and providing supportive care were priorities.
After bringing him home, I obtained an anti-inflammatory through that veterinarian. His temperature was 103.7°F at 6:30 PM when I gave it. By 9:30 PM, it was 99.9°F. He was walking normally, ate some food, and even tried to play. His temperature remained normal overnight and has stayed down.
The following day, our regular veterinarian examined him and added a second antibiotic targeting gut bacteria. Thankfully, he continues to improve.
I understand emergency medicine is complicated and there isn’t always an immediate diagnosis. My complaint is not that they couldn’t tell me exactly what was wrong. My concern is that a visibly sick cat with a rapidly rising fever spent essentially the entire day without basic supportive treatment while testing, estimates, and next steps were discussed.
I genuinely appreciate the kindness shown to us, especially by the technician who taught me how to care for him at home. However, based on this experience, I would not feel comfortable bringing one of my animals here again for emergency care.
If you have a sick fur baby, I recommend this place 1000%! They were able to diagnose Champion when others couldn’t! It wasn’t the outcome I was hoping for but Dr. Sessions and his team are wonderful! 10/10
