Several years ago I took my cat to Lort Smith as h...

Several years ago I took my cat to Lort Smith as he was lethargic and had breathing problems. On arrival at reception it was clear that money was their top priority as we had to pay upfront and there appeared to be no triage so we then waited a long time to see a vet. The vet was awful and had no bedside manner as she suddenly shoved a thermometer up his behind. She described the cat as morbidly obese as if l was the cause of his lethargic appearance. I then admitted him on the proviso that he would have an ultrasound soon. The following day I rang up to ask about his ultrasound results to be told he would not have an ultrasound for a couple of days due to the weekend. I immediately decided to retrieve my cat. On arrival I then had to see another (albeit better) vet to, what felt like, ask for my cat back. As he was obviously not going to receive crucial diagnostic investigations in a timely manner. I then went to my local vet who listened to his history and gave him an ultrasound immediately. He was found to have a lot of fluid in his chest and around his heart. His heart stopped mid ultrasound and the vet then drained fluid from his chest which saved his life. To think my much loved cat would have died in a cage at Lort Smith had I not "rescued" him breaks my heart to this day. Yes I was unfortunate enough to see this particular vet and they can't all be that horrible but to think that they would keep a critically ill cat without proper treatment and without informing the owner of delays whilst expecting me to pay additional nights stay makes me feel sick many years on. This was so far from the charitable and humanitarian experience I had expected. My local vet is wonderful! Treatment comes before payment. I will never ever have anything to do with Lort Smith..