The Ralph Veterinary Referral Centre Reviews 39

Abuse people's trust & neglect there pets..

Left my dog in their care whilst going away after my father dying of cancer was provided all the food necessary for her stay with the sitter Elliott used through the ralph & my dog was returned to me 2kg underweight.. she was never over weight to begin with.

when complained & raised concerns about this I was completely ignored & dismissed told my dog was fed twice a day had no issues with eating?

Had exercise & get over it she'll put the weight back on? She shouldn't have lost 20% of her over all body weight in the first place that isn't a little bit of weight for a small dog when it's NOT over weight to start 😡

my Boston Terrier weights 10kg & when returned was 8kg skin & bones emaciated in 6 weeks.. these people are in a position of trust so to be told to get over it & the dog will put the weight back on is completely disrespectful & inappropriate.

Thanks Megan you think you can just ignore people & draw a line under it im glad they didn't receive £1000 donation.

Any dog owner who would leave their dog in someone else's care for it to be treated in such a manner would be angry & you cannot just dismiss that 🤷🏾‍♂️ you say you accept my apology but you've not even had the decency to apologise yourself.. Even my own local vets say its unacceptable & it's also a unacceptable amount of weight for my dog to lose who was weight appropriate was not over weight to begin & responses given demonstrates what little care you personally take for other people's pets.

After almost 2 years, all the visits, all the scans, consultations, examinations, observations, phone calls / emails (almost %90 from our end) this is the state of my dog still is in agony, he can barely walk and we have no idea what's wrong with him.

All this time the 2 orthopedic surgents Bertie P. and Jan J. showed no dedication or medical competence. They barely showed up at the consultations 4-5 hours after we were admitted only after we kept insisting, they sent assistants, technicians etc, they hadn't studied the files, they didn't know the basics about the case, they were impatient, uninvested, uncommunicative, unhelpful. They did very little then muttering our own ideas back to us...

(There is so much more, for one thing I'm glad I resisted not to have Lio operated in 2024 against all Bertie P.'s insists with no evidence...there is so much so much more but I won't go in detail here)

At the end we had enough, we told them we had zero confidence left in them to find out Lio's problems and to treat him, we told them they should be ashamed of themselves and asked for a referral to a different hospital.

We were so happy everything about the first team (dedication, knowledge, interest, curiosity and more) helped get Lio better in 2023 (neurological vet Inez and orthopedic surgent Daniel, I think -- one Spanish one Italian)

I don't know what happened, I don't know what happened to them and to Ralph.

This is so so so unfortunate.

I can not possibly recommend Ralph if you're an orthopaedic patient.

After seeking a second opinion, my consultation was interrupted twice because the consultant was called away. Despite this, he demonstrated great expertise and replaced the bandage on my dog's leg. Unfortunately, it was applied too tightly, leading to significant swelling. As a result, I had to visit my local vet for further assistance with my already ailing dog. Upon reaching out via email, I was informed that the leg was redressed at no cost! While I appreciate this gesture, I still incurred expenses since my local vet had to correct the initial mishap.

My cat was referred to the Ralph when a heart issue came to light. She then had to go back to have dental work that needed a cardio team on hand.

The care she got and the compassion that was shown to us was absolutely amazing. This is an amazing place and I would not hesitate to recommend them to others.

Azzurra and her team were incredible. Blown away by their expertise and care. My dog was with the eye care team and he loved visiting them, despite the pain and discomfort that he was suffering. They saved both his eyes - enough said.

My dog was referred for suspected ivdd, took her to Ralph that night. She was diagnosed using mri scan and guidance given that she didn't require a operation. They took care of her, professional team thank you so much. She is back at home recovering with the meds and instructions to rehabilitate her. I also met other owners who were also happy with the treatment and aftercare. Thank you once again Ralph

We were referred to The Ralph by our vet and rushed Oakley over on Monday evening. Her condition was stabilized over the next 4 days and we managed to bring her home on the Friday. Oakley took another turn for the worse on Sunday, and we rushed her back in Sunday Afternoon. Oakley was suffering from long-term Kidney disease, and sadly, there was nothing else that could be done for her. She was put to sleep by Javier Rodriguez on Sunday afternoon.
The care and compassion shown by everyone at The Ralph was truly amazing and the facilities are superb.
Oakley was superbly looked after during her hospitalisation by Cecilia Stilwell Breakspear, who called us daily with clinical updates, and we also received photos and reassuring messages from Christina and Grace with inpatient updates.
Javier Rodriguez was so kind and thoughtful during the unimaginable end-of-life care, and having been through this several times with vets, this was done in the loveliest of ways. I cannot thank Cecilia, Javier or the rest of the team enough for everything they did for Oakley (and us) during this extremely upsetting time. You are all fantastic!

Excellent veterinary hospital!
We were referred to The Ralph as previous surgery on our Aussie Labradoodle had not gone well and she was sent there for a second specialised opinion. She also had to have surgery on her other leg which was done at The Ralph by a much more experienced team. The whole experience at The Ralph was great and I couldn't fault them. I highly recommend them.

A year ago today we lost my three year old black Maine Coon Marcella. Marcella was in fantastic condition and healthy. But on the 2nd July 2024 Marcella didn't seem herself, two different branches of our vet (Medivet) couldn't work out what was wrong. We were referred to The Ralph on the 3rd July 2024, I had never heard of them but on Google they seemed knowledgeable and caring. This was the complete opposite to what we were left feeling. We took Marcella to The Ralph and I noticed Marcella was getting worse. The vet looking at Marcella went through a lot of questions and none seemed to explain the problem. The vet left us for a few minutes, but during this time while I was holding Marcella, she was struggling to breathe and the vet returned and took Marcella away. That was the last time I saw her alive, had I known this, I wouldn't have left as we felt (and stayed as long as possible) we were in the way. I have had cats for 40 years and they are my world. It was on an MRI scan whilst being intubated, Marcella had a blood clot on her brain and one in her neck. I was told The Ralph had never experienced a blood clot on the brain of a cat, never mind a second. But they kept her intubated longer than I thought necessary as when I researched it, it was never going to be a positive outcome. But The Ralph kept her intubated longer knowing this. I have been trying to get closure with The Ralph as I wasn't there during her last breath (which I have always been to hold past furrbabies and they are with their Mum and not a stranger), or that I feel her dignity wasn't taken into account. After they had put Marcella to sleep, I was no where near and lived a distance away, we eventually got there, and was asked if they could hold onto Marcella to take samples and do a post mortem to help them, not me or Marcella and her facial features looked like Marcella suffered right until the end. But this was denied, even though I had discussed it with my own vet who I have been going to many years. Micia, Marcella's litter sister is still looking for Marcella. So if you have a bottomless jar of money and accept your furrbaby being treated in a way you wouldn't normally agree with, The Ralph is for you! Oh and they charged £8k.

*Although The Ralph has replied 8th July, you will see that they can't deny their actions because they are true! But yet won't admit "the extensive conversations" have resulted in a feeling of "going round in circles".

Our pet schnauzer Lola was referred to the Ralf by Hall place vets in maidehead after being treated for a sting. The Ralph had gave her a scan and gave a consultation the whole process took around 1 hour. At no point did they give an indication of cost. We took Lola home and received an invoice for £518! I think this is a huge amount for a 1 hour visit. Especially as we had already paid the vet £800. I just think the Ralph should be up front about their fees.

The centre, the staff, the care, advise and interest in my disabled young cat was superb. I’m only giving 3* as the verbal quote on the phone for prices was almost treble when I received the bill. There was no transparency on costs. I was aware of the initial consultation fee and when blood tests were suggested, I agreed, assuming this would add another £200ish. My fault for not checking.
Please confirm prices prior to agreeing for more tests.

Following a visit wishing to get a second opinion- the consultation was halted twice whilst the consultant was needed elsewhere. He was very knowledgeable however replaced a dressing that was required by my dog but was added too tightly which caused the dogs foot to swell excessively.
So following a visit to a specialist I ended up at my local vet to assist with additional complications to my already poorly dog.
On emailing I was informed that the leg was redressed free of charge! It appears I should be grateful for what I would see as basic care for an animal. Well it wasn’t free of charge as I had to pay my local vet to redo it!

We were referred to The Ralph on a couple of occasions. We found them to be kind, thoughtful and extremely caring. They were patient and explained all procedures thoroughly. Their communication was excellent. We were sent photos and updates regularly. Unfortunately on our last referral after many attempts to save her, our beautiful girl Yuki was put to sleep. They were so respectful and gentle that we knew our girl was given the best care right to the end. Thank you, your kindness meant the world at such a heartbreaking time.

Back in April 2023 my black Labrador pup, Ralph (born 08/12/23), went lame in both front legs. Initially I took him to Willows in Birmingham where he was found to be suffering from a condition in his elbow called IOHC. This is where every time he bent the joint the top of his ulna caught against the cartilage in the joint causing Ralph to scream in pain. I was offered one option and told that there was a chance that he would develop an infection in one of his legs as a result of the proposed procedure and that if the infection was severe then the leg would have to be amputated. If he lost both legs then it was suggested that the best option would be to put him to sleep. He was 4 months old...

Two days before the operation I was reading up on IOHC on a face book group and came across a procedure that Alan Danielski, one of the consultant surgeons at The Ralph had developed for dogs suffering from IOHC.

It was a Sunday but I dropped Alan a private message describing Ralph's diagnosis and proposed treatment. To my surprise he replied 10 minutes later and said that he could help.

His procedure carried far fewer risks and addressed to root cause of Ralph's problem. An appointment was arranged later that week and I cancelled the procedure at The Willows.

Ralph had already been CT scanned and these were made available to Alan. As well as his IOHC Alan saw that his Ulna wasn't growing at the rate that it should and that Ralph's front legs would bow until he was unable to walk. To my relief he told me that he could treat this at the same time as the IOHC.

In all it took around 8 months and 3 visits to sort Ralph out. It was hard going and I spent weeks sleeping on the floor with him. He also had to be kept calm with no running, jumping or racing around for 6 of the 8 months. This was no easy feat with a young Labrador.

Ralph was 2 in December 2024 and lives a normal life. His front legs are slightly bowed and every now and then I see a slight limp on his front right but he is full of life and energy.

I will be forever indebted to Alan Danielski and the care that Ralph received at The Ralph. I wouldn't hesitate for a second to recommend them based on my experience.

Where do I start.
Our Boy Solo the Alaskan Malamute was referred to the Ralph by the 4th VET, I had visited as he was seriously not well. Collapsing, then couldn’t stand up I was out of my mind with worry.
We got there Sunday evening and 2 lovely nurses came out and wheeled him away on a little trolley to take his obs.
Javier kept me updated the next day to say he was going in for a CT scan as the previous vet had found a mass in his abdomen.
The CT scan showed he had basically a hole in his stomach which was leaking and a large mass and very thick stomach lining. What’s frustrating was Solo didn’t show any symptoms of what this could be.
They rang me to say he needs emergency surgery yes it’s expensive but it was a no brainer I said yes.
They removed his spleen, half his stomach and the mass. He was very sick.
He spent his time in ICU with Javier and the internal medicine team time with critical care team.
Solo isn’t the most cooperative of patients, he got to a point where he would grumble and growl and snap out of boredom most likely for him and just sadness.
Javier and the team were exceptional in dealing with this and understood his behaviour wasn’t out of he wants to rat you he’s just sad and Solo is an emotional dog.
We got the devastating news Solo has cancer.
Poor Javier has to deal with me having a breakdown (gotta feel for him) but as he should he put Solo first before me and before the Ralph explained the options and I decided against treatment for him as it wouldn’t of been fair on him to have more vet visits and meds and it wouldn’t of been fair on whichever vet had to do it as Solo wouldn’t of been easy.
As much as I way well have to sell a kidney (kidding) what meant most to be is that they put Solos needs, Solos life before anything else, before my, before profit and that’s what means so much.
Some vets are just ticking boxes or yeah get them to do this make some cash but not the Ralph it’s what’s best for the animals.
They allowed us to bring him home so he can spend some time decompressing before he ends this chapter.
As much as I’m absolutely devastated to be losing my boy when he’s only 4 I’m grateful that this team of vets, nurses, medicine people all of them truly do out the animal before human.
Thank you team Ralph
Love Jenn & Solo
P.s solo says sorry x

My cat Jojo was referred to The Ralp after being at my vets for a week as she needed specialist treatment. She had liver problems, fluid on her lungs, thyroid issue and an ulceratiaed eye so she was very poorly. She had treatment for a week and she began to pick up so was released home with medication. However after a week on Xmas Eve her eye ruptured and she had to go straight into emergency surgery preformed by the ophthalmologist to remove her eye. I picked her up on Xmas day to recover at home. I was very impressed with the care she received, phone calls to update me as well as call texts and emails. I asked to be kept updated on costs as well which I was. She is now on the road to recovery. I am very impressed with her care and treatment she received with special thanks to the vets Isla and Azzurra.

Our mischievous cat, Maui, had eaten a ball of string and had to be operated on by our local vet to remove it from his stomach. He came home and was recovering well, and then suddenly he just didn't look right - he looked tired and went off his food. We took him back to our local vets and when they removed the bandage he had a hole in his chest right through to his abdomen, full of necrotic tissue. They operated on him again, but the following day the wound opened up again and the tissue was dying. They tried various antibiotics, cleaning the wound, cutting away more tissue. Nothing worked. After five days, the vet had exhausted all their options, and his condition had deteriorated. We were told he was not likely to survive, and we felt helpless not knowing why this was happening.

Our last hope was an immediate transfer to The Ralph about an hour away. Our vet packed the wound, called ahead and said The Ralph would be expecting us. As soon as we arrived, we were told their surgical team and anaesthetist were on standby for him. He was immediately taken in and we were told the surgeon would call as soon as they were out of theatre. About three hours later, the surgeon called and took a great deal of time to explain what they did. During the initial surgery at our local vet, they had made an incision in the stomach and intestine to remove the string. But the intestine incision appeared to be leaking, spreading bacteria throughout. They were able to repair this and extensively cleaned out the infection. It brought us great comfort that they didn't just treat the symptoms but immediately identified the possible root cause.

The next day we visited him in their intensive care unit - a dedicated unit that houses only cats (with a separate one for dogs). The nurses were caring for the cats like they were their own. Maui is an F2 Savannah - so very close the wild Serval cat which means he is big, strong and does have quite a lot of the wild instincts still. He is naturally scared of people he does not know. At home he is sweet, loving and loyal. But if anyone else tries to get near him, he will run away - or if backed in to a corner, will use his incredibly sharp claws and teeth to protect himself. So, he is quite possibly the worst possible patient and can be quite scary and intimidating to a vet.

The ICU was set up to minimise the stress to cats as much as possible, with pheromone diffusers and air humidifiers to make them more comfortable. But what was especially great for a cat like Maui is that they had setup the kennel so that they did not have to open it to tube feed or provide medication, reducing the stress for our very anxious boy.

We really felt a huge relief. We overheard nurses talking about some of the animals in their care. I remember hearing one say that she had been carrying one of the kittens around in her jumper. It was just so nice to see and hear how much they love the animals in their care.

One other issue we were concerned about when he was at our local vet was that he had developed an eye ulcer from the opioids, and the vet was very concerned that he needed eye drops multiple times a day, but they simply could not apply them because of his temperament. Again, The Ralph were not phased by this at all - and said they had multiple options as they have a full ophthalmology department. If necessary, they could fit a special contact lens to protect the eye. However, they were having success using a technique that squirts the medication into the eye from a distance, so it was not needed. They just have so many different capabilities and specialists in one place that I have no doubt animals have their best possible chance at this facility.

The multiple surgeries obviously took their toll on Maui. Thanks for their close monitoring on the ICU, at about 4am they noticed he was struggling to breathe. They sedated him and immediately examined him and found he had anemia and would not make it without an immediate blood transfusion. Cat blood is not readily available in the UK, so he received a dog blood transfusion, which was a success.

He is now finally on his way to making a full recovery and we have him back at home. I will be forever grateful to every single person at The Ralph - they saved his life.

Daylight robbery. Absolute sharks who prey on the fact that you love your pet. Not only was I assured (on several occasions) that there was nothing to pay due to them dealing direct with insurers, they even charged a fee for their management of insurance funds……… only then without notice to get a several thousand pound bill once my pet was put to sleep & aggressive solicitors intervention. Would never go back, and gladly tell my story to all who ask.

Would not recommend. Took my cat to extract a broken canine and the vet said they needed to sand the other one in a dome shape so that wouldn’t poke the lip which is standard for canine removal on cats I was told. However, when I received my cat the canine was indeed sanded but into a very pointy shape (even pointier than his normal canines which is silly). The cat continuously poked himself when opening and closing the mouth even drawing blood. Called to ask what could be done and why was the result different to I was told it was going to be (domed not pointy) and the doctor’s assistant was super rude. Really bad experience.

Update: regarding your response below. The point is that the what I was told just before the procedure (domed shape) was very different from the end result (super sharp point)… and when I enquired about it, I didn’t “feel” they were rude, they were definitely rude raising their voice and saying “we don’t do miracles here”.

We have been attending the Ralph for 18 months now. The service, care, professionalism and compassion that pervades the Ralph is extraordinary. The staff are so kind and we are confident that our treasured and much-loved dog is in the best and safest hands possible.