I would like to share my family's story so that my dog's death can potentially help others. We first took our dog to Greenbriar Animal Hospital at the end of May with a small lump, about the size of a quarter, on her axilla (armpit). They vets were unable to diagnose exactly what it was, but thought it was a reaction to something and was prescribed prednisone and a skin cream. The lump shrank a little, however it quickly began to grow again. We then took her back and they increased the prednisone, again to no avail. The third time we took her in for the lump, which was now about the diameter of a baseball, she was prescribed antibiotics, but again there was no noticeable change in the lump. Greenbriar then recommended surgery, with the diagnosis still being unknown. We allowed Greenbriar to operate on our dog, and we finally thought the problem was solved. They sent the lump off to pathology for biopsy, where they explicitly told us "For sure she does NOT have cancer" and diagnosed it as Eosinophilic Granulomatous Inflammation. Less than a week after surgery (while she was again on prednisone and antibiotics), she started to develop an infection of the skin around the area of the surgery. The vets told us this was normal because of her breed, and it would take several months to properly heal. Over the next few weeks her infection continued to spread and get worse, until eventually it had consumed her entire stomach/abdomen region. Her skin had become extremely edematous (swollen) and ulcerative, with an oozy/bloody appearance. Again Greenbriar told us this was normal and not to worry. After four weeks of significant infection with no improvement and worsening condition post-surgery,we decided that we needed to take her to a new vet for a second opinion. At the new vet appointment, they took samples of the infection for culture: upon return of the culture, they found that Greenbriar had TWICE prescribed antibiotics that her infection was resistant to, while simultaneously having her on prednisone (which is an immunosuppressant). The new vet quickly prescribed the proper antibiotics, however at this point the infection was so bad that we were forced to see a veterinary dermatologist. This, unfortunately, was too little too late, and our dog passed away a few days later. Her infection was now all over her entire stomach and starting to spread up her sides, and she had lost so much weight she could have been on a commercial for animal abuse. And, to top things off, the surgical biopsy was re-examined (upon recommendation from the veterinary dermatologist), and then they said she DID have cancer. I believe that Greenbriar did not handle a single aspect of our dog's case correctly: they were unable to diagnosis the lump, twice prescribed antibiotics that her infection was resistant to while simultaneously being on prednisone (again, an immunosuppressant), they told us that she for sure did not have cancer when in fact she did, and they acted like her skin infection post-op was normal and nothing to be concerned about. My family is very sorry that we did not seek a second opinion sooner and trusted Greenbriar with our pet's life, as she suffered horribly for the last weeks of her life. If this were a case with a human being, the physicians in question would be facing a substantial lawsuit for medical malpractice.

Dr. Oglesby is very caring and helpful. He really went above and beyond to help our cat who needed multiple surgeries as a result of bladder stones. We really felt our pet was loved and cared for during his extended stay, and they were excellent about keeping us informed throughout the ordeal. When other vets would have given up and advised us to put the cat down, Dr. Oglesby worked with us and went out of his way to find solutions so that we could save our pet and give him quality of life. I will NEVER take any of our pets to another vet. These people care.

Dr Oglesby is simply a great guy and a knowledgeable professional ... I will stay with Greenbriar without hesitation.

Greenbriar cared for our dog for 5 years. She had several problems and they never forced any treatment. They simply gave me the diagnosis and options. They took time to explain in detail the pros and cons of all options. They gave me references to research and come to my own conclusions. However, if I asked "what if it was your dog?" They would answer but never push or judge. At one point when we were out of town and forced to see another veterinarian they told us we would have to put her down but thankfully I decided to rush home and see Dr. Oglesby. He diagnosed her condition and saved her life. They stay current with all the latest drugs and treatments. The staff is friendly and well organized. When the time finally came they were organized, comforting, and caring. This is the best Animal Hospital in Jacksonville.

Dr. Oglesby is friendly and ultimately took care of the reason I was there. The only problem I have is the same problem I have with every vet, they dip their hands into your pocket with out discussing it with you first. When I questioned how the bill almost tripled, I was told that if I "do not like it you do not have to return." All I wanted was an itemized bill to look at prior to paying. In my experience this is the way all vets operate and all else being equal I will return to them. Just make it clear to them you will not pay for any service or product without prior consent or else you might as well give them a signed blank check.