Highcroft Whitchurch Veterinary Hospital

Reviews of Highcroft Whitchurch Veterinary Hospital

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  Gwyneth Rees [Freelance]

  Google · 14 February 2026

  I don’t wish to criticise the vets (they were v nice people) but my leopard tortoise recently died and was left to suffer terribly for weeks by what I feel was inconsistent and slow treatment. I feel if they had treated this case involving a fatal infection with more urgency, she may well still be with us. Jambo had become very ill a few weeks earlier - gasping for air, not eating, lethargic, coughing. I took her to the vets v alarmed. They said she 99 per cent probably had a very serious infection (mycoplasma) that could prove fatal. She would need antibiotics, but I was strongly advised to do a swab first. Not wanting to go against this advice, I chose the swab and waited. The results took 8(!) days to come back, while Jambo just got worse. I was so worried, but when I asked again about the antibiotics, I was advised by a different vet to wait for the result. Again, I stupidly listened. Jambo had the infection. I booked her in for a tube to be fitted for antibiotics, but she laid eggs and couldn’t have it. I was told to take her home, and see if she got better. I was also told I could give her oral antibiotics if she began eating. She ate a tiny amount so being totally clueless, I opted for this. But Jambo was so ill, she stopped eating. She was gasping for air, making terrible noises, unable to walk. At one point, I rang the vets, told them Google and AI said she was going to die, and I was reassured this wasn’t so. I also told the vet Jambo hadn’t eaten for weeks, and was told this wasn’t a problem as tortoises could go for months without eating. Throughout this time, I was totally distressed – trying to do all these totally pointless things the vet had suggested, such as vitamin baths and nasal flushes. They offered bloods, x-rays – all kinds of pointless things – when she just needed urgent antibiotics. The mixed messages just left me so baffled. 1) your tortoise has a deadly infection 2) She needs urgent antibiotics 3) Let’s wait 8 days for swab results. 4) Oh, she’s laid eggs, so maybe now she will get better. 5) Tube or oral antibiotics – no big deal, you choose. Because of these totally confusing messages, I began to doubt my own instincts. I literally told myself that the vets were chilled, so I just needed to chill out. By the time I had organised another antibiotic tube to be fitted, Jambo had died. I literally drove her in, dead. The vet told me – on examining her body – that she was utterly emaciated. Jambo died gasping for breath, unable to walk, absolutely starving and with weeping eyes. I spent so much time with her in those last weeks, desperately trying to care for her and getting her to eat, probably distressing her. And it was all pointless. Fundamentally, she died suffering. My partner and I have been left absolutely crippled by guilt that we let her die and suffer, and that we didn’t get her the treatment she needed in time to give her a chance. How is this okay? We have sobbed for days & felt very angry. The vets have said they are sorry she died, but that they followed antibiotic protocol, that I was always given a full range of options, and invited back for appointments. They say I made all the decisions about Jambo’s care – not them. This is all completely accurate. But… where was the common sense? Where was the leadership? Where was the urgency and experience? Could the protocol not have been ignored for a pet this ill? Why did they not just say: “She is seriously sick, may die; we need to treat her immediately.” I basically feel that I let my pet die, and this is something I will have to live with forever.

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  Pei

  Google · 6 February 2026

  Doctor Paige is amazing, knowledgeable, communicate things clearly and cares for our beardie. Sending lizard love 💕

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  Sophie Price

  Google · 16 January 2026

  Echoing another review that this is by far the best vets we've ever been to! I actually can't believe the difference in time, care and attention we've received here compared to the numerous vets I've used in the past. We were seen by Paige recently for one of our pet rabbits Ruby who unfortunately fell poorly. She really took the time in examining Ruby and explaining exactly what she was doing and why. When it came to treatment options she didn't rush us at all even though we were being very indecisive! She gave us the time and space to decide and answered all of our questions. When we got the results back I missed her call but she sent a really detailed email and when I called back she again took the time to explain everything in detail and answer my questions. The reception team have also been brilliant, replying and actioning things quickly and going above and beyond with their support. Highly recommend this vet, especially to anyone with rabbits!

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  Georgina Barney

  Google · 1 January 2026

  This was by far the best vets we have been to. We originally called and communicated through email. Everybody involved was very helpful. We then came in for a consultation. The staff at the desks were incredibly kind, helpful and professional. We were seen by both exotic vets who were so informative, friendly and very reassuring. 5 stars from us.

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  Steve Elliott

  Google · 29 October 2025

  I had to visit out of hours with my very pregnant dog. I had very supportive initial contact. .then decided I needed to visit .This was all out of hours .they couldn't have been more helpful. Beth delivered 7 lovely healthy puppies. eventually . Thankyou for your help.

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