Haustierärztliche Praxis Niederhofer UG

Since most people only give feedback when things haven't gone well, we think it's perfectly acceptable to leave a review when everything is excellent. Mr. Niederhofer has been our veterinarian for many years; his competence and experience are immediately apparent. He's also always there for us with helpful tips and tricks. We are thrilled with him and his work and will definitely remain loyal customers. Now, about the team: they always try their best to accommodate us, even last-minute appointments, and everyone is always in good spirits. Five stars for that too! We and our animals feel very comfortable and in very good hands!

On July 25, 2025, we had to let Cash go; the circumstances are still difficult to bear. Up until that day, we had only positive experiences and felt we were in excellent hands. What happened next defies imagination. Unfortunately, Dr. N. was not present, and another doctor/surgeon treated us. I was there with my friend S. Köpke, who gave birth to Cash's firstborn and was the first dog mother, not some distant acquaintance or outsider involved, as claimed. The severe pain was supposedly coming from her abdomen, which the ultrasound would also show, as far as communication was possible. We repeatedly pointed out the back, as we had experience with slipped discs in bulldogs and we know our animals. No, it was her abdomen – a Buscopan injection and that was it – she'd soon be better. Besides, the dog was supposedly panicking because of... Heat and shortness of breath, they told me to put him in a container of ice water 😡 Cash had already had surgery on his soft palate, as well as nostril enlargement, and he wasn't unnecessarily exposed to heat. As I said, I know my dog ​​and could rule that out. There was no change in the morning, and nothing changed in the afternoon, so I went back again. Since I also had an appointment, my friend took Cash and presented him again. She also reported her observations and said it must be something wrong with his back. Again, there was no hearing, no recommendation for an X-ray or a second opinion, as had been claimed. At home, the pain worsened noticeably. I consulted Dr. Niederhofer via WhatsApp, and he responded to messages, pictures, and videos – but he didn't advise going to a clinic or suggest it was a slipped disc. I was left to believe it could all be caused by the abdominal pain. The next morning, my dog ​​was paralyzed, unable to urinate or defecate on his own; there was total paralysis in his lumbar region. Completely distraught, we went back to the vet's office, not for the final farewell, of course, but to finally get some help. When the vet saw us, he squinted, as if to say, "What do you want now?" It was too late for help now; Cash could have had surgery the day before, but now the damage was too severe. Now that the vet saw my dog ​​was paralyzed, he brought an X-ray. 🫣 That same day, Dr. N. was there and conducted his consultation with us. I found his usual flippant manner so inappropriate and unempathetic, as I was being told that my dog ​​no longer had a chance at a fulfilling life and that I had to choose between severe disability and euthanasia. We were so shocked and in a state of shock because we had tried so many times to get help. We couldn't comprehend it, as it was only in this situation that we discovered Dr. N., according to our report and video footage, had the same suspicion as us from the very beginning, but said there was nothing to argue with a colleague's diagnosis. And much more that I don't want to list here, as I can't prove it. After several calls and consultations, I came to the conclusion that a life in a wheelchair and being exploited for life was out of the question for my lively, 4-year-old, hitherto healthy, bouncy dog. Even the final journey was horrific; Cash didn't want to leave, the doctor couldn't find a vein in his leg and simply jammed the needle into his heart without any further warning that the end was near, which felt agonizingly long. Then there was another inappropriate comment like, "You were a good one, you fat blockhead." I was stunned and speechless. We left the doctor's office and drove Cash home so his beloved friend Elvis could say goodbye. After a few days, once this traumatic experience had subsided somewhat, we felt the entire procedure was unjustified and reported the treatment error to the police and the veterinary office. Unfortunately, the practice's statement contained only untruths, so my complaint was rejected 😭💔

Patrick Niederhofer and his team are simply fantastic. We even travel all the way from Hamburg to see him, and my dog ​​loves it too. He's incredibly professional and personable. He always has helpful tips that don't cost much and often have a homeopathic approach. His prices are reasonable, too. Thanks again from Willi.

The practice team is very loving, friendly, and helpful, and Dr. Patrick Niederhofer is truly a fantastic doctor—very personable and straightforward. He helped both my cats immediately without hesitation, no lengthy experiments, and surgery appointments were arranged quickly. My little one was able to come in for her appointment and had surgery right away. Many thanks and best regards from Timmy and Bella