Kleintierpraxis Dr. Hemmes | Fachpraxis für Tierzahnheilkunde

Until a few years ago, I didn't even know that veterinary dentists existed. Unfortunately, our dogs and cats frequently have dental problems—from tartar buildup and broken teeth to serious illnesses—that we probably wouldn't have noticed otherwise (apart from the broken tooth). This would have caused the animals unnecessary suffering. Yes, treatment isn't cheap, and pet insurance is definitely recommended. But Ms. Hemmes and her team hold themselves and their work to the same standards as human dentistry.

I had mixed experiences with the practice. The staff were consistently very nice and friendly, and you initially feel well cared for. However, I would recommend getting a second opinion. In our case, my cat was diagnosed with FORL (Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions), and the recommendation was made to have almost all of his teeth extracted. He was given the appropriate medication for this (it was all very expensive). However, at another veterinary clinic, I was told that this medication was very strong and not usually prescribed. After a further examination, it turned out that ultimately only four teeth needed to be removed. I don't want to accuse anyone of anything, but I got the impression that the financial aspect played a bigger role than the animal's well-being.

For dental treatments, I would never go to any other veterinary practice than Dr. Hemmes! I've had truly awful experiences with my two cats at a few other practices, and Dr. Hemmes fixed everything that had gone wrong. She has incredible expertise and is also incredibly kind and friendly. She takes a lot of time for questions, explanations, and follow-up discussions. Everything is transparent at this practice – treatment and costs. Even though it's a lot of money, it was worth every penny. Many thanks to everyone at this wonderful practice!

We were there with our Yorkie, Mia, on Monday for an appointment, and yesterday for dental treatment. After a thorough preliminary examination and explanation of what would happen during the surgery, we went to the practice on Thursday for Mia's surgery. Mia is a high-risk anesthesia patient and had to be resuscitated during another surgery with a different veterinarian in August. Regular anesthesia is therefore no longer an option for Mia. So we were very anxious and are glad to have found Dr. Hemmes, who performs gentle inhalation anesthesia with monitor monitoring. We also felt safe thanks to the excellent and detailed explanation. I left my dog ​​at the practice and left with a queasy but also a good feeling. I waited for a call, where, after the X-rays, I was explained exactly what needed to be done. We decided on a split surgery, meaning two operations, since all the teeth had to be removed (no, we hadn't noticed it before, as the other vets only talked about "removing a little tartar"). The phone call ended, and now things really got started with Mia. At some point, I drove back to the practice and waited there. The team there is very friendly, and you don't feel like you're being a nuisance, even with questions. Then the dog was finished, and until we finally brought her out of the anesthesia, Dr. Hemmes explained to me exactly what she had done using the x-rays and photos. The teeth were sorted in a box, so she could show me which tooth was in the picture. Now I got my little girl back in my arms. She was still a little shaky, but that quickly subsided. After 30 minutes, we put her on the floor to check if everything was neurologically okay. Mia then walked around, a bit wobbly at first, but she was interested in the small treatment room (the operating room is separate) and marked it as hers. So she could pee too ;-) She was back on her feet pretty quickly, and we were able to go home quickly. And I have to say, it was well past closing time, yet everyone was nice and no one was pushing. I didn't even notice how late it was. At home, Mia acted as if she'd never been under anesthesia. She was allowed to eat a little and is still just as fit today. Sure, her entire right side is now toothless; it was stitched up, and just like with us humans, it's uncomfortable at first. But apart from a little smacking, we had a really good night, and Mia is doing well. In January, the other side of her teeth will be done, and now I don't have such a queasy feeling beforehand. I can wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Hemmes' practice. And it's certainly not a cheap undertaking, because quality has its price. But it's certainly justified, given the surgical standards used in the practice, and I think we owe it to our animals as family members. Today, however, we're off for a follow-up appointment. And just to think, the communication between the practice and the patient is excellent. Whether by email, fax, or phone, they respond very promptly. A fantastic team! Photos taken shortly after the anesthesia, outside the practice in the evening, and then back at home.

I must first give a huge compliment 😉 to every single person on the team; everyone is incredibly kind, friendly, and competent. Since my cat Nola was suffering from a severe gum infection that unfortunately didn't improve with antibiotics, my gut feeling told me I needed and wanted to return to the practice. A few teeth had already been extracted there in 2019, and everything went perfectly. Dr. Hemmes examined him very thoroughly and then took a lot of time to explain everything to me in great detail. She addressed every question and every request. Due to typical breed-related health issues, a heart ultrasound and blood tests were performed beforehand to plan the surgery precisely and avoid any potential complications. I'd also like to thank my colleagues at the practice who were able to offer me a sooner appointment at short notice so the surgery could take place sooner. The surgery was quite involved, but I was so happy and relieved to hold my cat in my arms again that evening. The latest technologies are a huge benefit to the animals, because the anesthesia is so gentle. The vets know half an hour in advance how the animal will be doing, allowing them to act quickly and effectively, which is incredibly reassuring for pet owners. Of course, I was very worried about my little one, but Dr. Hemmes reassured me before the surgery, explained what needed to be done, and kept me constantly informed. Many people complain about high veterinary costs. Of course, it is expensive, but you mustn't forget that this team consists of four highly trained professionals who operate on each animal with great care and attention, using the latest therapies, equipment, and monitoring systems, and they also take excellent care of the animal. She is simply outstanding in her field, and you can entrust your pet to her with complete confidence, knowing that she will do a truly excellent job. The new veterinary fee schedule (GOT) also drives up costs. I also had the team handle the postoperative care because it was important to me that the surgeon oversee it, and that was absolutely no problem. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for taking such good care of my cat and returning him to me safe and sound. It's not just the professional expertise that counts, but especially the human touch; you should never forget that in these kinds of professions, and everyone there has a heart of gold. I would, of course, go back to this practice. Now my cat is toothless, but happy and pain-free! And so am I! I just have one tiny suggestion for improvement, or rather, a request. I don't think it's possible for everyone to pay the full amount on the day of surgery, especially for such a major and complex procedure. Owner consent is always obtained beforehand, after the cost estimate, and must, of course, be paid. Perhaps there's the option of splitting the payment and paying by invoice within a certain timeframe. I didn't specifically ask, so I don't know if this is possible. It would also be nice to be informed of the separate lab costs in advance, so that one can prepare for the extra expenses :)