Edmond Tan Veterinary Surgery - 151 Serangoon North Ave. 2

Dr Edmond Tan is friendly and provide lots of good advices on the after surgery care for my dog.

It is difficult for me to write a negative review, but I’m going to be as fair as I can. I chose Dr Tan over the other vet chain in the area mainly because of his stellar reviews. I brought my new rescue dog to him for a persistent ear infection. Dr Tan felt that it might be either a mite or a yeast infection based on the appearance and smell. No swab test was done. We were prescribed a sequence of 4 ear products, to be applied every day. The bottles had no ingredient list or branding, just labelled simply “ear cleaner” or “biologic powder”. It felt strange, but I went along with it. Despite diligent cleaning with the products as instructed, the infection seemed to be getting worse. It looked like I hadn’t even bothered to clean, and my dog’s ear was getting filled with more wet, black discharge. After 2 weeks, I decided to take the doggo to another vet (a vet chain which has been accused of “over-testing” in their reviews). They did a simple swab test, which I was told is standard practice. The test came back within 20 minutes and revealed a bacterial infection, not mite or yeast. Because there were no ingredients listed on Dr Tan’s medication, this vet could not assess if the previous treatment had had any effect, and we were advised to stop using it. Instead, we were prescribed just one anti-bacterial ear drop. Within 3 days of using the new medication, the infection had completely cleared - no more discharge, no more constant ear-scratching. I understand that in the practice of medicine, doctors must walk a fine line between testing too much and testing too little. Sometimes one has to trust their clinical judgment and avoid expensive and invasive tests. Other times the tests are necessary for an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. It’s clear from the other reviews that Dr Tan’s loyal clients value his strong preference for clinical assessment and reasoning over doing tests that may be unnecessary. It just happened to be the wrong decision in this case, as it was for the other reviewer whose dog had a fractured limb that did not receive an X-ray. I just wish I had been offered the option of doing the test anyway, which I was not. It is also jarring to hear a vet, whom we trust to provide evidence-based and up to date information, cling on to outdated beliefs about pack theory. He advised me to always maintain my status as the “pack leader” to avoid my dog “dominating” over me and being the “alpha male” - outdated concepts that have been since debunked and retracted by the very scientists who originally performed those studies in wolves. I am not going to give 1 star, because I do recognise the positives and things I could have done differently on my end. - Firstly, Dr Tan’s bedside manner is indeed excellent. He recognised that my dog was afraid, and approached in a calm, non-threatening manner. He was gentle, nurturing and practical in his advice. - Secondly, instead of choosing to go elsewhere when the treatment didn’t work, I could have returned for a follow up visit with Dr Tan, during which the diagnosis could have been reassessed, and the correct medication prescribed. Sometimes doctors just don’t get it right on the first try, and that’s just how it is. It’s possible that the treatment that usually works for everyone just didn’t work in this case, and it wouldn’t be fair to judge entirely on one visit. But who can blame a pet parent for wanting the right answer the first time? Which is why after the ear infection persisted despite treatment, I chose to go elsewhere. So, in summary, I’d advise caution when visiting Dr Tan. He clearly has a loyal client base that he has built up over decades, and tons of great reviews - that must count for something. He does have excellent bedside manner, and I’m sure he will handle your pet with gentle care and patience. I just regret that my visit here, even if for just an ear infection, didn’t give me and my doggo the cure we were hoping for.

One of our most trusted and experienced doctors. Been visiting Dr. Tan for our golden retriever from the time she came into our lives (4 months) and we value his experience and advice at every stage. He does not believe in excessive medicine or expensive tests unless absolutely necessary.

Decided to bring my dog here because of all the good reviews but was very disappointed. I brought my dog in as I thought he had an ear infection as there was a foul smelling coming from it. I agree with the other reviews that Dr Tan does have very good bedside manners – he was very friendly towards my dog. After that however, the horrors began. He told me that my dog did not have an ear infection but the skin was not in good condition. I kept emphasizing to him that I know my dog has sensitive skin but I feel that the skin was in a good condition as compared to previously as I now bathe him twice a week and I keep his fur short and clean. My main concern today was his ears. However, he kept harping on the skin, he kept trying to advise me to bathe everyday and to change his food from dry kibbles to home cooked food. I understand his good intentions but sometimes it is just not feasible for everyone to provide their dog with home cooked food due to time constraints and some people do not cook at home. Afterwards, he proceeded to tell me that my dog needed an injection for inflammation. However, initially he said my dog does not have any ear infection so I was very confused but I respected him and just let him go ahead. At this point in time, he did not advise about the cost of the injection or the subsequent medications even though I understand other reviews mentioned that he was very transparent and ethical. At the end of the day, apart from the injection, he prescribed my dog with 4 bottles of ear cleaner, a big bottle of shampoo (even though I did not come here for skin problems) and 3 oral medications without explaining what they were for. I was very upset because he kept focusing on my dog’s skin when I came here because of the ears and he did not consider my concerns at all. I was left confused because his words did not match what he prescribed – he mentioned no infection but he gave 4 bottles of ear cleaner that the receptionist auntie said was for ear infection. Does he simply prescribe 4 bottles for every dog with an ear problem? I tried to clarify more but the receptionist was very rude towards me. I did not want to take the shampoo as I was not keen on changing my dog’s shampoo but she kept insisting that the doctor has prescribed it already and that she has packed it and billed it. She kept making the ‘Tsk’ sound at me. She even wanted me to pay for the stickers wasted on the shampoo which I felt was very ridiculous. At the end of the day, I wondered if an injection, 3 oral medications and 4 bottles of ear cleaner was really necessary for my dog’s ear which the doctor himself said there was no infection? I would never know. In conclusion, come to this clinic if you prioritize good bedside manners and feel that you would like a doctor who would tell you what to do based on what he feels is right without any consideration for YOUR OWN concerns for YOUR dog. Oh, and if you don’t mind a rude receptionist.

Doctor is gentle and patiently with explain why or how my dog condition. And will let me know what to do. He don't look like vet dog ask owner do a lot of test spend a lot of money. He straight forward tell u still can or cannot.

This vet is one of the most experienced around. Very knowledgeable and extremely patient with owners with their questions. He is also very trust worthy dishing out honest perspectives.

Very rude aunty receptionist with no knowledge and raising her voice in the call. Won’t wish to step in at all, is so unprofessional and bad customer service! Please train up your employee

Please don’t bring your pet to this place if you want proper treatment. Extremely unfriendly and rude receptionist. Vet also did not bother collecting any history about my pet, managed by just “looking” literally done nothing during the session, but gave a bunch of medication which cost me a lot of money. Definitely over-charging as compared to most places out there. The ONLY good point about this place is that the vet seemed friendly, but probably has poor knowledge, because instead of helping my pet, I ended up having to send him to emergency hospital the very next day. Really. Don’t go this place.