For starters, Dr. Ballagas is an orthopaedic surgeon so this could be a case of mistaken identity if the prior post referenced some sort of kidney issue. I can say without reservation that my experiences with Dr. Ballagas have been absolutely positive. He is kind, considerate and responsive in addition to being a great veteranarian and surgeon. My dachshund required back surgery in 2007 and she was very well cared for. She was actually misdiagnosed by our primary vet with a leg injury which was quickly determined to be a blown disc. Further tests confirmed her condition and surgery was the only way to spare our pet. We had a lot of questions which were very patiently and compassionately answered and we were definitely given very specific home care instructions (more than once), time frames for recovery as well as the prognosis of a positive outcome. I would highly recommend Dr. Ballagas to anyone whose dog required his services.