Testimonials

Dr. King spent a good amount of time discussing our two older corgis. Answered all our questions. No rushing. We have used Dr. King for 12 years for issues with our other corgis.

Macy and the women at the front desk were exceptional. Macy gave us detailed written instructions regarding medications and future calls and appointments.

My baby Dior came down with a case of FCE. I took her to Live Oak where I found the staff amazing and extremely welcoming, especially Rhonda at the front desk. Dior was quickly scanned, diagnosed and put on a treatment plan by Dr. King, and she is now walking again. Dior and I would like to personally thank everyone who took part in caring for her and making us feel welcomed. Thank you again. I would highly recommend Live Oak.

Super nice staff. Took care of my baby kitty girl. They were great with her, and let me be a part of the decision making to help her, and no pressure to do more work with her than what was needed (or could afford) Dr King was great.

Thank you for taking care of us today!!!

Our cat has been having seizures and my regular vet referred us here. Dr King is amazing. He obviously loved my kitty and was very thorough and gentle. He prescribed some meds and ordered a recheck as well as making me completely comfortable in our treatment plan. Highly recommended neurology specialist.

What an amazing and caring group—from the staff to the wonderful Dr. King. Dr. King took time and care with my furbaby. Above and beyond! We were not charged for an unnecessary MRI. In fact the doctor persuaded us to wait on it. Thank you for making my baby and our family feel better!

Outstanding. My puppies and I were treated with the utmost courtesy and respect. Their testing was.performed in a timely fashion and the results were thoroughly explained.

Dr. Santare is the absolute BEST. I’ve been seeing her for around 3 years due to the ongoing seizures my husky has. The entire office is incredibly kind, respectful, and understands that this care is no different than care for one of us. As many of you dealing with canine epilepsy know (or will know sadly if you are reading reviews on a spot to take your loved one), you navigate the unknown constantly. Random seizures that he hasn’t had before.. Medication side effects.. you name it, I’ve dealt with it. I call the front office and each of them go the extra mile to help me out (kudos to Rhonda who is always top notch at the front!).

This journey is not an easy one and we are still navigating it each day, but it helps knowing I have the full support of the entire Live Oak team. I trust the guidance of Dr. Santare and encourage those facing the same challenges as me to meet with her.

Recently, our 11 week old kitten began having seizures and our usual vet referred us to Live Oak Neurology. We were extremely nervous and worried for our sweet baby, but the staff at Live Oak were absolutely phenomenal. They listened to our concerns and understood that we had financial restrictions. Dr. Santare soothed our worries and took our concerns into account before prescribing medications. Our boy has been doing so much better since his visit at Live Oak and we owe it all to the wonderful staff. There is no better feeling than having a medical staff who cares for our beloved pet just as we do. Everyone was absolutely lovely, from the front desk to the neurologist herself! One of the sweet assistants even decorated his medicine bag and told him that she loved him before we left. Altogether, Live Oak is so wonderful and we feel blessed to have been referred to them!

I had to bring my dog, Athena, from Jacksonville on an emergency referral to Dr. Santare and the team at Live Oak. From the moment we arrived, they were nothing short of amazing. I was overwhelmed with fear, worried that Athena’s seizures could be due to a brain tumor. Dr. Santare, however, offered not just her medical expertise but also incredible emotional support. She said, ‘I’m here to think logically so you can focus on being strong for your girl,’ and those words gave me the strength I needed.

She took the time to explain every option to me with level-headed clarity, allowing me to make informed decisions while feeling supported. The team was thorough, accommodating, and truly compassionate. Thanks to Dr. Santare and the Live Oak group, Athena is still here with us, and my family and I are forever grateful.

If you’re looking for a neurologist who not only excels in their field but genuinely cares for both the pet and the family, I highly recommend them

My Vet referred me Tuesday to Live Oak Neurology to evaluate possible nerve damage to my Boxer’s left rear leg. Live Oak called me that afternoon and gave me an appointment for the next morning at 9:00 AM.
We were welcomed by name upon arriving, and were quickly taken to an exam room. The technician came and asked a few questions and had me fill out brief history then took Sissy in the back for an exam by the Neurologist.
Fortunately she was seen by Dr. Santare, who is also a Boxer owner and is very familiar with the breed. The Dr. presented me the results of her exam, and what the various reasons might be for her condition. She also discussed various diagnostic options. Give the various considerations she provided what she thought was the diagnosis. (She had a Boxer who had the same condition, and exhibited the same symptoms and history to date as mine.) We chose the least invasive and lease expensive route, considering the well being of Sissy, and would re-visit in a month.
I was very impressed with her compassion and knowledge, as well as consideration in explaining to me all of our options, and why she recommended or not, each, and what to pursue.
I left knowing what was wrong and better prepared in how to best take care of my dog.
I would highly recommend putting your pet in their care!

My 14 year old dachshund, Riley had his back go out about two months ago. I chose to go to Live Oak Veterinary Clinic because they had an MRI machine. They were a 90 minute drive from home. When I got there they were waiting for him. Within 6 hours of this happening he was in surgery. Dr Santare was his surgeon. This happened on a Thursday. Riley stayed in the ICU through the weekend. Dr Santare called me every day with updates and how he was doing. I brought him home on Monday with good instructions on how to care for him. He was on crate rest and they made a back leg harness for me to use to hold him up when he was outside to potty. At the 2 week post op check Dr Santare was confident that at his next check up in 4 weeks later Riley would be walking. She was right! He is continuing to get better and better every day. I’m so grateful to Dr Santare and the rest of the staff for taking such great care of Riley during his stay. I’m so happy to still have my Riley! Yes, it was expensive but it was money well spent. Riley was with me during some of the toughest times in my life. I needed to be there for him during his toughest time as well.

Our dog Dachshund/Beagle mix got acute low back pain. Saw our vet. That night trouble controlling legs Back to our vet Saturday felt ruptured disc given steroids. Gait improves but not 100%. Read numerous articles on this, treatment and cost ($6000-9,000). Monday call only neurologist in town (orange park). Can see him 3/7. Call UF small vet Er (at capacity on weekend. Same deal Monday.) Won’t see my pet. Which is same distance south as heading north to Dr King. Called Live Oak-Immediate appointment same week (staff at front recognized gravity). Drove up there 2.5 hours. Exam done. Likely disc on spinal cord. Plan is anesthesia for MRI — if positive and I agree will go right into surgery. Again. I had READ numerous articles. I read Live Oak web page. Also called locally. Places do surgery but only have CT and would need MRI. Gave me paperwork with low end & high end for all care including weekend stay at on site hospital with 24 hour staff. Saw my dog day after surgery. WALKING normal. Had bodily functions. Got updates. Going to get him tomorrow. Any pet owner should read up before going. Understand how specialized his training is. And unfortunately this stuff is expensive— but in-line with what I had read (both treatment and charges). Don’t have final bill yet. My dog is only 5! If older I may have made different choices. As side note I saw other pet owner who was leaving office Had been seen. Going home to think about MRI (no pressure from staff out front to do it). I am GRATEFUL this clinic is here and Dr King is here. Living in NE FL not a lot of choices and really angry UF vet (college for vets) would decline care on a straightforward case. Can’t say enough great things about Dr. King , clinic & hospital
PS get pet insurance early if you can afford it. Good plans cover this stuff

I cannot say enough about how warm and compassionate everyone who works here was during a truly horrible situation we had with our cat. Dr. Santare was amazing. Her warmth, her communication skills, and her expertise were the best we have ever experienced in years of care for our various pets over the years. I only wish they had an office in Jacksonville, FL where we live. Thank you so much, Live Oak.

I had to take my standard Dachshund, Tucker in last May for emergency surgery for a disc. Dr King and his staff kept me updated on Tucker’s condition during his recuperation. The physical therapy was very beneficial Recently I had to take Tucker back. He had a new very painful problem and it was decided after much soul searching to put him to sleep. Dr King & his staff were very helpful and supportive. We love our fur babies, and this loss was so hard but thanks to all who got me through it. I’ll miss Tucker but I am so glad for the support and compassion. Thank you all.

Live Oak Veterinary Neurology has such an amazing team! They genuinely care about your furry family and want only the best for them. The staff was incredibly understanding and helpful even with my giant wild beast. They are truly the embodiment of best medical practices. 15/10!!!

Why do I love this place! There are no words to describe the love and care Sweetpea received the moment we opened the door! Dr. King & his amazing staff have won our trust & hearts !

Very friendly staff. Doctors are knowledgeable. They provide estimates for procedures so you have a run out of all that is involved financially.

Great veterinarians and an awesome staff. They take great care of my Neo Mastiff. When she enters through the doors she brightens up as if she knows she has caring friends taking care of her.

Everyone here was incredible. They got us right in and spent a ton of time talking to us about options for procedures and recovery.