Roberts, Darryl, DVM - Gulf Coast Veterinary Specs

I have never written on online review, but believe so strongly that Gulf Coast is unscrupulous, that I had to share the information and warn others. Gulf Coast is definitely run with a focus on business and not the welfare of your pet. The vets are ok, but did not communicate to us all the tests they were running on our dog. Two days in a row, they called with a balance update but did not provide an update for the remaining two days or dog was there and said they were just monitoring our dog. We were then charged $4,000 over the $2,000 estimate we had agreed to pay - a total of $6,000 for simple monitoring and running a few tests that they did not communicate they were running. They did call with updates on how my dog had slept, if she ate or not, etc., but no mention of a increasing balance of thousands of dollars. When we questioned the bill, they were very rude and threatening. We now can't afford to get a second opinion. I truly believe the people running the facility are deceitful. Other options are Texas A&M and Sugar Land Veterinary Specialists. I hope by sharing this, I am preventing a painful and costly experience for someone else. Please don't take your pet there. more

I have never written on online review, but believe so strongly that Gulf Coast is unscrupulous, that I had to share the information and warn others. Gulf Coast is definitely run with a focus on business and not the welfare of your pet. The vets are ok, but did not communicate to us all the tests they were running on our dog. Two days in a row, they called with a balance update but did not provide an update for the remaining two days or dog was there and said they were just monitoring our dog. We were then charged $4,000 over the $2,000 estimate we had agreed to pay - a total of $6,000 for simple monitoring and running a few tests that they did not communicate they were running. They did call with updates on how my dog had slept, if she ate or not, etc., but no mention of a increasing balance of thousands of dollars. When we questioned the bill, they were very rude and threatening. We now can't afford to get a second opinion. I truly believe the people running the facility are deceitful. Other options are Texas A&M and Sugar Land Veterinary Specialists. I hope by sharing this, I am preventing a painful and costly experience for someone else. Please don't take your pet there. more

My cat had a ruptured bladder. They operated on her at Gulf Coast, sent her home after two days--even though she wasn't eating as much as she should--and two days later I had to bring her back because she wasn't eating or urinating at all. It turned out her bladder was leaking again. They were ready to charge me another $3000-$4000 dollars before they even bothered to find out if they had made a mistake in the surgery. Not wanting to cause my cat any more unnecessary trauma, I took her to the Veterinary Emergency Referral Group on Katy Freeway instead. They did the surgery immediately, and the surgeon told me they found another hole in the bladder. Later, when it appeared that there still might be leakage, the surgeon at V.E.R.G.I. was willing to go in again without charging me. Luckily, he didn't have to because what had looked like a leak turned out to be just residual liquid from when they had washed out her abdominal cavity. She appeared to be on the mend but was still not eating much. Because I worked long hours and wasn't able to monitor her as much as she needed, I asked them to keep her there until we were sure that she was eating, drinking, and urinating normally. They kept watch on her for a total of SIX days, and the entire bill (including the surgery) from V.E.R.G.I was still slightly less than the bill I paid at Gulf Coast. My impression of Gulf Coast is that it's all about the money. In fact, on the surgical discharge summary that they give you to sign before they bring you your pet, it states in bold print: ?I understand that if further services are required for my pet (even if treatment of the same condition), additional expenses will occur, including recheck examinations, hospitalization, sedation, medication, diagnostic tests, x-rays, and bandage changes.? I think that pretty much sums up their whole attitude. Cons: Overpriced, over-rated, unethical more

After my dog was diagnosed with cancer in his stomach, i took my dog here to find what my options were. The Oncology Dr did not even take the time to examine my dog or explain what the chances for survival were. Instead she spoke for about 20 minutes telling us what exams my baby would have to endure knowing that his cancer was so advanced that he would not survive with a $900 price tag. I walked out and that same day i consulted with my vet and he was honest and told me that no matter how much money I spent on my baby, he probably wouldnt make it. I decided to put him to sleep and end his suffering. Gulf Coast is heartless and only cares about making a buck and not the well being of my dog or their customers. more

The emergency vet that charges $35 for a free sample and always has the out of order sign on the coffee. Taking itemized billing to a new level. But then my vet needs her kickback so you now.... Pros: probably good service Cons: most donations, cutting costs and highest cost more

My 5yr old mini dashchund, Andy, would periodically mope around. Having 3 siblings that are dashchunds as well I knew there was a possibility of back issues. I've always gone to A&M for back issues in the past. They were unavailable so my regular vet insisted I go to Gulf Coast. Paniced and prayerful I met Dr. Randy Longshore there. He was incredible and very thorough. When he showed me Andy's CAT scan I was amazed to see that there were 8 disc's in question. Andy had surgery with Dr. Longshore and is running and playing free of pain today! Only 3 months later. The care was incredible and Dr. Longshore is compasionate (he has a dashchund named Emmot), thorough, and talented! Pros: I would have never known Cons: referral only more

My 5yr old mini dashchund, Andy, would periodically mope around. Having 3 siblings that are dashchunds as well I knew there was a possibility of back issues. I've always gone to A&M for back issues in the past. They were unavailable so my regular vet insisted I go to Gulf Coast. Paniced and prayerful I met Dr. Randy Longshore there. He was incredible and very thorough. When he showed me Andy's CAT scan I was amazed to see that there were 8 disc's in question. Andy had surgery with Dr. Longshore and is running and playing free of pain today! Only 3 months later. The care was incredible and Dr. Longshore is compasionate (he has a dashchund named Emmot), thorough, and talented! Pros: I would have never known Cons: referral only more

There are reviews written about GCVS saying the staff aren't empathetic or compassionate. I found the exact opposite to be true. All of the vets and vet techs are remarkable. My 5 year old dog was diagnosed with liver problems. They took the time, typically around 30 or 45 minutes EACH visit to explain to me exactly what was wrong with my dog, the treatment options available, what the treatments we'd been trying were doing, what the treatments could and couldn't do, even the science of organs and what my dog's disease was doing to her body. My dog was in the hospital twice over the weekend, and the vets let us come see her even on Sunday when the entire place is closed. On week days after I off work, they would let me come and sit with her in the ICU for a lot longer than I was supposed to. The vets gave me their personal cell phone numbers and email addresses, and said to contact them with any questions or concerns. they did everything (EVERYTHING) possible to save my dog; they researched in their spare time, they spoke with other vets they knew, and they genuinely got to know me and my dog. They very obviously cared deeply for her. I will say, however, that the price is incredibly prohibitive and almost to the point of being ridiculous. But they knew that my goal was to do whatever it took to save her, and I ended up spending about 14 thousand for all of my dog's procedures, medications, hospital stays, etc. But I wouldn't take back one penny. Even though we weren't able to save my dog, I know in my heart that I and the vets at GCVS did our very best. i have no regrets. I had to put her down in March 2009. When I made the decision to finally put her down, one vet I had been working with came into the appointment room and just sat with me while I cried. and later, the vet tech that brought my dog into the room when we were going to put her to sleep was crying, and told me ""we love her. everyone is grieving with you."" After it was over, I was sitting in the waiting room, and another vet tech I had been working with came over and was crying also and gave me a big hug and told me to call her if I ever needed anything. This situation was one of the worst things I've ever been through, and without the support and genuine care of GCVS it would've been even worse. I don't know where the negative reviews are coming from, because everyone at GCVS is amazing. Pros: Knowledge and determination of staff, compassion Cons: Cost, sometimes it takes awhile to get back to see your pet more

Just so you all are aware, Dr. Darryl Roberts is no longer with us. He departed this world a few years ago leaving a wife and child. He will be remembered forever in our hearts. We loved him dearly. 2008 more

GCVS is a great facility with the best doctors. I was greeted the moment I walked thru the door. The doctors and staff are highly educated and the best in their field. They go above and beyond for their clients and pets. Yes, they are costly, but you get what you pay for. After a bad experience, GCVS corrected a mistake made by another vet and now my pet is doing great and couldn't be better. They focus on the ""little things"". I can't say enough about the doctors and staff at GCVS. I think they are the best. I would recommend them to anyone who has the love and compassion for their pets as I do. The surgery and neurology department has the best customer service in all the medical facilities I've ever been to. Kuddos. Pros: Wonderful staff, beautiful facility, CLEAN, on the ball Cons: parking more

GCVS has a strong reputation for having the finest and most knowlegable doctors you can find! Combined with a wonderful and friendly staff, beautiful facility, clean environment & courteous customer service, we absolutely love this place! We had a wonderful experience and would highly recommend GCVS. The doctors in internal medicine are amazing and all of the staff helped us in every way!! A+ Pros: Wonderful doctors, caring staff and amazing facility! My pet was treated in the best way! more

I cannot say enough wonderful things about this amazing place! The doctors and staff took such great care of our dog. The doctor in internal medicine was so precise, friendly, caring and thorough. All of the staff helped us through every aspect of our experience. Thank goodness for GCVS!! I highly recommend the staff, customer service, environment and care to everyone! more

Have had enough exposure to the clinic to realize that there seems to be a lot of arrogance in the atmosphere. They charge a lot because they can; it's not because they're the best. Based on what I've seen, I'm not sure their great reputation is justified. They seem to run a lot of unnecessary tests and keep their clients waiting. The receptionists are not that friendly; I've never seen much interaction with the clients and/or their animals. more

After taking my dog to four different veterinarians for a skin condition that no one could seem to diagnose, I was finally referred to GCVS Dermatology. Dr. K. Beale was very professional and knowledgeable and was able to diagnose my dog?s condition right away. This was a relief after spending much time and money with other vets that just seemed to guess at both diagnosis and treatment. He was placed on the proper treatment program and is doing much better. I was appreciative that she took the time to explain his condition to me, and personally followed up with a phone call to check on his progress. Pros: knowledgeable friendly staff Cons: must be referred from your regular vet more

I hope all who read this are more aware of the poor after care, lack of compassion, and over pricing this vet offers. My dog was diagnosed with lymphoma. I rushed to get him to this Houston vet b/c I was moving out of AZ, and wanted the ""best"". I have dealt with 2 other vets recently, and both vets have taken a minute to call me back. I wanted a holistic vet and didnt find out until I was in the exam room with an Oncologist vet that only ONE of 8 or 9 vets there practices acupunture/holistic therapies. I mentioned this to the receptionist and not once did she stress this fact to me. My brother mentioned to the vet why we had taken my dog to this highly respected clinic, and she admitted that they are ""the most expensive"". I appreciate the honesty, but it didn't make me feel any better considering my funds are limited. I asked the oncologist vet about holistic therapy and at that point she told me she wasn't familiar with this approach and then asked if she could ask her peer to help me. In good faith, I feel she should've helped me reschedule. The receptionist had a condescending answer with my brother when he asked for paperwork to help us get checked out. 140.00 dollars later -110.00 for the exam- 30.00 for 50 pills of Prednisone vs. 8.00 for 60 in Kingman, AZ, I was faced with what i already knew--couldn't afford chemo 5-6,000.00. I've sinced called back and reluctantly was called back after my 2nd message the next day (vet tech) and they offer no other advice and just tell me I need to bring him in. They referred me to an Austin Holistic vet I am reluctant to try, but really can't afford now. I also asked for them to email me a cancer diet for my dog. i am so upset with my choice to take him there, and they have no idea what other sacrifices were made along the way to get him to their clinic. It's very clear, that unless you have the cash, and are willing to bring your dog into their clinic frequently they could care less. Pros: nice building and facilities Cons: bad after care more

It is my hope that by writing this review, the staff at Gulf Coast Veterinary Hospital in Houston, realize that I'm not the only unhappy client. I have learned through my unpleasant experience at Gulf Coast that various veterinary hospitals in the Houston area can not honestly say that Gulf Coast is a good place to take your pet. Infact, some places have come out and said that one should NEVER take their animal there. It is my experience that while the staff are able to treat the animals well they do not have the ability to relate to the owner. Pros: Specialists know what they are doing Cons: bad communication, horrible after care for pet more

We were frustrated with the post operative procedures and lack of availability of veterinary staff to answer questions after we left the hospital. There was no one available to contact after hours if you had a concern. After talking with neighbors and coworkers, we were told by several people that this clinic has a bad reputation. We would never take our animals here again. Pros: Knowledgeable doctors Cons: poor post operative more

I was extemely pleased with Dr. Vulgamott who was very patient, caring, honest and knowledgable. My pet's condition and treatment was explained in detail and in layman's terms. The doctor and staff were very friendly and made me feel very comfortable during our difficult time. Telephone response was good and not rushed. I was updated regularly when my pet had to stay in the hospital. he fecility was clean and appeared well organized. Pros: Clean, timely, knowledgable Cons: expensive more