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February 2024 by Nancy Marquis
This is a specific veterinary 'hospital' specializing in providing care and evaluation of seriously ill (cancer, etc.,,) in dogs/cats.The people l interacted with were extremely kind and helpful from the ladies at the admission desk to the specialists (drs and surgeons). I did have ??'s afterward, but I did not call them back. They had mentioned in passing after the abdominal scan that there "was a spot on his liver," but bc of all the other information, l didn't react during the consult. Perhaps matasticized? I never asked that, but that info surely impacts my decision.One of my considerations was the surgery/treatments they recommended . was really expensive for me, a retired almost 80 y/o person ($9K). I could have literally made the sacrifice, which would perhaps have given my 5 y/o Catahoula/Lab mix 2 more yrs of life...no guarantee.(He has an Insulinoma of his pancreas; 3 Gran Mal seizures since 11/9/23 despite my very frequent feedings of a protein with honey since the 1st one and a dx. Last one while sitting on couch next to me in AM this past week).I am looking at 'quality of life v. quantity of life'. Davey IS the smartest dog l've ever had, thus a great companion! It is difficult to play 'God'. I don't want to be selfish.My decision is to do my best to take c/o him by myself with f/u @ local clinics. My Veterinarians concur.
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February 2024 by Nealy Mincher
Come here for the best pet care. I wish I could give more than 5 stars! What an amazing practice to care so much about my senior dog to the point that they did, it was pretty incredible. Dr. Weinstein, Fame, and the whole crew took such gentle, sweet care of my senior dog going through an amputation, and even checking on myself. I got calls almost daily checking on my pup almost minutes after the surgery. This was a hard time for me, but they made it so easy and I’m so grateful for such an amazing place.
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August 2023 by Sam LaBelle
I have had to bring two dogs to VCA Specialists for surgery, one received chemo. They are so kind and caring. Dr Weinstein goes the extra mile and makes himself available to respond to any concerns you may have following surgery. I would highly recommend VCA Specialists to anyone needing surgery/cancer treatment for their pet
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August 2023 by Robb Kendrick
After receiving a plasma cell tumor diagnosis from a mass that was removed I took my dog to VCA. I had done a lot of research prior to my appointment so I would be prepared to ask good questions. During the discussion on treatment options they failed to mention Oral Chemo as a possible solution. Amputation on my 13 y.o. dog was what they felt was the best solution. When I mentioned oral chemo they said "yes that could be successful".I left my dog there for further tests, but had to agree to them prior. Two items stuck out: A chest x-ray and blood work. My dog had just had surgery and blood work was a few weeks old. When I asked why new blood work I was told there was no globulin count. I knew this was not correct, so I asked them to contact the surgeon to make sure all info was sent. The chest x-ray had NOTHING to do with the plasma cell tumor on her foot.In the end no additional blood work was needed because it was all blood work including globulin count was in their possession.I felt like VCA was advocating for the most expensive, and profitable solution, amputation as opposed to the BEST solution for my four legged family member. Also, the unnecessary tests and procedures was a way to profit from a family in need and is actually not legal according to the Texas Board of Veternarians.Needless to say I no longer needed VCA services as they had totally lost my trust in seeking the most profitable solution instead of the best. I am now working with a vet that believes oral chemo is the best solution and the cost is $600 for blood work and medication as opposed to nearly $3,000 from VCA.Do your homework, ask lots of questions and advocate for your family member and the best and most comfortable outcome.Also, I did a survey and ask to speak to them and never heard back. I contacted VCA in CA via email, had a conversation with their pet experience person who said a regional person would contact me again NOTHING. I guess they are not interested in hearing about the problems and possibility that some of their actions may not be legal in Texas.
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July 2023 by Judy W.
My seven year old Newfoundland was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, and Dr. Weinstein literally saved her life. The surgery was severe, and now she only has three legs, but the care that she received there from not only the doctors to the technicians is beyond outstanding. They are knowledgeable , kind and provide excellent medical services.
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July 2023 by Neetha
My dog who had prostate cancer developed serious issues and had to be euthanized within 3 days of getting a CT scan from here. He had zero problems before going in for the CT. I don't know what happened exactly, but something seems to have gone wrong.Also, this is a specialty hospital - not full service! We just moved to TX after getting couple of rounds of chemo in a different state and wanted to go on to do radiation therapy from here. We explained the whole thing to the front desk and they suggested to take appointment with just the radiation oncologist but later on when we wanted a refill of his NSAID prescription, they said the radiation oncologist doesn't do any of that. We needed to have seen the medical oncologist apparently. We were not made aware of this! We had called weeks ahead to take appropriate appointment! Ultimately, this left us in an extremely horrible situation where when our dog's condition got bad after getting CT, we didn't have any oncologist to consult with!And no one from the hospital followed up after giving the CT report and we informed them he was having issues. Very disappointed in the lack of care. Wish we had gone to a different hospital - our dog might still be alive now!
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June 2023 by Jervia B.
When faced with a a fur-baby's terrifying diagnosis, VCA Specialists is a hopeful place to find help. Dr.Weinstein was straight forward as well as caring.Best of all, when we met him for consultation on a Thursday and asked if surgery could be done on the following Monday, the answer was "Yes." The dread and worry of complications was cut by that quick action.I hated leaving my little one in hospital for the nights required; however, the night nurses were diligent about updating me and even sending photos. What a comfort that was!!In spite of the fact that my mind anticipated the worst, our prognosis was actually the best possible.The large mass on my tiny Yorkie's liver was successfully removed, with no malignancy found.I am forever grateful to the expertise of Dr.Weinstein and the competence and compassion of the nurses and staff at VCA Speciality Hospital at Shoal Creek.
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May 2023 by Jason and Jen Parks
Dr. Treuil and his team provided us with the best care and service we have ever experienced in all of our dog owning years. From the initial consultation to the last radiation treatment, we were well informed and kept up to date on all the going ons with Trudy. All the staff at VCA did a fantastic job. We received text messages, photos ad videos through the whole process. Trudy needed to stay a few nights throughout the three weeks of treatment and we never once worried about her. Thank you to THE WHOLE ENTIRE team for making us feel comfortable knowing that you were taking the best care of our best girl! From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
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March 2023 by I. M.
We have been taking our dog to this place for the past 5 months (and spent over $20,000) to be treated for Lymphoma Cancer. We will NOT be returning after our last visit. We brought our dog in for an emergency visit after speaking with the vet the day before and being told that his cancer is rapidly progressing and we need to change his chemotherapy protocol. We were also told that this new treatment is a sign that he will be passing away soon. We noticed that in the past two days the lymph nodes around his neck had grown back significantly. I spoke to an assistant who said they can fit us in if we arrive the next morning at a certain time. We received an invite to arrive at 9:30am the next day which we did. When the assistant came to collect our dog for treatment she did not greet either my husband or I and barely acknowledged our dog and was curt with us for no reason; clearly she was having a bad day. She then proceeded to ask what medications he was on as if he it was his first day. He is on a heart medication and was prescribed steroids and anti-nausea pills BY THEM so we were alarmed that this wasn't in their records. As my husband was explaining that this should be on file with them, the assistant stopped and said, "Am I sensing an attitude?". Both my husband and I were confused as to why she would be asking us this so we asked her to explain in what way he was giving an attitude to which she could not answer but kept insisting that she didn't like his tone...? She then said that since we were late our dog would have to sit in the back and wait all day to be seen and that those are the consequences of not showing up on time. I said that they then need to fix their scheduling system because we arrived at the time that was in the invite. She proceeded to blame me for not understanding the brief conversation I had with her the day before when she mentioned the drop-off window and instead followed what the invite said. We were then approached by the receptionist who told us we need to leave and that they would not treat our dog! We now have to rush to find another Oncologist in the area who can start his new protocol a protocol for which VCA is aware that is a sign this is the end for my dog. Throughout our visits the receptionist only referred to me by name and never my husband even though he was by my side every time and even went by himself to have our dog treated when I was away so they have worked with him personally but never bothered to learn his name or look him in the eye when they address us?? They have noticeably had an issue with him since the beginning. My dog has not eaten in three days, he is skin and bones, lethargic, coughing and can barely stand up. It is disgusting and deplorable that what seems to be some kind of personal grudge against my husband and his voice (?) superseded their ability to be professionals and to help my dog for which we have paid them a lot of money to do. I would think at the very least that after our patronage we should expect to be treated with respect. I would also think that as an animal health care facility they would have concern for my dog's health which they clearly do not. If you are looking for either, do not bring your pet here!
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March 2023 by Adam S.
As others have said, I'll start this by saying I hope you never have to go here. And I hope that I never have to go back.But if you do need to bring your pet here, please know that your are in one of the absolute best places you can be to help them. The front desk was extremely professional and kind. The techs immediately help put your pet at ease. We had a surgery done by Dr. Weinstein and I truly can't say enough good about him.He took the time to explain everything to us. He went above and beyond to spend all the time with us necessary to make sure we understood what was happening, what to expect, and put some fears at ease. I've never had a doctor, for myself or a veterinarian for my dog make himself so available to answer questions regardless of the time of day. I can't thank Dr. Weinstein and the rest of the folks at VCA enough. Getting the referral here likely means you've had a tough day or two but just know that the folks here are awesome at what they do and you and your pet are in incredibly capable hands.
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February 2023 by Kellyn Dunn
Exceptional care. My cat saw Dr. Strottner for her small cell lymphoma and I was blown away her knowledge and bedside manner. My cat is a bit spicy but they always made me feel like she was receiving the same level of care as the other pets. Dr. Strottner and Tabby, one of the vet techs, have been there for us every step of they way - especially, Tabby. Tabby goes ABOVE AND BEYOND — she a major asset and part of what makes this place so special.
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January 2023 by Ashley Thrasher
Dr. Weinstein and his team are amongst the most caring and compassionate vet team I have ever experienced. Every time our pup walked into the clinic, he was greeted with love and his tail would actually wag in a vet office. Dr. Weinstein truly cares about his patients and goes above and beyond to check in, regardless if it is Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
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December 2022 by Steve B.
Our golden retriever got sick, and we took him to our vet. She did some tests on him and urged us to go immediately to Blue Pearl in San Antonio. We did, and they ran some tests and confirmed our boy needed immediate surgery for a large mass in his midsection. After removing his spleen and sending off samples to be checked, it came back that he had an aggressive cancer that had spread to his liver. They said nothing could be done locally, but they would refer him to VCA Capital Vets in Austin.We got him in to be seen by oncologist Dr. Alex Pyuen. She reviewed all his medical info from Blue Pearl, did a workup on him, and confirmed all we had heard at Blue Pearl.Dr. Pyuen came into the room where we were waiting with our Tye. She explained what he had, what was going to happen to him, and the prognosis. She also went over things we could do, including chemo, but she didn't want to give us any false hope.So how can I give them a 5 star review when they can't save our pet? All I can say is that Dr. Pyuen had the utmost compassion for what we were going through. She sat on the floor with Tye nearly the entire time she was explaining everything to us. She talked about the Golden Retriever she had growing up, and her love for that dog, and Goldens in particular. The hardest part for us was coming to realize that even with chemo, they could only extend his life for a very short while. She emphasized quality of life for Tye and for us. I really appreciated that.So now, we are going to do our best to make sure that we enjoy every single day that Tye is with us.
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October 2022 by Kelly Story
I haven’t even picked up my dog post surgery yet and I’m just so happy with the level of care provided for my four legged child!! I only found out my Judah had a cancerous tumor a month ago. The regular vet gave me the bad news and didn’t say much to give me hope or squash my fears and recommended me to an oncologist. That appt was 2 weeks out and my dog needed to be seen sooner so thankfully I found VCA capital and was able to get in quick! Dr Pyuen made me feel so much better with a hopeful outcome while explaining the timeline of things and what was needed. Once more tests were done (that same day) we scheduled surgery with Dr. Weinstein the next week who kept in touch with me throughout everything!! In preparing me, educating me and always available for questions while ensuring I felt comfortable leaving my boy in good hands. Every single staff member was so sweet to me, my dog and his emotional support shepherd sister. Judah wasn’t scared to go with the techs to the back for exams like he can be sometimes at the regular vet or just having to leave me. Thankfully the surgery was a success and I even got a picture and message from the night staff tech, Travis, that he was recovering well and handing out lots of kisses to staff. That picture truly made my night with not having my cuddle partner with me for two days!! I called them myself the next day to just check in and had Josh??? The nurse on the phone with me in seconds giving me an update! I used to work in a vet clinic and this level of care is top notch! You can obviously see they love their job and have the customer service skills to care for the humans in such a sad time. I’m so happy we ended up here instead of waiting! Chemo is next and I feel confident in this staff that all will be okay!
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October 2022 by Alex Aparicio
VCA was amazing! The entire staff from the moment I first called to the moment my dog left VCA after surgery, they were friendly and professional. The staff went above and beyond for my dog! Thank you.
