Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists

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United States
Houston, TX
Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists

Houston's Veterinary Medical Center
Providing specialized and emergency care
EMERGENCY CARE PROVIDED 24/7/365
(591)

Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists was founded in 1989 and is currently one of the largest veterinary hospitals in the country. Today, GCVS is an internationally respected veterinary specialty and emergency hospital with 14 departments, 58 doctors, including 27 board-certified specialists, and more than 175 well educated and trained support staff. Our mission is simple: We provide specialized care,

in partnership with the veterinary community, to help families with pets. We use our extensive experience and expertise in all major veterinary specialties to provide the highest quality, most comprehensive specialized care for companion animals, as well as working to advance veterinary technology through education and innovation.

11/22/2024

Short-nosed breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs are prone to Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, which can cause serious breathing issues. Look out for signs like excessive panting, snoring, or difficulty breathing, especially in hot weather. 🥵

At GCVS, our doctors specialize in surgical solutions to help your dog breathe easier and live a happier, healthier life. If you suspect your pet may be affected, ask your primary vet about a surgery consultation today! 🐶

https://www.gcvs.com/

11/19/2024

At GCVS, Your Peace of Mind Matters 🌟

We’re honored to give pet parents the peace of mind they deserve! 💙 Dr. Alla Kerr and our Surgery team are dedicated to compassionate, expert care, always aiming for the most minimally invasive techniques to ensure quicker recoveries and greater comfort for your pets.

Thank you for trusting GCVS to be part of your pet’s journey to better health! 🐾

11/18/2024

Did you know that guinea pigs can also receive I-131 treatment for hyperthyroidism? 🐹💙

Meet Bentley, a 6-year-old guinea pig who visited GCVS Avian & Exotics after being diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. With a subcutaneous injection of radioactive iodine (I-131), we targeted his overactive thyroid without the need for invasive surgery. Bentley stayed with us for close monitoring until the radiation safely cleared his system.

We're thrilled to share that his treatment was a success! 🎉

Curious about I-131 treatment? Learn more on our website: https://www.gcvs.com/service/diagnostic-imaging/i-131-treatment/

11/15/2024

A playful morning quickly became life-changing for Lucy, an 8-year-old Greyhound,

Her family heard a heart-stopping cry. They found her near the fence, and Lucy had severe injuries: two broken legs, with bone exposed on her front leg, and a painful fracture in her back leg. 💔

She arrived at GCVS Emergency, where our team quickly stabilized her and gave her the critical care she needed. From there, she was transferred to GCVS Surgery, beginning her courageous journey through fracture repair surgery, careful wound care, daily bandage changes, and Manuka honey treatments to support healing.

Through it all, her spirit remains unbreakable and she is already beginning to walk again. As she continues to recover, let’s send her love and strength on her journey back to running freely! ❤️

11/13/2024

Meet Fierce Warrior Freyja! 🐰💪

After surviving years on the streets, thanks to Houston Rabbit Resource, this clever, resilient rabbit is finally safe and ready to find her forever home. Freyja's story is one of courage -- she outsmarted traps, found her own shelter, and even survived critical health challenges with the help of our Avian & Exotics team at GCVS. Named after the Norse goddess of love, fertility, and battle, she truly embodies strength.

Now, Freyja is ready for her forever home. ❤️ Discover more about her story and adoption at the link below: https://www.gcvs.com/2024/11/gcvs-partners-with-houston-rabbit-resource/

📸 Special thanks to Robyn Arouty Studios for capturing her beauty!

11/11/2024

🇺🇸🐾 This Veterans Day, we honor all who have served, including our team members who are veterans—even if they’re not all pictured, their dedication is deeply valued.

We also celebrate the loyal pets who support veterans with unwavering love. From K9s on the front lines to therapy animals that bring comfort, these companions stand by our heroes in every way.

Share a photo or story of a pet who’s touched a veteran’s life in the comments below. Let’s honor all the brave souls—two-legged and four-legged—who have served! ❤️🐶

11/09/2024

Meet Scout, a joyful 4-year-old Golden Retriever who brightens every room! Despite her journey with multicentric B-cell lymphoma, she never stops wagging her tail and greeting everyone she meets!

With the incredible support of her GCVS Medical Oncology team, Scout began her fight with CHOP chemotherapy, a four-drug protocol aimed at slowing cancer’s growth. This treatment brought her into remission, but when her lymphoma returned, Scout tackled CHOP a second time. 💪 When her cancer persisted, she started a new protocol, Tanovea, which she completed in September.

This National Pet Cancer Awareness Month, we honor Scout’s spirit and her family’s unwavering love. Together, we can bring hope and healing to pets like Scout, who remind us to keep smiling through life’s challenges. 💖🐶

11/08/2024

Join us in celebrating a fantastic milestone! This month marks 10 incredible years of dedication and hard work for our amazing OR tech, Lauren! 🥳💖

From her expert skills in the operating room to her unwavering passion for our furry patients—especially her three beloved dogs, affectionately known as her “French fries”—she has made a lasting impact on our team and the lives she touches. Her commitment to excellence and compassion shines through every day, and we are so grateful to have her with us!

Let’s shower her with love and appreciation. Here’s to many more years of success and joy together!

11/05/2024

Archie's Fight for Survival: A Heat Stroke Triumph! 💥

Meet Archie, a spirited 1-year-old Goldendoodle who fought his way back from a life-threatening heat stroke. In Archie's Fight for Survival, Dr. Bracho walks us through this intense, multi-day battle, detailing the life-saving treatments and critical interventions that helped Archie defy the odds.

Ready Archie's case study here: https://www.gcvs.com/2024/10/heat-stroke/ 🐾✨

11/01/2024

As the holidays approach, let’s keep those cocktails away from paws! Celebrate with homemade treats! 🍹🐾

While you’re sipping on festive drinks, remember that alcohol can be harmful to our furry friends. If your pup gets a hold of some, it could lead to:

🍁 Lethargy
🍁 Loss of coordination
🍁 Excessive drooling
🍁 Vomiting
🍁 Collapse

Instead, whip up something special with these safe ingredients:

🐶 Lean Proteins: Cooked chicken or turkey (no bones or seasoning!)
🍚 Wholesome Grains: Brown rice or oatmeal for a nutritious base
🥕 Fresh Veggies: Carrots, peas, or sweet potatoes

If your pup shows any of these symptoms or you’re worried they may have had a drink, call us at 713-693-1111. You can also reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. Let’s ensure our pets enjoy the season safely! 🐶🍁

10/31/2024

🎃 Happy Halloween from the GCVS team! 👻✨

The spooky season is here, and we're ready to celebrate with our furry friends! Even our team’s pets have joined the fun in their adorable Halloween costumes! 🐶🎃🐱

🎉 Drop a pic of your pet's Halloween look in the comments below—let’s see those spook-tacular costumes.

And remember: keep your pets safe by avoiding chocolate and xylitol. Have a howling good time!

10/30/2024

Día de los Mu***os, or Day of the Dead, is a vibrant Mexican tradition honoring the memories of loved ones who have passed, including our beloved pets. This vibrant tradition allows us to remember our cherished pets who have touched our lives in countless ways. 🌼✨

Our talented OR tech, Ivette, has created beautiful altars for our employee pets and patients, showcasing their unique spirits and the love we have for them. While we honor their memory during this holiday, we know they will always be in our hearts.

Join us in remembering our beloved companions—share a treasured memory or photo of your pet in the comments below! 🐶🐱

10/25/2024

🎉 Huge congratulations to Dr. Hernan Angulo Bracho, MVZ, Esp, DVM, DACVECC on becoming a board-certified criticalist! 🎓👏

After earning his veterinary degree in Mexico and completing a two-year Internal Medicine and Surgery Specialty, Dr. Bracho joined GCVS in 2017 for a Critical Care internship. He completed his residency at the University of Wisconsin, officially becoming board-certified in 2024.

We’re incredibly proud of his dedication and expertise! His passions include ultrasound, cardiology, and mentoring future vets. Outside of work, he enjoys soccer, photography, and caring for his four rescue dogs! 🐾💙

Learn more: https://www.gcvs.com/staff/hernan-bracho-mvz-esp-dvm/

10/24/2024

Meet Oliver, a brave Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who has overcome major health hurdles, from heart issues to a biliary mucocele. Thanks to our GCVS Surgical and Anesthesia teams, he had a successful laparoscopic gallbladder removal and a smooth recovery.

After tearing his cranial cruciate ligament, Oliver is now under GCVS Rehab's care, using laser therapy, massage, and customized exercises to strengthen his legs and avoid further surgery.

He’s thriving, loving naps on Dad's pillow, and counting down the days to Thanksgiving turkey! 💙

10/21/2024

Happy Reptile Awareness Day! 🦎🐢

Today, we celebrate our scaly friends and the importance of compassionate reptile care. If you’re seeking a caring vet for your reptile, our Avian & Exotic Specialists are here to provide the expert care they deserve. Here are some of the services we offer:

🔹 Routine Wellness Exams
🔹 Shell Repair for turtles & tortoises
🔹 Reproductive Health
🔹 Infectious Disease Testing & Parasite Control
🔹 Skin, Eye & Mouth Care
🔹 Feeding Support & GI Obstruction Management
🔹 Nutritional Counseling

We utilize the latest medical and surgical techniques, such as specialty surgery, endoscopy, CT, and MRI, to ensure the best care for your pet. Check out the link in bio to learn more!

10/21/2024

Happy Reptile Awareness Day! 🦎🐢

Today, we celebrate our scaly friends and the importance of compassionate reptile care. If you're seeking a caring vet for your reptile, our Avian & Exotic Specialists are here to provide the expert care they deserve. Here are some of the services we offer:

🔹 Routine Wellness Exams
🔹 Shell Repair for turtles & tortoises
🔹 Reproductive Health
🔹 Infectious Disease Testing & Parasite Control
🔹 Skin, Eye & Mouth Care
🔹 Feeding Support & GI Obstruction Management
🔹 Nutritional Counseling

We utilize the latest medical and surgical techniques, such as specialty surgery, endoscopy, CT, and MRI, to ensure the best care for your pet. Discover more at https://www.gcvs.com/service/avian-exotics/

10/18/2024

🎉 Congratulations to Our Dermatology Supervisor! 🎉

We’re excited to celebrate Kelly for earning her LVT license—a true testament to her hard work and the invaluable support from several dedicated staff members. As we recognize Hospital Week, this achievement is just one more reason to honor the commitment and teamwork that make GCVS exceptional. 💙

Join us in celebrating Kelly and the incredible support network that helped her reach this milestone!

Address

8042 Katy Freeway
Houston, TX
77024

Telephone

+17136931111

Website

https://www.gcvs.com/?y_source=1_MjkzNDQyODMtNTU5LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D

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Videos

Get ready to gain insight into what an initial visit with our Internal Medicine team at GCVS looks like! 🌟 Dr. Jardes is here to guide you through our process, showcasing how we blend innovative treatments with compassionate care to truly make a difference in your pet’s health. Join us on this journey to better pet health and discover how we can support your furry family members!

Curious about what sets our Internal Medicine team at GCVS apart? 🌟 Dr. Jardes shares how we combine innovative treatments with compassionate care to make a real difference in the lives of pets and their families. Our Internal Medicine team is dedicated to delivering the best possible outcomes, treating each case with the attention and expertise it deserves. 🐾💙

Pet Preparedness Tips from Dr. Salazar and Dr. Coleman! 🌪️🐾 After experiencing the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, it’s essential to ensure your pets are ready for any emergency. To ensure our furry family members are just as prepared as we are, here are some tips and tricks from our experts: 🚑 First Aid Kit Essentials: Blunt-tipped scissors, various bandage materials (gauze, adhesive tape, non-stick bandages), wound cleaners 📱 Digital Copies: Medical and vaccination records 🏷️ Identification: ID tags, reflective harnesses/leashes 🧘 Calming Aids 🐱 Cat Carrier: Place the carrier out 24 hours before the expected storm to help your cat adjust Always consult with your veterinarian to ensure your kit is customized to meet your pet’s specific needs. Let us know in the comments which tip you found most helpful, or if you have a 📸 of your pet ready. Your input can help others too! 🐶🐱

🌈✨ GCVS at the Pride Parade! ✨🌈 This weekend, Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists (GCVS) celebrated love and inclusivity at the Pride Parade! Just as we care for every pet with kindness, we believe in treating everyone with the same respect and love. Thank you to everyone who joined us in spreading love! ❤️💛💚💙💜

April is not only #NationalPetMonth but also #NationalChipYourPetMonth! 🐶🐱 Let's prioritize the safety and well-being of our furry pals by ensuring they have a microchip. A microchip is a small implant, about the size of a grain of rice, and is injected under the skin of your pet in between the shoulder blades. It’s non-removable, and the identification number associated with the chip will help identify your pet if they ever get lost. Remember to keep your contact info updated! 📲 If you come across a lost pet, GCVS can help scan for a microchip. Let's give our beloved companions the best chance of a happy reunion if they ever wander off. Watch our video for fun facts about microchipping and spread the word to make sure every pet has a ticket home! 🏡🐾

🎉 Introducing Finn, our courageous IVDD warrior! 🐾 Finn's journey began in January with a cry of pain, leading him to GCVS Neurology following a referral from Suburbia North Animal Hospital. Despite initial treatments, his symptoms persisted. 🏥 After thorough diagnostics, including an MRI and surgery, we're thrilled to share that Finn is thriving! Thanks to the expertise of the GCVS Neurology team, his family, and Finn's incredible resilience, he's well on his way to recovery. From moments of discomfort to confidently navigating his world, Finn's progress is truly inspiring! 🌟 Let's join in celebrating Finn's success and send him all the love for his continued health and happiness! If you missed Dr. Sessums discussing IVDD, catch the full video on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V98uBrjGCQ. #GCVSNeurology #IVDDAwareness #RoadtoRecovery #PetHealth #IVDD #DownDog #VeterinaryNeurology #VeterinaryMedicine #GCVSStrong

Exciting news! Part THREE of IVDD at GCVS is finally here! 🎉 It's the grand finale of our three-part series on Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)! Have you been referred to GCVS Neurology by your primary veterinarian? Join Dr. Sessums as she discusses what to anticipate during the initial consultation. 🌟 If you suspect your pet is facing an IVDD emergency, remember to reach out to us at 📲713-693-1111. Unsure? Our knowledgeable team can assist you in determining if immediate action is necessary. ❗️Check out the full video on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V98uBrjGCQ

🐾 This Limb Loss & Limb Difference Awareness Month, meet Jolly & Spider – two furry heroes who’ve shown incredible strength in the face of adversity. Jolly’s journey began when his primary veterinarian discovered a large lump on his front left limb, which turned out to be osteosarcoma, a devastating bone cancer. With the help of GCVS Surgery and Medical Oncology, Jolly underwent an amputation and chemotherapy. Today, we are happy to report that Jolly is doing great, and his cancer hasn’t spread. Despite facing his battle, Jolly’s brother Spider has shown remarkable resilience. Amidst grappling with a lipoma and recurrent pneumothorax, Spider bravely confronted osteosarcoma in his back right femur. After Dr. Coleman performed the necessary amputation; Spider is now steadfastly undergoing chemotherapy to fend off any potential metastasis. Despite the hurdles, Spider’s indomitable spirit shines through, serving as a beacon of hope and strength to those around him. 💪🐶 We know it’s tough to watch our furry friends go through limb loss and difficult times, yet Jolly and Spider show us they’re still the same lovable pups. Just look at them play together! Their resilience inspires us to embrace differences and celebrate diversity in all beings. 🐾

🐾 Prepare for an exciting dive into IVDD at GCVS PART TWO! 🐾 Prepare for deeper insights and treatment options as Dr. Sessums and our neurology team guide you through understanding Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) on a whole new level. Also, discover the crucial factors that influence the choice between surgical intervention and medical management. 🐕 Do you believe your pet may be suffering from IVDD? Or has your veterinarian referred you to GCVS Neurology? Stay tuned next week for Part Three where Dr. Sessums will discuss what to expect during your initial visit! 🤗 ❗️Check out the full video on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V98uBrjGCQ

🐾 Are you curious about Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) and what the journey looks like at GCVS Neurology? 🐶 Join us for an informative series led by one of our board-certified neurologists, Dr. Sessums. Discover all about IVDD, breeds that are most prone to the disease, and the complications that can arise in the first part of our three-part series. Stay tuned for part two next week where we'll discuss how to medically and/or surgically manage IVDD! ❗️Check out the full video on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V98uBrjGCQ

Exciting Update: GCVS Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation is back in action! 🏥🐾 Our devoted team is all set to deliver exceptional care for your furry friends. A scheduled appointment now includes a thorough assessment covering your pet's gait, stance, pain levels, muscle mass, range of motion, and a comprehensive neurological/orthopedic examination of the limbs. 🐕💖 Explore our tailored treatments: ✨ Laser Therapy ✨ Shockwave Treatment ✨ Therapeutic Exercises ✨ Underwater Treadmill Therapy ✨ Chiropractic Therapy ✨ Custom Orthotics ✨ Massage Therapy Don't forget to consult with your primary veterinarian for a referral, and let us be a part of your furry companions' journey to thriving health! #GCVSRehabReopening #PetWellness #SportsMedicineandRehabilitationCare #GCVSStrong

🐾✨ “Pawscribing Love: A Dogtor’s Valentine Affair”! 🐶❤️🐕 This Valentine’s Day, our furry friends from Houston Humane Society are here to prescribe an extra dose of love! Meet our canine Cupids, ready to brighten our workplace with wagging tails and sweet kisses. 🌟 🐶🐾 Introducing our Dogtors: Dr. Cupid (Roxy): A heart-stealer with unconditional love. Dr. Sparkle Blanca): A bundle of energy and joy, specializing in spreading happiness and bringing a spark to everyone’s day. Nurse Kisses (Kevin): Specializing in cuddles and wet nose therapy. Tag your coworkers who need a furry friend to make their day better! 💌 Let their wagging tails and sweet kisses be the perfect remedy for any hectic day. 🏡 #PawscribingLove #ValentinesDay #FurryColleagues #AdoptDontShop #DogtorLove #GVCSandHHSStrong

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COVID-19 Update

We are Open! As an essential business, GCVS is open for uninterrupted specialty care and 24/7 emergency care. We have restricted access to our facility and will meet you outside with your pet for the safety and well-being of both you and our staff. Please call us on your way for any emergencies and once you arrive for specialty appointments at 713-693-1111.