Dr. Robert Roberts' primary interest is in money - not animals

My dog has Lupus; has for a few years now. I have been taking her to my vet in my former city as it was just easier to deal with someone who already knew her and her condition. This spring, I had to have major surgery and was unable to drive far distances. My dog had a severe allergic reaction to something in the environment and needed to be seen by a vet right away. Upon the recommendation of a friend, I took her Dr. Robert Roberts in Zephyrhills, FL. I found him to be lazy (not getting off his stool the entire visit), rough with my dog (flipped her over and she hit the ground hard), pushing expensive products that she may or may not have needed, and incredibly expensive. This one visit cost over $400.00 for some allergy medicine, steroids for her Lupus, flea medicine and pill pockets to put the allergy medicine in. He wanted to see her in a couple weeks for a follow up.

When we returned two weeks later, he spent about three minutes with her (on his stool again) and determined she needed more medicine. The cost of this visit was over $300.00.

About a month later, I took her back as I needed more Lupus medicine and her toenails needed to be clipped. In the past, he had asked me to close the examination room door as he was too lazy to get it and close it himself. This time, I was determined he was going to get off his lazy ass and do it. He reluctantly did and showed obvious signs that he was "put out" by this. He clipped her toenails, gave me steroids (for the Lupus) and sent us on our way. The bill was $95.00 this time. When I inquired about this ridiculous amount. I was told I was being charged an office visit of $40.00, a toe nail trimming fee of $15.00 and the steroids which usually cost $13.00 went up to $20.00 in a month's time. I was also told that taking her to the vet to get her toenails trimmed was like me going to the podiatrist to get my toenails trimmed. I was encouraged to find a good groomer to take care of this in the future. I said I would and told him I would also look for a good vet while I was at it.

In between my second and third visit with him, I had to take my dog to the emergency vet clinic as she was having a serious allergic reaction during the weekend when he was not open. The vet there immediately took her off the allergy medicine he had put her on as one of it's main side effects is causing hives and itching - both of which she had. She prescribed a different medicine, gave her a shot to kick start it and sent us on our way. The total bill was $120.00. When I told Dr. Roberts about this visit, he had the audacity to tell me there was no need to go to the emergency vet clinic and pay those "outlandish" fees they charged. I informed him that their fees were much more reasonable than his.

I understand that he needs to put food on his table just like I do. I am not asking for services for free. But I find his charges and his lack of "bedside manner" appalling. I would rather treat my dog myself than ever take her back to him again.

If you choose to seek his services, beware. It is going to cost you and your pet will probably be no better for it.