Gonzalez Marissa DVM

As another reviewer commented, Dr. Gonzoles' ego stands in the way of providing exemplary care. We got basic care and info help for our gravely ill rat. They were out of stock on one of his antibiotics for 2 days and the prescribed amounts on both were way under-dosed. She needs to do a lot more continuing education on current treatments and trends for Pocket pets for her to consider herself as knowledgeable as she thinks she is. Forget having an open minded treatment plan and dialog with Marissa Gonzoles! more

I took my sick guinea pig to Lakeside Animal Hospital (even after being warned by the pet store that operates next to them I'd be better off going somewhere else). I wanted to give them a chance as it seemed like a great place. I first dealt with Dr. Anna Barnes, she was very friendly, respectful, but had not had much experience with guinea pigs, and she was honest about this with me - I appreciated that. After receiving her diagnosis, I naturally wanted a more informed second opinion. So, I took my pet to what guinea pig websites consider to be one of the best hospitals - Blue Ridge Veterinary Clinic. It was really like night and day. Blue Ridge knew what they were talking about, and as I expected, I received a completely different diagnosis regarding the condition of my pet. Because Blue Ridge Veterinary Clinic is in Purceville and I'm in Richmond I brought the medicine and the vets notes to Lakeside Animal Hospital hoping that they could collaborate on my pet's treatment plan... This was not to be. When I dropped by Lakeside Dr. Marissa Gonzalez was who I saw this time. When she had found out I'd gone to another clinic - so far away for the care my pet deserved - I suppose she felt challenged or perhaps threatened... I told her with tears in my eyes that I just wanted the best care for my pet, she complained that Blue Ridge Veterinary Clinic couldn't even do correct labels and paperwork! As if she was trying to prove to me they were not up to snuff. She then went on to tell me that she had been a "human doctor" in the past and really knew what she was talking about! Here I am, with my sick guinea pig, and she is bragging and being defensive. It was unprofessional behavior like that, in the midst of my pet suffering in front of me, that I just broke down. She said that if I paid $40.00 for a consultation they would go and do research, basically collaborate with Blue Ridge, get their information and go from there. They never called me back with any findings... and I have to say I'm not surprised. more

I took my rat Agatha Louise to Dr Gonzalez for her tumor. Dr Gonzalez was just terrific with her and was very knowledgeable & personable all around. Agatha got the best care and came home with a little bandanna round her neck! I don't know anything about the other vets at Lakeside Animal Hospital, but I plan to work with Dr Gonzalez to gain experience for veterinary school. She couldn't be better. more