Golden Gate Veterinary Specialists - Veterinary Dermatology, Surgery, Oncology and Internal Medicine

Golden Gate Veterinary Specialists - Veterinary Dermatology, Surgery, Oncology and Internal Medicine is an oncology and dermatology practice in San Rafael, CA, staffed by 2 DACVS-credentialed surgeons. Procedures include Anthroscopy & Joint Stabilization, Hip Dysplasia, Anal Sac Tumor Removal, and Laparoscopic Procedures.

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About

Golden Gate Veterinary Specialists provides high-level specialty medicine in allergy/dermatology, surgical care, oncology/cancer treatment, and internal medicine. The clinic features board-certified veterinary dermatologists, surgeons, oncologists, and internists, offering advanced care for complex conditions.

This is a referral-based practice that works with pet owners, veterinarians, and animal rescue groups across the Bay Area. The clinic emphasizes compassionate care and aims to make exceptional veterinary care available to all animals.

About the team

Dr. Nicole Eckholm

DVM, MS, DACVD

She completed her residency in veterinary dermatology at the University of California, Davis in 2011.
Dr. James Farese

DVM, DACVS

He was awarded Diplomate status in the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1999 and in 2012 he was recognized by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) as a Founding Fellow of Surgical Oncology.
Dr. Marissa Ruppel

In 2019, she completed a three-year residency in medical oncology at UC Davis, and she has been practicing as a board-certified oncologist in the Bay Area ever since.
Dr. Caitlyn Glick

Dr. Glick moved to Sonoma County in 2015 and was practicing at VCA Animal Care Center of Sonoma County prior to joining Golden Gate Veterinary Specialists in 2023.
Dr. Drew Fleischman

DVM, DACVD

Dr. Fleischman's post-doctoral training included a one-year companion animal internship at North Carolina State University followed by a three-year residency in Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Rebecca Hersh-Boyle

DVM, DACVS-SA

Trained in Soft Tissue Surgery, Oncologic Surgery, Neurosurgery and Orthopedic Surgery, Dr. Hersh-Boyle has a special interest in minimally invasive surgery (arthroscopy, laparoscopy and thoracoscopy).
Dr. Daniel Ben-Aderet

DVM, DACVAA

After completion of a 3-year residency in anesthesia and analgesia at UC Davis he became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia.
Tiffani Lawrence

Services

Anthroscopy & Joint Stabilization
Hip Dysplasia
Anal Sac Tumor Removal
Laparoscopic Procedures
Multimodal Pain Management
Diagnostic Scoping
Laparoscopic Spays
Mass Removal (Skin & Soft Tissue)
intra-dermal skin allergy testing
Splenectomy
Laparoscopic Gastropexy
Gastrointestinal Surgery
Shock Wave Therapy
TPLO Surgery
video otoscopy
Thyroidectomy
Surgical Oncology
Arthroscopy
skin biopsy
Limb-Sparing Osteosarcoma Surgery
serum allergy testing
cryo-surgery
Fracture Repair
Foreign Body Removal
Joint Injections
Elbow Dysplasia
Ear Canal Surgery
Patella Luxation Correction
Parathyroidectomy
Orthopedic Knee Reconstruction
Perineal Hernia Repair
PRP (Platelet-Rich-Plasma) Injections
Rehabilitation Recommendations
Anal Sac Removal

Photos

Golden Gate Veterinary Specialists - Veterinary Dermatology, Surgery, Oncology and Internal Medicine

Frequently asked questions

What types of conditions does Golden Gate Veterinary Specialists treat in dermatology?: Golden Gate Veterinary Specialists offers full-service veterinary dermatology, specializing in allergy, infectious, and auto-immune diseases of the skin and ear. They treat obscure, hard-to-manage, and complicated ailments beyond the scope of a general practitioner, with allergy being the most common condition.
What surgical specialties are offered at Golden Gate Veterinary Specialists?: The clinic offers outpatient veterinary surgical procedures for a wide range of conditions in dogs and cats, with an emphasis on Orthopedic Knee Reconstruction and Surgical Oncology. Services include orthopedic surgery, general soft tissue surgery, surgical oncology, and minimally invasive surgery.
Who are the board-certified veterinary dermatologists at Golden Gate Veterinary Specialists?: Dr. Nicole Eckholm and Dr. Drew Fleischman are board-certified veterinary dermatologists at Golden Gate Veterinary Specialists. They are noted as the only board-certified veterinary dermatologists in San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, Napa, and Mendocino counties.
What is Dr. James Farese's specialty and recognition?: Dr. James Farese is a Veterinary Surgeon and is recognized by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons as a Founding Fellow of Surgical Oncology. He is noted as the only Surgical Oncologist recognized by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in the Bay Area.
What non-surgical therapies are available for orthopedic conditions?: Golden Gate Veterinary Specialists offers non-surgical therapies to support healing, reduce pain, and improve mobility. These include Shock Wave Therapy, PRP (Platelet-Rich-Plasma) Injections, Joint Injections, Multimodal Pain Management, and Rehabilitation Recommendations.

Contact & hours

Address

4460 Redwood Hwy Suite 11
San Rafael

Phone

(415) 726-2458

Website

ggvets.com

4.6 · 88 Google reviews

Recent reviews

4 months ago

M C

We were already a patient at GGVS for a skin issue having been referred to Dr Eckholm after we’d received two wrong diagnosis at our local vet. Dr Eckholm quickly diagnosed our dog and we were able to put her on a treatment plan that has worked well for her over the past two years. Unrelated, we had a medical emergency and we asked to be referred back to GGVC. Firstly they got us in quickly which was important as our dog was in a lot of pain. This time with Dr Farese for emergency surgery (amputation ). He was extremely patient and took the time to explain everything thoroughly and answer our questions. We were having a hard time making such a big decision and whether it was for us or her - and he was great at outlining the options that we had. We scheduled the surgery after further tests and radiology reviews and he also arranged for Dr Ruppel to pop in earlier than our scheduled Oncology appointment so that we could speak to her ahead of the amputation and understand a subsequent treatment plan. Our girl recovered well and has now had her first chemo session. While this treatment is not cheap, we’re fortunate to be able to afford it and feel lucky that we’ve had such excellent care from all three doctors and the team at GGVC. Our high trust in their specialist expertise and care was well placed and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.
2 years ago

Rebecca Souter

My dog Joaquin has had a severe case of the K9 pappiloma virus.It started in Sept 2022, and despite many attempts to remove them, they have unfortunately persisted. His care began with Dermatology 4 Animals in Oakland. Once I was able to transfer his care over to Golden Gate it was like night and day when it comes to how professional/experienced the doctors/techs and receptionists are here. My dogs has a very complicated case, but I finally feel like he has a great team behind him, and a chance at a normal life now. Dr Farese, did a recent surgery where he was able to remove 95% of the papilloma's. They were severely infected, dead and enormous in size(See the before and after pics). He would have gotten them all, but the lip area did not have enough skin to allow a full removal. Even so, the debulking that he did in that area has given my dog enormous relief, and was even able to remove the ones on Joaquins tong, restoring his appetite as he is able to taste his food now. While Joaquin was in their care they sent me texts letting me know the progress of his surgery. This really put me at ease. This is a very gifted surgeon, and he did a beautiful job on Joaquin. Dr Fleischman, is our main dermatologist here. I can tell he has put a lot of time looking into Joaquins illness ,and medications that may help improve his condition. He was the first doctor we met here, is very smart, and is great with both the pets and their people . We have also had an appointment with Dr Eckholm. Who took the time to discuss my dogs options with me. One thing I really appreciate about all the doctors I have met here is they put a lot of effort in communicating with you. Joaquins situation can get confusing at times, and it is so unusual that googling it has done me no good. So having doctors that are willing to speak with you directly is a blessing. Overall, this place is clean, modern and the staff here have all been great with my dog. He loves the floors here as well lol.
4 months ago

Susan McCabe

Dr. Hersch-Boyle is top notch, as well as her staff. I won’t be taking my dog anywhere else if we have another injury. Caring, patient, super knowledgeable and accommodating.

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2 years ago

Beverly Ann

My beautiful Lab has been so well taken care of after numerous vets told me “she’s 10, they lose their hair as they get old”. They diagnosed her with extreme allergies and put her on a strict medicine routine with both oral and. topical. As a result my sweet lab now has a beautiful coat of hair again and is acting like a puppy because she feels so good. I’m very grateful for the care we have received at this veterinarian hospital and also the way they have followed up and continued to check in on Belle. I highly recommend them for any dermatological issues.
2 years ago

Phoebe Reyes Realtor

The Vets and staff (shout out to Lupe) have been amazing with our Bulldog who had cushings disease and they healed him and helped us with our own emotions. They have also helped get him back on track with some small intestine issues and diarrhea issues.. TMI.. but the long and the short of it.. if your pet is having special issues you couldn't be in better hands than right here.

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