I've been coming to Dr. Downs since 1989 with my dogs, this was back when she originally was at Old Town Alexandria Vet. I got a siberian husky puppy that within days of bringing him home he was showing very odd neurotic behavior, walking in tight circles, banging his head into the wall repeatedly. I took him to Dr Downs and she ran blood work, and from day one she told me she thought he had a liver shunt. A liver shunt is where a large vein that collects blood from the systemic circulation and normally carries it into the liver, bypasses the liver. The liver is normally performing the removal of toxins and other byproducts, thus cleansing the blood. With a shunt, liver never cleanses the blood, thus the toxins are not eliminated and results in severe neurological behavior. Since he was a puppy I was feeding him a high protein diet which exacerbated the condition. I had to immediately change him to food like he was an old dog, along with 3 different medicines. Dr. Downs referred me to a specialist that could confirm the diagnosis which at the time could only be done via surgery. My pup had this surgery at 10 weeks old and confirmed it was a liver shunt and unfortunately an internal one, which means the vein runs straight thru the liver and never opens up in the liver, vs. external the vein has basically re-routed around the liver, (external is much more treatable). I was so thrilled they didn't tell me I had to put him down I was willing to do anything. Dr. Downs did the research and let me know there was a vet at Va. Tech Veterinarian School that had had success with performing surgeries on this condition but warned me it was highly experimental and high risk. At first I did not take this route, but my poor pup never grew, had energy about 5-10 minutes a day and just did not have a quality life. I did try the surgery and unfortunately he did not make it but it did give me an extreme appreciation for veterinarian science and what they could do now for animals. I also discovered that this was a pretty rare diagnosis and normally took 9-10 months to determine with normally visits to specialists all over the country. Dr. Downs nailed it day one. I have been a loyal, very happy client of her's ever since. Even when I moved to Chantilly, VA I still always went all the way to Old Town to visit her and then in turn followed her to Little River when she opened her own clinic. She has shown me and my pups nothing but incredible compassion and excellent pet care. She is always thorough in explaining everything when my dogs have required additional testing or surgery. She always gives me estimates with options and/or recommendations with what tests, x-rays, medicines, treatments she would perform and which I could hold off on. She has treated my dogs for everything from snake bites, to fractured toes, to removing odd growths/cysts to doggy alzheimers (Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome). She has referred as necessary to an array of specialists from neurology to behavioral and has continued to be spot on every time. I will be a loyal client as long as she is in practice.

Dr. Downs and her staff are amazing! And trust me I am not an employee like one review said. I had to rush my 7 week old puppy to their office with a serious head injury, she was attacked by my older dog cause they were fighting over a bone. She had a lacerated ear and a fractured skull. They were very patient and understanding and took amazing care of her, even found out that she had roundworm which I would have never known. They were very upfront with the cost and were very understanding when I expressed some concern over the cost. I knew it was going to cost a lot, but we were talking about saving a puppies life here. They worked with us and gave us a break on some of the expenses. Yes it's expensive and yes you have to pay upfront, but 2 things; you get what you pay for, and paying at time of service works for us personally because it negated the need to have to pay another bill when we have enough already! Anyways, I have had neighbors of mine say that they didn't like them, that they were expensive or not good with someones aggressive cat, but for us they are amazing, close by, and caring. They always take the time to answer any questions or concerns you have. I don't normally write reviews for things, but i figured it was the least I can do after they saved my puppy's life and took care of my older dog! Thanks again guys, and Queso and Odie thank you as well!

Great Place!! In the past I have expierenced vets who make you feel guilty, and force you into tons of tests and services that your pet doesn't need. The WHOLE staff was wonderful. They all had an obvious love for animals and their well being. Thank you Dr. Downs!! I will continue to reccommend Little River!

Little River Vet and Dr Downs the owner are GREAT to work with. I'm very pleased with this new vet I found. Great Service and not a fortune. We took or dog to another vet and they seemed ready to start tab. I don't like that... Dr Downs and her staff have impressed me. Thanks soooo much!

Excelent Vet! Very caring and helpful. Charming little clinic off Burke Station Rd. Excelent recptionists, took the time to make sure I understood how to give all the medications. Didnt just hand me some pills and push me out the door like my last vet.