Dr. Michelle McKenzie, Owner

Dr. Michelle McKenzie grew up in Gretna, Louisiana and studied business and pre-veterinary medicine at the University of New Orleans before attending Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine where she graduated in 2007.

After graduation, Dr. Michelle worked as a small animal veterinarian in both Alexandria and Watson, Louisiana. She spent some time practicing emergency medicine in Laplace, Louisiana and then served as the medical director of a no-kill animal shelter for five years.

In October 2015, Dr. Michelle purchased Gause Boulevard Veterinary Hospital, when its original owner, Dr Milazo retired. She has thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all of the clients who have entrusted the care of their pets to our hospital for years as well as all the new clients who have joined our veterinary family since 2015.

Since taking over, she has focused on improving the quality of care of our patients, making sure both our patients and our clients feel at home. Dr. Michelle enjoys taking the time to help pets feel more comfortable by reducing hospital-associated anxiety using pheromones, food rewards, music therapy and positive reinforcement.

Dr. Michelle feels it’s important that our clients understand what is happening with their pets. She enjoys teaching and educating both our clients and our staff.

Dr. Michelle enjoys fishing with her husband Eric, crafting, and making memories with their four kids. She volunteers as a Girl Scout troop leader and enjoys taking her troop camping a few times each year.


Dr. Stephenie Abbott, Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Stephenie Abbott has been helping us out by providing care for your pets at Gause Boulevard since 2016. Dr. Abbott typically works a few days each month and more when our other vets are out of the office. Dr. Abbott is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and graduated from Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine (Geaux Tigers!) with Dr. Michelle in 2007, where they were lab partners throughout their schooling. Dr. Abbott currently lives in Covington, Louisiana with her husband, Dr. Jorge Vila, their two daughters, four dogs and three cats. Dr. Abbott has worked previously in Pineville, LA, Baton Rouge, LA and Covington, LA.


Dr. Wayne Blust, Associate (Ret.)

Dr. Blust (“Dr. B”) has been with Gause Boulevard Veterinary Hospital since July of 1990. He is a 1984 graduate of LSU School of Veterinary Medicine and worked in New Orleans prior to joining our team.

You may still see Dr. Blust around the hospital from time to time.