Doctors
LVVSC doctors provide knowledgeable, skilled, and compassionate care. Our doctors and staff set high standards, and challenge themselves daily to meet them. We understand the importance of the patient to you, and we greatly appreciate your trust in us to deliver optimum results.
Our board certified veterinarians have in-depth training and are highly experienced. They are supported by other skilled staff, including licensed rehabilitation doctors, nurses, and technicians who are well prepared to deliver the care your pet deserves. They monitor patients around-the-clock while providing timely communication throughout the process.
Cardiology
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Scott Forney, DVM, DACVIM CardiologySpecial interest and clinical research – cardiovascular biomarkers in diagnosis of heart disease Board-certified in Small Animal Internal Medicine; Cardiology, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Las Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center, 2008 – present |
Internal Medicine
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David Burgener, DVM, DACVIMSpecial interest – cardiovascular disease, gastroenterology, endoscopic procedures Board-certified in Small Animal Internal Medicine, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Las Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center, 2006 – present Las Vegas internal medicine consulting practice, 1990 – present Small Animal Internal Medicine Specialty Practice, Phoenix AZ, 1988 – 2001 Assistant Professor of Small Animal Medicine, Michigan State University, 1987 – 1988 Residency in Internal Medicine and Oncology, Michigan State University, 1984 – 1987 Internship, Angell Memorial Animal Hospital, Boston, MA, 1981 – 1982 Colorado State University, DVM, 1981 University of Arizona |
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Nicole Smee, DVM, MS, DACVIMSpecial interest – urinary tract disorders. In addition to receiving numerous awards and honors while at Kansas State University, Dr. Smee has published many research papers and taught numerous veterinary courses and lectures. Las Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center, 2014 to present Midwest Veterinary Imaging Associates Consultant, 2012 to 2014 VCA Mission, Small Animal Internist and Internship/Externship Coordinator, 2012 to 2013 Kansas State University, Small Animal Internal Medicine Residency and Masters in Clinical Sciences, 2009 to 2012 Veterinary Specialty Center of Lynwood, WA, Small Animal Intern, 2008 to 2009 Kansas State University, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, 2004 to 2008 Board-certified in Small Animal Internal Medicine, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Diplomate of the ACVIM, Specialty of Small Animal Internal Medicine |
Oncology
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Andrew Vaughan, DVM, MS, DACVIM OncologyMedical Oncologist, Las Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center 2006 – present Board-certified in Oncology, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Numerous scientific publications in fields of research including canine lymphoma and leukemia, osteosarcoma, and targeted chemotherapeutics Special interests – investigation of novel targeted therapies for canine and feline cancers Member of the Executive Board of the Animal Foundation, 2012 – present Member of the Executive Board for the Veterinary Cancer Society, 2010 – 2013 Medical Oncology Residency, North Carolina State University, 2006 Rotating Small Animal Medicine & Surgical Internship, North Carolina State University, 2002-2003 Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, DVM, 2002 University of California, San Diego, MS, 1998 Saint Mary’s University, BS, 1996 Outside interests include cycling, hiking, camping, canyoneering, skiing and spending time with family and friends |
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Holly Burr, DVM, DACVIM OncologyLas Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center, 2011- present VCA Animal Care Center of Sonoma County, 2010-2011 Residency in Medical Oncology, Tufts University, 2007-2010 Internship in Medical Oncology, Animal Cancer Care Clinic, 2006-2007 Hospitalist, Veterinary Specialists of South Florida, 2006-2007 Internship in Internal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Specialists of South Florida, 2005-2006 University of Wisconsin – Madison, DVM, 2005 University of Utah, BS, 1999 |
Stephanie Byrne, DVM(Practice limited to oncology) Dr. Byrne went to Washington State University and did her residency at Royal Veterinary College in the UK. She practiced in Florida for two years before moving to Las Vegas to be closer to home. |
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Sarah Vidal, DVM, DACVIM OncologyLas Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center, 2020-present Medical Oncology Residency, University of California, Davis, 2017-2020 Oncology Specialty Internship, Veterinary Specialty Hospital of San Diego, 2016-2017 Rotating Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship, Angell Animal Medical Center, 2015-2016 Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, DVM, 2015 University of Miami, BS, 2011 |
Ophthalmology
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William Weinstein, DVM, MS, DACVOSpecial interests – mixed animal ophthalmology, including treatment of small and large animals, as well as exotic patients Board Certified in Ophthalmology, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology Las Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center, 2009 – present Research and publications involve canine Glaucoma and identification of molecular factors (matrix metalloproteinases) associated with the disease |
Surgery
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William Hoefle, DVM, MS, DACVSSpecial interests – fracture repair, joint injuries, juvenile orthopedic diseases, training residents Board Certified, American College of Veterinary Surgeons Las Vegas Veterinary Referral Center, Founding Partner & Senior Staff Surgeon 2005 – present Professor of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Iowa State University Consultant, veterinary practices throughout area Mobile Veterinary Orthopedic Surgical Practice, Las Vegas area, 1984 – present Iowa State University, MS, 1966 Iowa State University, DVM, 1966 Numerous publications, presentations, research projects, and honors Membership in several veterinary and university organizations Past-presidency of Veterinary Orthopedic Society and the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association Multiple presentations for such groups as the American Animal Hospital Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, North American Veterinary Conference, Western Veterinary Conference, Central States Veterinary Conference, Veterinary Orthopedic Society, and the ACVS Surgical Forum |
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Robert D. Barstad, DVM, MS, Practice Limited to SurgeryDr. Barstad is married and has a son and daughter. He has a Golden Retriever Kealey and a cat Tiger. His activities include family, woodworking, fly- fishing, and mentoring. Las Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center, Founding Partner 2005 – present Texas Academy of Veterinary Practice Clinical Consultation Award, 1997 (Texan who has most helped peers with consultation and patient care) Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center, Owner and Staff Surgeon in all disciplines of surgery, orthopedics, soft tissue, neurosurgery, 1986 – present Surgical Residency and MS, Iowa State University, in Veterinary Clinical Sciences, 1983 Private Practice, Small Animals, Colorado and Wisconsin, 1979 – 1983 Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, DVM, Reiser Award for Proficiency in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, 1978 |
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David R. Mason, B. Vet. Med, MRCVS, DACVS, DECVS, DACVSMRSpecial interests – arthroscopy, elbow dysplasia, thoracic surgery, porto-systemic shunts Board Certified, American College of Veterinary Surgeons 2006 European College of Veterinary Surgeons 2007 American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation 2014 Staff Surgeon, Las Vegas Veterinary Referral Center, 2005 – present Associate Veterinarian, Mobile Surgical Practice, Las Vegas Veterinary Referral Center, 2005 Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery Clinician, 2005 – present Small Animal Surgical Residency, Iowa State University, 2004 Research Associate, JD Wheat Veterinary Orthopedic Research Laboratory, University of California Davis, 2003 The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, BVM (Honours), 1999 David Mason, B Vet Med (Honours), MRCVS, is a Board Certified Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon specializing in Orthopedic, Neurologic, Oncologic and General Soft Tissue Surgical Procedures. A native of Northern England who grew up on a dairy farm and has been involved with animals his entire life, Dr. Mason earned his veterinary degree with honours from the Royal Veterinary College, University of London in 1999. After graduation he moved across the Atlantic Ocean in order to pursue a Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship at Kansas State Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. |
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Joshua Rexing, DVM, Practice Limited to SurgerySpecial interests – fracture repair, gastrointestinal surgery, degenerative disc disease Las Vegas Veterinary Referral Center, 2011 – Present Northeast Indiana Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital, 2008-2011 Small Animal Surgical Residency, Iowa State University, 2005-2008 Small Animal Rotating Internship, University of Illinois, 2004-2005 Small Animal Emergency Clinician and Surgery Intern, Northeast Indiana Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital, 2003-2004 Small Animal Private Practice, Petsburgh Animal Hospital, Lafayette, IN, 2001-2003 Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, DVM, 1997-2001 Purdue University, BS in Animal Sciences, 1992-1997 |
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Suzanne L. Hunter, DVM, DACVSSpecial Interests: oncologic surgery, wound management, thoracic surgery, urogenital surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, portosystemic shunts. Board Certified, American College of Veterinary Surgeons, 2004 Staff Surgeon, Las Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center, January 2016-present Staff Surgeon, Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists, Houston TX, September 2004-December 2015 Staff Surgeon, Oradell Animal Hospital, Paramus, NJ, August 2003-August 2004 Small Animal Surgical Residency, The Ohio State University, 2000-2003 Small Animal Rotating Internship, Oradell Animal Hospital, Oradell, NJ, 1999-2000 Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, DVM, 1995-1999 Cornell University, BS (Biology), 1991-1995 Dr. Hunter has presented at local and national continuing education meetings on various soft tissue topics. She has also written and collaborated on several publications in peer-reviewed journals. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family. Their dog, cats, and horses keep everyone very busy. |
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Lauren Sanders, DVM, DACVS-SASpecial interests: Arthroscopy and regenerative medicine, gastrointestinal surgery, orthopedic disease and fracture repair Staff Surgeon, Las Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center, August 2018 to present Small Animal Surgical Residency, Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center-Levittown, PA, 2015-2018 Small Animal Surgical Internship, Central Texas Veterinary Specialty Hospital-Austin, TX 2014-2015 Small Animal Rotating Internship, Carolina Veterinary Specialists-Charlotte, NC 2013-2014 University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, DVM, 2010-2013 Oklahoma State University, BS in Animal Science, 2006-2010 Dr. Sanders is originally from Missouri. Her free time is spent outdoors with her dog and riding her Arabian horse, April. |
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Nick Rappa, DVM, DACVS-SASpecial interests – open wound management, orthopedics/fracture repair and trauma surgery Board Certified, American College of Veterinary Surgeons – Small Animal Las Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center March 2020 – present Fox Valley Animal Referral Center – 2019 Midwest Veterinary Referral Center – 2016 –2018 Small Animal Surgical Residency, Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners 2013-2016 Small Animal Surgical Internship, Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center 2012-2013 Small Animal Rotating Internship, LVVSC 2011-2012 Iowa State University, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, 2007-2011 Drake University, Bachelors degree in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, 2003-2007 |
Neurology
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Franziska Fitz, DVM, GPCertSAS, DACVIM (Neurology/ Neurosurgery)Dr. Fitz was born and raised in South Germany. She received the majority of her veterinary school training in Brno, Czech Republic where she earned her masters degree in veterinary medicine. She went on to complete her general practitioner certificate in small animal surgery from the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies in Munich and Frankfurt, Germany. In 2013, she obtained her Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates, certified by the American Veterinary Medical Association. She completed a surgical internship at Hollywood Animal Hospital, followed by a neurological internship and a three-year residency at Southeast Veterinary Neurology, Miami Florida where she had been trained in all aspects of neurology and neurosurgery. Afterwards, she remained in South Florida working at Southeast Veterinary Neurology for almost 2 years before joining LVVSC’s Neurology team in July 2021. Her special interests are in Neurosurgery and Neuroradiology. Outside of work she enjoys hiking and running with her dogs, as well as loves mountain biking and travelling with her husband. |
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Dana Gietzen, DVM, Practice Limited to NeurologyDr. Dana Gietzen was born and raised in Minot, North Dakota. She attended North Dakota State University for her undergraduate studies in Microbiology (Go Bison!). She then obtained her veterinary degree from Iowa State University. After graduation, she completed a one year internship at ISU in critical care and emergency. This was followed by a one year surgical internship at Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital in Akron, Ohio. It was here where her interest in neurology began and she stayed on to complete a Neurology/Neurosurgery Residency. After a lifetime of cold weather, Dr. Gietzen decided to try her hand at hotter temperatures and moved to Austin, Texas. She worked at a private practice for over three years before joining the team at LVVSC. She enjoys treating complicated seizure cases, CNS inflammatory disease, and all aspects of neurosurgery. When not at work, she is often spending time with her dog Maija (loves to paddle board) ad two cats, Frankenstein and Igor. |