As Las Vegas' most comprehensive specialty veterinary hospital, our experienced emergency vets and board-certified specialists provide the advanced diagnostics and coordinated care your pet needs - all under one roof.
7:00am – 5:00pm, 7 days a week
7:00am – 5:00pm, 7 days a week
7:00am – 5:00pm, 7 days a week
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I feel comfortable taking my fur babies to see the veterinary hospital they take so much good care and they understand what goes on with my baby
Dr Shmitt was very clear on his description and explanation of Sancho's condition and the options available for his treatment and the staff as a whole are very attentive to us both
They were the only vets who really helped my dog!
Thank you Dr. Geitzen for your extraordinary care of Nyx Goddess of the Night and your compassion as a human being with me. I truly appreciate your care for both Nyx and Gaia over the last many years.
Dr Reynolds and his assistant worked and still do very hard to keep Monty's sight They're very patient with all my questions and concerns. They give us . I always leave the office feeling satisfied.
At Las Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center, we understand how important your pet is to you and your family.
As Southern Nevada’s only multi-specialty veterinary hospital with full-time specialists available 7 days a week, our board-certified specialists work together across departments - from cardiology and neurology to oncology and advanced surgery - consulting with emergency and critical care teams to diagnose, treat, and shepherd your pet through every step of complex care.
On-site diagnostic and treatment capabilities are seamlessly integrated into a coordinated approach that can only be delivered at a hospital like ours.
MRI allows our teams to detect complex conditions with unmatched precision, enabling timely, life-saving care.
With high-resolution CT scanning, our team visualizes internal structures in extraordinary detail to guide expert diagnosis and treatment.
Modern digital X-ray technology delivers rapid, crystal-clear imaging for accurate assessment of even the most subtle injuries or conditions.
Comprehensive blood, urine or stool testing delivers accurate results for informed decision-making without delay.
Advanced ultrasound imaging provides real-time insights into internal organs, supporting precise diagnoses by our specialists and teams.
Fluoroscopy allows our specialists to observe dynamic processes within the body, ensuring exact placement and treatment planning for complex cases.
Using minimally-invasive endoscopic techniques, our teams can diagnose and treat conditions with precision.
State-of-the-art surgical suites provide a controlled environment where experts perform procedures with the utmost care.
Our comprehensive pharmacy ensures immediate access to essential medications, streamlining treatment plans and improving outcomes.
Our board-certified specialists and clinical teams combine elite training with hands-on experience to deliver precision, compassion, and life-saving care to pets in Wheat Ridge and beyond.
Las 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
Special 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.
Dr. Elise Lenske is a board-certified veterinary cardiologist, committed to providing compassionate, cutting-edge care tailored to each patient's individual needs, with a special interest in interventional cardiology. She places a high priority on working closely with primary care veterinarians and pet families to ensure the best possible quality of life for her patients.
She earned her veterinary degree from the University of Queensland, Australia, in 2010. Early in her career, she developed a passion for acute care, leading her to earn her membership in Emergency and Critical Care with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (MANZCVS) in 2016.
Driven by her interest in cardiovascular medicine, Dr. Lenske spent six years at the University of California, Davis, completing a two-year emergency internship followed by a four-year residency in veterinary cardiology. Her extensive background in both emergency critical care and cardiology gives her a unique perspective when managing complex cardiac patients.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Lenske is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys traveling, exploring national parks, hiking, and horseback riding.
Dr. Jessica Mampe is a board-certified internal medicine veterinarian, providing exceptional care to patients in Orange County and beyond.
She enjoys all aspects of internal medicine, and she has a particular interest in restoring quality of life to pets with GI disease, diabetes, and infectious diseases.
EDUCATION
Iowa State University
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia
Rotating Internship
University of Pennsylvania
Internal Medicine Residency
Master of Veterinary Science Washington State University 2010
Diplomate American College of Veterinary Medicine 2008
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine 2003
Bachelor of Science University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences in Agriculture Athens, GA 2000 Magna Cum Laude, with Honors
Interests:
Professional – Urology, Ectopic ureters, Interventional procedures, Endocrinology, Hepatic and GI diseases
Personal – Backpacking, Rowing, Mountain Biking, Snowboarding
Dr. Reynolds is a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist and is a member of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
Dr. Reynolds focuses on enhancing patients' quality of life by restoring or enhancing vision and ocular comfort.
He completed his residency in ophthalmic medicine and surgery in Sydney, Australia. During this training period, he published numerous scientific journal articles investigating novel surgical and medical therapies for eye diseases of dogs and cats, and also published textbook chapters on zoo animal and equine ophthalmic medicine.
Dr. Reynolds has completed a post-graduate degree in the medicine of geriatric dogs and cats and continuously aims to enhance the quality of life of his patients and has a greater understanding of the special medical and surgical requirements of older patients. He completed his surgical and medicine rotating internship in Brisbane, Australia, and his ophthalmology internship in Sydney, Australia. Dr. Reynolds' earned his veterinary degree at James Cook University, Australia.
Research and Publications
"Parasiticide use and obesity in dogs with sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome". Journal of the American veterinary Medical Association. 2024.
“Superficial keratectomy for the treatment of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects in dogs.” Veterinary Ophthalmology. 2024.
“Free labial mucocutaneous graft for eyelid reconstruction in four dogs.” Veterinary Ophthalmology. 2024.
“Feline distichiasis treated with cryoepilation: A retrospective study of 15 cats (27 eyes).” Veterinary Ophthalmology. 2024
“Bullous keratopathy in a dwarf rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus).” Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine. 2023
“Ophthalmic findings associated with Australian tick paralysis (holocyclotoxicity) in hospitalized domestic dogs and cats.” Veterinary Ophthalmology (2024).
“Retrospective assessment of ophthalmic disease development in domestic dogs and cats when hospitalised with tick paralysis caused by Ixodes holocyclus.” Australian Veterinary Journal (2024).
“Effect of dexmedetomidine added to retrobulbar blockade with lignocaine and bupivicaine in dogs undergoing enucleation surgery”. Veterinary Ophthalmology. 2023
“An investigation into the development of qualitative tear film disorders in dogs following cryoepilation for distichiasis.”Veterinary Ophthalmology. 2023
Textbook Chapters:
“Ophthalmology of Marsupials" and "Ophthalmology of Monotremes”. Wild and Exotic Animal Ophthalmology. 2022
“Use of subdermal hyaluronic acid injections and a free labial mucocutaneous graft for the repair of feline eyelid agenesis.” Veterinary Ophthalmology. 2021
“Use of a chronic soft tissue expansion device to facilitate blepharoplasty in a horse with lower lid cicatricial ectropion with a 14 year follow-up”. Veterinary Ophthalmology. 2020
“Retinal cone photoreceptor distribution of the American Black Bear (Ursus americanus)”. The Anatomical Record. 2020
“Microsporidial stromal keratitis in a cat”. Medical Mycology Case Reports. 2020
“Patient and tumour factors influencing canine mast cell tumour histological grade and mitotic index”. Veterinary andComparative Oncology. 2019
Dr. Katherine Robinson is a board-certified veterinary medical oncologist, originally from Ohio, who has practiced throughout the US and Canada.
Her philosophy regarding cancer care is that quality of life is of the utmost importance when pursuing treatment for pets. She is a firm believer in “just because you can doesn’t mean you should”.
Dr. Robinson believes that owners make the best decisions when they are properly informed of treatment options and expected outcomes, and it is her duty to provide that in order for them to be the best advocate for their pets. She understands that hearing a diagnosis of cancer in your companion can be scary, and she is committed to making her clients feel comfortable by providing compassionate care and kindness.
When she is not at work, she enjoys relaxing outdoors, eating at gluten free restaurants/bakeries, playing basketball, watching women’s sporting events, traveling, and spending time with her spouse and their rambunctious cat Oscar.
EDUCATION
University of Missouri
Medical Oncology Residency
University of Wisconsin
Oncology Clinical Trials Internship
University of Georgia
Small Animal Rotating Medicine & Surgery Internship
University of Missouri
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (Phi Zeta Honor Society Member)
The Ohio State University
Bachelor of Science, Zoology
AWARDS
CERTIFICATIONS
PUBLICATIONS
Special 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.
Las Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center: Medical Oncologist March 3,2024 to Present
Tier 1 Veterinary Medical Center: Medical Oncologist 2018 to 2024. Radiation Safety Officer 2023 to 2024
Worked with an integrative veterinarian to implement nutritional and integrative approaches to therapy.
North Florida Veterinary Medical Center/Blue Pearl Jacksonville: Medical Oncologist 2008 to 2018
Sound-Eklin: Education/Telemedicine Consultant 2001 to 2015
Veterinary Specialists of Northern Colorado: Medical Oncology 1999 to 2008
Florida Veterinary Specialists: Medical Oncologist 1998 to 1999
VCA Berwyn Animal Hospital: Oncology Consultant 1997 to 1999
Purdue University: Visiting Instructor 1996 to 1998
University of Illinois: Medical Oncology Resident 1994 to 1996
Colorado: Primary and Emergency Veterinarian 1992 to 1994
VCA West Los Angeles Veterinary Medical Center: Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship 1991 to 1992
Colorado State Universiy: Graduate 1991 | Montana State University: 1987
Dr. Kimi Sharma is a board-certified veterinary neurologist, providing exceptional care to pets in the Greater Las Vegas area.
Dr. Sharma hails from the great city of Las Vegas but spent summers in the San Fernando Valley with her beloved Grandmother and cousins. She trekked to the northeast for undergrad at Boston University and attended veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania.
After suffering through too many winters, she made her way back to Los Angeles and did her rotating internship at VCA West Los Angeles. She eventually found herself in the Swamp and completed a three-year residency in Neurology and Neurosurgery at the University of Florida. After successfully dodging gators, Dr. Sharma made her way back to Los Angeles where she worked and galivanted through the Hollywood Hills.
She is now happy to return to her hometown, join the LVVSC family and soak up the sun. Her professional interests are Frenchies. In her free time, Dr. Sharma enjoys reading fiction novels, debating the greatest rapper of all time, watching basketball and partaking in gastronomy with her family.
Dr. Weinstein is a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist and a member of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
Dr. Weinstein completed his residency in ophthalmology at the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine in Athens, Georgia in 2009, where he also earned a Master of Science degree in veterinary pathology. His research and publications involve canine glaucoma and identification of molecular factors (matrix netalloprotienases) associated with the disease.
Dr. Weinstein was also involved in research on new therapies for treatment of equine fungal keratitis. He completed a medicine and surgical internship at Long Island Veterinary Specialists in 2005. He earned his DVM from St. George’s University, School of Veterinary Medicine in 2003 and holds bachelor’s degrees in biology and veterinary technology.
Special interests – mixed animal ophthalmology, including treatment of small and large animals, as well as exotic patients
Research and publications involve canine Glaucoma and identification of molecular factors (matrix metalloproteinases) associated with the disease< Involved in research on new therapies for treatment of equine fungal keratitis Completed residency in ophthalmology, University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine in Athens, GA, 2009 MS, veterinary pathology, University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine in Athens, GA, 2009 Medicine and surgical internship at Long Island Veterinary Specialists, 2005 St. George’s University, School of Veterinary Medicine, 2003< BA, biology and veterinary technology.
Ohio State University, Columbus, OH- Residency, 2001-2004
Ohio State University, Columbus, OH- Masters, 2001-2004
Angell Animal Medical Center- Jamaica Plain, MA- Rotating Intern, 2000-2001
University of Illinois , College of Veterinary Medicine 1996-2000
University of Richmond, Richmond, VA, — BA, 1995
CERTIFICATION Board certification in the American College of Veterinary Surgeons 2005
Veterinary Anesthesiologist | Educator | Advocate for Patient-Centered Care
Dr. Jonathan Congdon is a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist with more than 15 years of experience spanning advanced clinical anesthesia, medical leadership, and hands-on training across the veterinary spectrum. Known for his calm precision and patient-first mindset, Dr. Congdon has built a career grounded in compassionate care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous professional development.
As an experienced Medical Director at both academic institutions and multi-specialty referral hospitals, he has successfully led complex veterinary teams, overseen high-volume emergency and specialty services, and spearheaded large-scale initiatives that enhanced both patient outcomes and caregiver engagement.
Dr. Congdon’s passion for education is a defining thread throughout his career. He has developed and delivered numerous anesthesia training programs, including a 12-hour, on-demand curriculum tailored for veterinary technicians and caregivers. His commitment to mentorship is equally strong—he’s guided veterinary anesthesia residents and rotating interns, veterinary assistants and certified technicians, as well as specialty technician trainees forward in theirclinical training, experience and excellence. Whether speaking at national conferences or teaching in local rounds, Dr. Congdon makes complex anesthetic principles approachable and actionable.
A thought leader in the field, Dr. Congdon has published multiple peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on topics ranging from regional anesthesia to perioperative care in patients with cardiovascular disease. He is well recognized for his ability to synthesize evidence-based practices with practical, patient-specific solutions.
Dr. Congdon holds advanced degrees in clinical sciences and anatomy in addition to his veterinary doctorate. A lifelong learner and advocate for psychological safety in healthcare teams, he brings empathy, structure, and vision to every environment he enters.
Above all, Dr. Congdon believes that excellent veterinary anesthesia is built on three pillars: patient advocacy, informed teamwork, and a deep respect for the trust placed in veterinary caregivers. He remains committed to elevating the standard of care—one patient, one procedure, one team at a time.
Dr. Aubrecht is a small animal surgery veterinarian with residency training in orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. He is passionate about helping patients regain comfort, mobility, and quality of life through individualized surgical care.
Dr. Aubrecht earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota, followed by a small animal rotating internship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He then completed a small animal surgery residency at University of California, Davis.
Throughout his training, Dr. Aubrecht developed a strong interest in advanced orthopedic and soft tissue procedures, including fracture repair, joint surgery, surgical oncology, and minimally invasive surgery. He enjoys working closely with pet owners and primary care veterinarians to create treatment plans tailored to each patient and family.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Aubrecht enjoys spending time with his partner and their dog, Goose. He spends much of his free time outdoors hiking and backpacking, working on hobbies and projects around the home, and playing or watching sports, including hockey, golf, and lacrosse.
Dr. 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.
Small Animal Internal Medicine Residency: University of Pennsylvania 2023
Small Animal Rotating Internship: University of Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine 2020
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine: University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine 2019
Bachelor of Arts: Saint John’s University 2015
Dr. Herr’s Interests:
Professional – Renal disease, infectious disease, endocrinology and hematology.
Personal – Hiking, MN sports teams, ice fishing, golf
Dr. Linzner is originally from southern California. He completed his veterinary degree at Western University of Health Sciences in 2022, and stayed in southern California for his rotating internship at VCA Animal Specialty and Emergency Center in 2023. He then moved to Baton Rouge to complete a three-year diagnostic imaging residency at Louisiana State University in 2026. His favorite modalities are radiography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography, and he holds a special interest in working with exotic animals.
After completing his residency, Dr. Linzner has made Las Vegas his home with his wife and cat. In his spare time, Dr. Linzner enjoys traveling and finding new food and adventure places with his wife. He is also passionate about 3D printing and design, frequently exploring ways to merge this hobby with his work.
Dr. Posukonis is an Internal Medicine veterinary professional.
Her clinical expertise includes endocrine disorders and interventional urology, with a strong focus on advancing patient care in these areas.
Originally from Pennsylvania and raised in Reno, Dr. Posukonis has now made Las Vegas her home with her fiancé and their two dogs Chewbacca, an Alaskan Malamute, and Apollo, a Husky mix.
Outside of veterinary medicine, she enjoys exploring live music, discovering new restaurants, and looks forward to building meaningful connections within the local veterinary community.
Dr. Posukonis earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Colorado State University in 2021, following her undergraduate studies in biomedical engineering at The Ohio State University. She then completed a rotating internship at the University of Minnesota in 2022 and recently finished her residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at Iowa State University.
Special 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
Dr. Rexing has written and collaborated on several publications, and spoken at many local, state, and national meetings.
DVM/MPH from St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indies
Clinical year at Texas A&M University
Rotating Internship at BluePearl in Sandy Springs, GA
Surgery specialty internship at Veterinary Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Group (VOSM) in Annapolis, MD
Hobbies include: Lifting (weights), snacking, MMA/UFC, football, sports in general
Dr. Alex Lunderville is a surgery intern who joined us in July 2026.
With his passion for animal care, Dr. Lunderville pursued veterinary medicine to give back to our four-legged friends who bring meaning and support to our lives. He has a special interest in small animal surgery, and looks to cultivate his skills to provide the best medicine for his patients.
In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, baking, and hitting the gym. He also enjoys traveling to new places and meeting new people!
EDUCATION
Small Animal Surgery Internship: Veterinary Specialty Center, Bannockburn IL
Small Animal Rotating Internship: Veterinary Specialty Center, Bannockburn, IL
Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine
Texas A&M University
Dr. Nisha Sidhu is a surgery intern who joined us in July 2026.
Originally from sun-kissed Scottsdale, Arizona, she embarked on an extraordinary journey to attend veterinary school in India.
There, Dr. Sidhu spent six transformative years immersed in her Sikh heritage and vibrant culture while working with an incredible array of exotic animals, like elephants, cheetahs and monkeys.
She completed a clinical year for licensure at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, after which she moved to the pacific northwest to attend a Rotating Internship at BluePearl Pet Hospital in Kirkland, WA. She is thrilled to bring her global perspective and passion for Small Animal Surgery to the Southwest.
In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga, getting lost in the pages of a romantic fantasy book and exploring the great outdoors. She has a Bengal cat, Vazir, who is the best boy!
EDUCATION
Small Animal Rotating Internship: BluePearl, Kirkland WA
University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Caroline Sirr is a surgery intern who joined us in July 2026.
She grew up in the greater Seattle area and then completed her undergraduate and veterinary degrees at Washington State University. Afterwards, she completed a rotating internship at a BluePearl in Kirkland, WA then her first surgical internship in Bannockburn, Illinois. Dr. Sirr’s surgical interests include wound management, subcutaneous ureteral bypass placement, and angular limb deformities.
She has two cats at home, Momo and Mai, as well as a ball python named Martini. In her free time, she enjoys cross stitching, pottery, and horseback riding.
EDUCATION
Small Animal Surgery Internship: Veterinary Specialty Center, Bannockburn IL
Small Animal Rotating Internship: BluePearl, Kirkland WA
Washington State University
Dr. Jewels Welcher is a surgery intern who joined us in July 2026.
In her free time, she likes to go on hikes, knit, read, and bake.
EDUCATION
University of Edinburgh
Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVM&S)
Mississippi State
Undergraduate Degree
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