VCA Laconia Animal Hospital

Bios

• Dr. Heather Manning

  DVM

  Dr. Heather Manning is a native of the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, having been born and raised in beautiful Laconia. She participated in the honors program and completed a senior thesis at the University of New Hampshire, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences (Pre-Veterinary Medicine) in 2000. Next, it was on to veterinary school at the University of Illinois; she completed her doctor of veterinary medicine degree in 2004. After 4 years as Midwesterner, it was time to return to New England. Being a self-proclaimed "cat person," Dr. Manning knew that she wanted to work with household pets, especially our favorite companions: dogs and cats. She especially enjoys observing the relationships between people and their pets, and helping to foster the human-animal bond. Heather was initially employed at a veterinary practice in Concord, New Hampshire, but jumped at the chance to return to the Lakes Region. She has been working at Lakes Region Veterinary Hospital since October 2006. Dr. Manning shares her home with her two Siamese-mix kitties, Callie and Pooka. When not working, Heather enjoys reading, gardening, downhill skiing, swimming, and boating �� on Lake Winnipesaukee, of course!

• John Guest

  DVM

  Dr. John Guest is a relative newcomer to the Lakes Region having moved here from Virginia in 1999 after completing his veterinary training at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to veterinary school, Dr. Guest worked at the Food and Drug Administration, using his electrical engineering degree to evaluate human medical devices. During his years at the VCA Lakes Region Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Guest has developed special interests in skin disease and heart disease. "Skin and ear problems are among the most common problems seen in dogs and cats, and can cause significant discomfort to the pet," comments Dr. Guest. "Finding the right treatment to help a pet can be challenging, but is very gratifying to help a pet feel so much better." Cats and dogs with heart disease often are initially evaluated by specialists, and then have continued care with general practitioners. "New medications and even nutritional supplements can really help pets with heart disease live longer and feel better," comments Dr. Guest. Dr. Guest is also our Medical Director, having responsibilities for helping to establish medical policies for the hospitals. Dr. Guest lives with his wife Kathryn (also a veterinarian at our hospital), children Connor, Ella, Madelyn & Caroline plus 3 cats and 2 dogs in Gilford. When he is not working, Dr. Guest enjoys hiking and mountain-biking the trails of the Lakes Region and White Mountains.

• Dr. Kathryn Guest

  DVM

  Dr. Katie Guest came to the Lakes Region in 1999 after completing her veterinary training at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Although she now limits her veterinary practice to cats and dogs, Dr. Guest previously treated horses, cows, sheep, goats, and cats and dogs in her prior workplace. Dr. Guest has developed special interests in surgery and reproductive medicine. She has completed advanced courses in laser surgery and performs some of the more challenging surgical procedures, such as thyroidectomy (the removal of one or both of the thyroid glands �� a treatment option for cats with hyperthyroidism) and entropion (correction of eye lid abnormalities). In the field of reproductive medicine, she has experience with artificial insemination, semen collection and evaluation, pregnancy evaluation, and caesarian section. Dr. Guest lives with her husband, John (also a veterinarian at our hospital), children Connor, Ella, Madelyn & Caroline plus 3 cats & 2 dogs in Gilford. When she is not working, Dr. Guest enjoys hiking, skiing, and gardening.

• Jonna Fulton

  DVM

  Dr. Jonna Fulton, originally from Connecticut, settled in New Hampshire in 2000 after completing a one year small animal medical and surgical internship at VA-MD Regional School of Veterinary Medicine following her DVM degree at Louisiana School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Fulton is no stranger to VCA Laconia Animal Hospital and VCA Lakes Region Veterinary Hospital as this was her first position as an associate veterinarian after moving to New Hampshire. After 4 years in general practice, in 2004, she decided to change gears and worked full time as a small animal emergency veterinarian for the past 10 years, where she learned many new skills. "I am very excited and thrilled to be back at VCA Laconia Animal Hospital where I started from! It is great to see familiar faces of clients and working with doctors and staff that were there from years ago!" Dr. Fulton enjoys using the advanced skills she has learned in treating the more challenging medical and surgical patients that present to the clinic. "It is amazing that after 14 years in practice, I am still seeing new conditions all the time and learning from each patient I treat." She has special interests in soft tissue surgery, critical care, and ultrasound. Dr. Fulton enjoys her free time in the beautiful outdoors of New Hampshire with her chocolate lab Mr. Finn.