603-262-3215
The Merrimack Veterinary Hospital team of skilled veterinarians welcomes you to our practice. Proudly serving the Merrimack and Thorntons Ferry areas. At Merrimack Veterinary Hospital, it is our daily privilege to provide quality vet care to your cherished pet, with compassion and competence. We hope to ensure a positive impact on our patients, pet owners and the local community.
Dr. Jim Whitebone, DVM
Dr. Whitebone joined the staff of the Merrimack Veterinary Hospital in the fall of 2005. He grew up locally in Wilmington, MA and earned his B.S. in Animal Science at the University of Massachusetts - Amherst. He was trained at Purdue University where he obtained his DVM degree in 2003. At Purdue, Dr. Whitebone concentrated his studies in small animal behavior, dentistry, cardiology, and surgery. Dr. Whitebone enjoys every day here at the Merrimack Veterinary Hospital. His special interests at our practice include ultrasound and minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. In his spare time, he enjoys kayaking and hiking in the White Mountains with his dogs, Antoine and Madeline.
Dr. Brian Dening, DVM
Dr. Dening joined the MVH team in May of 2011 as Medical Director. Dr. Dening grew up in Western New York, received his undergraduate degree from Baldwin-Wallace College in Ohio 1997, and graduated from Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine 2001. A member of both the AVMA and NHVMA, Dr. Dening's special interests include dentistry, surgery and ultrasonography. He strongly believes that client education is an important part of successful disease management for the patient, and wants the pet owner to make informed decisions with a thorough understanding of the problem.
Dr. Carol Vavra - Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Dr. Vavra moved to New Hampshire from Florida where she had a referral practice for acupuncture and integrative medicine. Prior to this she lived in Hawaii where she worked in general practice and emergency veterinary hospitals. Dr. Vavra graduated from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine and is certified in acupuncture through the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Gainesville, FL. Acupuncture can be used to treat many problems - arthritis, back injuries, cancer pain and chemotherapy side effects, and paralysis and weakness to name a few. It can also be used in chronic diseases such as chronic renal failure and can help provide a better quality of life for older pets. Dr. Vavra also offers Chinese herbals, western herbals, and recommendations on diet and supplements to improve overall health.
Dr. Leah Dalton, DVM
Dr. Dalton joined the MVH team in the summer of 2011. Dr. Dalton grew up on the North shore in Massachusetts and obtained her B.S in Biology from Salem State University. She then went on to earn her DVM degree from Ross University in St. Kitts. Dr. Dalton always knew she wanted to become a Veterinarian, and she is so thankful that she has been given the opportunity to work in such a rewarding field and to make a difference in the lives of her patients as well as their owners. Dr Dalton's special interests include client education; geriatric medicine, and soft tissue surgery.Dr. Dalton lives with her adorable husband Brian, and their 2 sweet rescue dogs, Molly and Chloe. Dr. Dalton also has a very special interest in exotic pets- Rodents, small mammals, and reptiles, just to name a few! These little guys need quality veterinary care as well as our cats and dogs.
