Our Veterinarians

At Animal Hospital of West Lake Forest, our team of skilled and compassionate professionals is the heart of everything we do. Our experienced Lake Bluff veterinarians are dedicated to providing exceptional care for pets and building lasting relationships with the families who love them. From wellness exams and vaccinations to advanced diagnostics and surgical procedures, you can trust that your pet is in capable and caring hands.

 

Our Lake Bluff veterinarians bring a diverse range of expertise and a shared passion for improving the lives of animals. We believe in a personalized approach to veterinary care, taking the time to understand each pet’s unique health needs and working closely with pet owners to develop the best possible treatment plans. Whether your companion is a playful puppy, a curious kitten, or a senior pet in need of specialized attention, we’re here to help them thrive at every stage of life.

 

At Animal Hospital of West Lake Forest, we pride ourselves on maintaining a warm, welcoming environment where pets feel safe and families feel supported. Our Lake Bluff veterinarians not only provide high-quality medical care, but also prioritize clear communication, education, and respect for the bond you share with your pet. We invite you to learn more about our veterinary team below. We’re proud of the people who make our hospital a trusted place for compassionate, reliable care.

 

 

 

David McKenna, DVM

 

Dr. David McKenna is the owner of the Animal Hospital of West Lake Forest. A general practitioner, Dr. McKenna has cared for pets here since 1996. He has always loved animals and finds veterinary medicine to be a rewarding way to work with pets and explore his interest in medicine. Dr. McKenna particularly enjoys interacting with clients and their pets and enjoys the unique veterinary medical cases he sees each day.
 
A native of New Paltz, NY, Dr. McKenna attended Union College as an undergraduate and received his Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry in 1984. He also received a second Bachelor's Degree in Veterinary Medicine in 1991. Dr. McKenna continued his education at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and was awarded his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1993.
 
Dr. McKenna has a number of interests related to veterinary medicine and particularly enjoys perfecting his skills in soft tissue surgery. Veterinary endocrinology is another professional interest. Dr. McKenna is a member of many professional veterinary organizations, including the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association and the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association.
 
Dr. McKenna's four-legged companions include a Pug mix named Floyd McLovin and a frisky feline named Luna.  He enjoys playing tennis, biking, and going to the beach when he's not busy with his duties at the hospital.

 

 

 

Brian DiFuccia, DVM

 

Hospital co-owner and general practitioner Dr. Brian DiFuccia has cared for pets at the Animal Hospital of West Lake Forest since 2007. Dr. DiFuccia has always been interested in science, but it wasn't until he worked with another veterinarian and saw the care and compassion he brought to clients and pets that Dr. DiFuccia pursued a career in veterinary medicine.
 
Dr. DiFuccia was born in New York and lived in 10 different cities before coming to Wisconsin. He attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison and received his Bachelor's Degree in Zoology in 1997. Following his undergraduate studies, he continued his education at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine and was awarded his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2003.
 
Dr. DiFuccia enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine with a focused interest in internal medicine and surgery.
 
Dr. DiFuccia is married to Julie, who is also a veterinarian. Their family includes two sons and a daughter, as well as their mixed breed terrier named Oscar. Dr. DiFuccia enjoys the outdoors, traveling, woodworking, and spending time with his family.
 
Sheena Dadkhah, DVM

 

Dr. Sheena Dadkhah received her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science/Pre-Vet with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Illinois. She stayed at the University to earn her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. ILL-INI! Dr. Dadkhah joined the team at Animal Hospital of West Lake Forest in December 2021.

 

She was named after the movie “Sheena Queen of the Jungle” and ever since she was little wanted to follow her namesake to save animals.

 

She enjoys traveling, horseback riding, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. Her and her spouse have two rescue dogs, Gus Gus, a dachshund, and Horton, a Pitbull.

 
 
 
 
Elizabeth Retseck, DVM
 

Dr. Elizabeth Retseck attended Purdue University for both undergraduate and veterinary school, graduating with her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2011.  She had been practicing small animal medicine in the Chicago area for over 12 years before joining the Animal Hospital of West Lake Forest in 2023.

 

Dr. Retseck hails from a small town of 200 people in southern Indiana, and grew up surrounded by animals.  She found veterinary medicine to be the perfect way to meld her love of biology and caring for animals.  Her particular areas of interest in the veterinary field include dentistry and endocrinology.

 

Dr. Retseck enjoys traveling, cooking, reading and camping as well as spending time with her three children and husband.  She has one dog, Humphrey, a large mixed breed pup.