About Our Vets

Victor Katz, DVM

Dr. Katz grew up in Montgomery County, MD and graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1989. He completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA in 1990.

Dr. Katz founded Muddy Branch Veterinary Center in Gaithersburg in August 1994. Dr. Katz really enjoys Internal Medicine, Dentistry and Surgery and has developed those interests extensively over the past 20 years.

Dr. Katz lives nearby in North Potomac, MD with his wife Melissa Crow and their two children, Lauren and Michael. You can often see Dr. Katz jogging around the neighborhood, biking or swimming. He is a voracious reader and loves to cook for his family and friends. His wife likes the fact that he makes a great house husband. Currently, he has a huge cat named Eli and a Flat Coated Retriever named Sierra. Sierra and Dr. Katz enjoy running and hiking together and you can visit her any time you stop by the office.

Heather Lowenthal, DVM

Dr. Lowenthal joined Muddy Branch Veterinary Center as an associate veterinarian in June 2010. She is a Colorado native and a graduate of Colorado State University whose medical interests include soft tissue surgery and internal medicine. When she isn't here tending to our clients, Heather enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and their dog, Sarah. An avid skier, runner, and hiker, Heather also loves to travel.

Staff

Jennifer - Practice Manager

"I grew up in Germantown, MD so I have been in this area my whole life. I worked at Muddy Branch Veterinary Center previously as a technician but returned to my “work family” in February 2011 to become Dr. Katz new practice manager. I have been in the veterinary field for 6 years now and am just finishing my schooling to become a licensed veterinary technician. I could not see myself doing anything different for a career, it is a nice feeling to enjoy coming to work every day. I’ve just recently moved to Frederick, MD with my boyfriend, Brendan and our dog Hope. When I’m not working I enjoy running, photography, and spending time with my family and friends!"

Nikki - Head Receptionist

"I’ve been working at Muddy Branch Veterinary Center for over 3 years now and love my job. I grew up in Herndon, VA. I love long walks on the beach and playing soccer! I have three beautiful babies, Bella a min pin, Daisy and Maddux, both Chihuahuas!"

Veronika - Surgical Tech

"I was born in the Czech Republic where I grew up and got my education but have been living in the United States for 12 years. I’ve worked for Dr. Katz for the last 10 years. I love traveling and getting to know foreign cultures which brought me to America originally. I live in Chevy Chase, Md, with my little parrots Pookie and Claude and try to keep up with my busy lifestyle. I’m an avid fan of spinning and running and, even as a city lover, never pass on an opportunity to spend my time outdoors."

Lauren - Groomer

Lauren Embry is a certified groomer with 10 years of experience. She currently runs her grooming business, “All Breed Grooming” out of Muddy Branch Veterinary Center and specializes in all breeds of cats and dogs. She graduated from the Maryland School of Dog Grooming, and has worked with Dr. Katz for over three years. Lauren resides in Gaithersburg, MD with her four dogs and four cats!