Our Doctors
Kenneth Shuler, Jr
DVM
Kenneth Shuler, Jr comes from a long line of expert veterinarians. Dr. Lanier Shuler founded the practice in 1953, providing services for small and large animals in St. George, SC. His son Glenn joined him in practice after graduating from Georgia in 1984. Dr. J.O. Shuler, Glenn’s uncle, opened the first full-time veterinary hospital in Mt. Pleasant in 1959 and had the first X-Ray machine in the area.
Kenneth and Heather Shuler bought and expanded Santee Animal Hospital in 2002. They gave it the rustic red barn color to help them remember their farming background.
Kenneth Shuler, Jr is a graduate of the UGA School of Veterinary Medicine with his Bachelor and Masters degrees from Clemson University.
He enjoys golfing, fishing, football, and managing wildlife on the family farm in Vance.
Heather Shuler
DVM
Heather Shuler is also a graduate of the UGA School of Veterinary Medicine with her Bachelor degree from Clemson University. She enjoys reading, football, and being with friends.
The doctors met while attending Clemson. They went on to veterinary school together and were married after freshman year. They spent the next three years in classes together, even being called upon by professors as a unit!
They now enjoy working together and coaching youth sports together. They have two daughters, Savannah and Riley, which you may see around the office learning the ropes. Four dogs, Marlin, Blue, Bucky, and MacKensie round out the family.
Deborah Breland
DVM
Deborah Breland is a graduate of Tuskegee School of Veterinary Medicine with her Bachelor degree from Auburn University.
She enjoys reading, antiquing, renovating her old home with her husband, who is also a TUSVM graduate, and spending time with their daughter.
Dr. Breland enjoys not only seeing cats and dogs but she also sees pocket pets (hamsters, guinea pigs, mice, rats, and ferrets). At home she has two dogs, Hoss and Josie Kate along with 3 cats, Petunia, Pansy and Big Girl.
Tanya Lewis
DVM
Dr. Lewis graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine—Go Bucks! Originally from Ohio, she relocated to Summerville, South Carolina, in 2023 with her husband and their beloved pets.
She enjoys partnering with pet owners to provide the best possible care for their canine and feline family members. Her goal is to help pets remain healthy, comfortable, and happy throughout every stage of life.
When she’s not at the clinic, Dr. Lewis enjoys cross-stitching, reading, horseback riding, and spending time outdoors. She shares her home with her husband, a cat named Hercules, and a dog named Callum.
Briana Karlin
DVM
Dr. Karlin has wanted to be a doctor for as long as she can remember, and her experiences working in animal shelters and mobile veterinary clinics confirmed that veterinary medicine was the perfect path for her. She is especially passionate about pathology and surgery, where she enjoys combining curiosity, technical skill, and compassionate care to help pets live healthier, happier lives.
Dr. Karlin loves building relationships with pets and their families and finds great fulfillment in helping animals thrive at every stage of life.
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Karlin enjoys cooking, baking, hiking, and cycling. Whether she’s exploring a new trail or trying a new recipe in the kitchen, she is always looking for her next adventure.
