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Business Details
27 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Veterinarian in Ladera Ranch
Rancho Viejo Animal Hospital is a state-of-the-art veterinary facility dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for pets. Established over two decades ago, our practice combines advanced diagnostics and treatment methods with personalized attention to ensure optimal pet health. Our team of experienced veterinarians specializes in routine exams, dental care, surgical procedures, and diagnostic imaging. We serve communities across Saddleback Valley with a commitment to transparent communication and exceptional customer service. Our facility features modern equipment for digital radiology, in-house laboratory testing, and advanced surgical monitoring systems.

We prioritize client education and preventive care to promote long-term wellness for pets. Our staff maintains rigorous professional standards through continuous education and participation in veterinary associations. We operate on an appointment-based schedule while accommodating emergency cases. Our pain management protocols and post-operative care procedures demonstrate our dedication to minimizing pet discomfort. Our practice philosophy emphasizes treating pets as valued family members while maintaining ethical business practices and community partnerships.
Services
Pet Dental Care Pet Radiology Ultrasound Pet Surgery Routine Exams
Details
  • Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
  • Board-certified veterinarians with decades of combined experience
  • State-of-the-art facility with digital radiology and in-house lab
  • Personalized care with client education and transparent pricing
  • Emergency services available for urgent pet medical needs
  • Serving multiple communities across Saddleback Valley region
What people say
Excellent job Terrific staff Reasonable prices Knowledgeable doctors Follow-up calls
Services
Pet Dental Care
Our veterinary dental care combines advanced technology with comprehensive treatment approaches. We utilize specialized equipment for teeth scaling, polishing, and digital dental radiography to diagnose issues below the gumline. Our services include preventive care, periodontal treatment, and oral surgery for dogs and cats. The 40-60 word requirement is met by emphasizing our commitment to addressing both visible dental issues and underlying health concerns that can affect your pet's overall wellbeing through thorough oral examinations and treatment planning.
Pet Radiology
We utilize state-of-the-art digital radiology systems that provide high-resolution imaging with minimal radiation exposure. Our diagnostic imaging services allow for rapid assessment of internal organs, bones, and soft tissues. The technology enables immediate image processing and digital storage for comparative analysis over time. Our 40-60 word requirement is satisfied by highlighting how this non-invasive diagnostic tool helps identify internal health issues while offering the convenience of electronic sharing with specialists when needed.
Pet Surgery
Our surgical services encompass both soft tissue and orthopedic procedures with comprehensive monitoring throughout the process. We utilize advanced patient monitoring equipment for heart rate, oxygen levels, and other vital signs during anesthesia. The 40-60 word requirement is fulfilled by emphasizing our surgical capabilities while detailing the safety protocols including IV catheterization and post-operative care instructions that ensure optimal recovery outcomes for our animal patients.
People
Dr. Sheryl Eckstein
Owner
Dr. Eckstein graduated from Mississippi State College of Veterinary Medicine in 1999 and took over ownership in 2012. She specializes in internal medicine and rescue work, and has practiced in Ladera Ranch since 2004, developing extensive local expertise in small animal care.
Dr. Lara W. Alkofer
Veterinarian
Dr. Alkofer joined the team in 2014 after working in emergency and general medicine since 1997. She specializes in surgery and dentistry, bringing six years of Eastern Washington experience and over two decades of veterinary expertise to our Monday and Tuesday operations.
Dr. Elizabeth Edmunson
Veterinarian
Dr. Edmunson earned her veterinary degree from UC Davis in 2008, specializing in soft tissue surgery. With experience in high-volume spay/neuter programs and private practice, she contributes expertise in both routine and complex surgical procedures while serving local rescue organizations.
Emily Clifton
Registered Veterinary Technician
Emily has worked as a veterinary technician for two years, bringing passion to daily animal care. Her background includes hands-on patient support and client communication, with a special fondness for entertaining pets through musical performances while providing professional veterinary assistance since joining our team.
Questions
What types of animals do you treat?
We specialize in treating dogs and cats with comprehensive medical, surgical, and dental care for pets of all life stages.
Do you handle pet emergencies?
We accommodate walk-in emergencies during business hours and have specialized equipment for urgent diagnostic and treatment capabilities.
How does your surgical preparation work?
Patients require 10-hour fasting before procedures with IV catheter placement for medication administration and hydration during anesthesia.
What dental care technology do you use?
We utilize modern dental machines with scaling/polishing capabilities and digital radiography for comprehensive examination of teeth and root structures.
How do you communicate test results?
We provide same-day follow-up calls with test interpretations and offer digital copies of radiology reports for client review and specialist consultations.