Business Details
27 Years
experience
Expert Veterinary Orthopedic Care in San Francisco
The Sams Clinic is a veterinary orthopedic specialist practice established in 1999 by Dr. Andrew Sams in the California Bay Area. Our mission has always been to provide state-of-the-art veterinary medicine with a focus on minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment. Over the years, we've expanded our capabilities to include a team of board-certified specialists in orthopedic surgery, anesthesiology, and sports medicine rehabilitation. Our facility combines advanced diagnostic tools like CT scanning with personalized care to ensure optimal outcomes for small animals. We emphasize collaborative treatment planning, integrating pain management strategies, regenerative medicine, and post-operative rehabilitation. Our team of veterinary technicians and rehabilitation specialists works closely with pet owners to ensure they fully understand their pet's condition and treatment options.With over two decades of experience performing procedures like TPLO surgery and stem cell therapy, we maintain our commitment to staying at the forefront of veterinary orthopedic care. Our facility in San Francisco offers world-class diagnostics including digital X-rays, joint taps, and tissue biopsies to support accurate treatment decisions. We work closely with referring veterinarians to ensure continuity of care while maintaining our core principle of creating a comfortable environment where pets receive exceptional medical attention.
Services
Orthopedic Surgery
Arthroscopy
Pain Management
Rehabilitation
Diagnostics
Stem Cell Therapy
Fracture Repair
CT Scanning
Post-Op Care
Canine Rehabilitation
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer board-certified veterinary specialists in orthopedic surgery, anesthesiology, and rehabilitation
- We pioneered minimally invasive veterinary orthopedic techniques in the Bay Area since 1999
- We provide comprehensive pain management solutions combining medical and alternative therapies
- Our personalized rehabilitation programs are tailored to each patient's specific needs
- We utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic tools including CT scanning and digital X-ray technology
What people say
Professional staff
Successful outcomes
Thorough explanations
Excellent follow-up
Compassionate care
Services
Orthopedic Surgery
Our board-certified veterinary surgeons specialize in advanced orthopedic procedures including TPLO, FHO, and fracture repairs using state-of-the-art techniques. We combine traditional methods with innovative approaches to provide optimal joint stability and mobility restoration. Our surgical team has performed over 2,500 TPLO procedures since 1999, offering both immediate stabilization and long-term joint health solutions for canine patients.
Arthroscopy
Minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment procedures using high-resolution arthroscopic equipment to examine and repair joint damage. This technique allows for precise identification and treatment of subtle joint lesions with reduced recovery times. Our surgeons utilize specialized instruments to address cartilage damage, ligament injuries, and other intra-articular pathologies through small incisions.
Pain Management
Comprehensive multimodal pain control programs combining pharmacological therapy, alternative treatments, and lifestyle modifications tailored to each patient's needs. Our specialists utilize advanced techniques including cold laser therapy, shockwave therapy, and stem cell treatments alongside traditional medications. We develop customized plans for managing chronic conditions like osteoarthritis while minimizing medication side effects.
Rehabilitation
Customized physical rehabilitation programs designed by certified canine rehabilitation therapists to enhance recovery after surgery or injury. Our protocols include controlled exercise programs, hydrotherapy, and core strengthening routines that improve mobility and quality of life. All rehabilitation plans require initial evaluation by our specialists to ensure appropriate treatment progression.
Diagnostics
State-of-the-art diagnostic capabilities including CT scanning, digital radiography, and joint fluid analysis for accurate treatment planning. Our CT scanner provides superior tissue differentiation compared to traditional X-rays, enabling precise diagnosis of complex bone and joint conditions. We offer comprehensive diagnostic services to support both surgical and non-surgical treatment decisions.
People
Dr. Andrew Sams
Orthopedic Surgeon
Board-certified veterinary orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience, recognized for pioneering minimally invasive techniques in veterinary medicine since founding the clinic in 1999.
Dr. Alex Hawley
Anesthesiologist
Progressive anesthesiologist specializing in pain management who joined the team in 2009, bringing expertise in multimodal pain control strategies for surgical and chronic conditions.
Dr. Whitlock
Rehabilitation Specialist
Certified canine rehabilitation therapist responsible for evaluating patients and designing customized physical therapy programs to optimize recovery from orthopedic injuries and surgeries.
Questions
Do I need a referral to visit The The Sams Clinic?
While referrals are common, they're not required. We recommend informing your primary veterinarian about your visit for coordinated care.
What emergency services do you offer?
We're not an emergency hospital but will accommodate urgent cases for existing patients during business hours.
Can you perform routine wellness exams?
No, we specialize exclusively in orthopedic, pain management, and rehabilitation services for animals.
How do you handle post-operative mobility challenges?
We provide specialized harnesses to assist with stair navigation and car access during recovery periods.
What makes TPLO surgery the preferred option?
Dr. Sams recommends TPLO based on proven superior stabilization and long-term outcomes for canine cruciate ligament injuries.
Can dental cleanings be done during surgical procedures?
No, we avoid concurrent dental procedures due to increased infection risk from bacterial release during cleanings.
