Sunset Cliffs Animal Hospital

We provide thorough annual wellness examinations to evaluate your pet's overall health, including age-specific evaluations to proactively address emerging needs or concerns. These exams are required for all medication dispensing and serve as a baseline for personalized preventive healthcare plans, especially for pets with pre-existing conditions or unique lifestyle factors.

We administer essential core vaccinations for dogs (including Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus, and Parainfluenza via DHPP) and cats (Rabies, Feline Distemper/Calicivirus/Rhinotracheitis, and Panleukopenia). Rabies vaccination is legally required for dogs over 4 months in California. Walk-in vaccines are available with specific eligibility criteria, including prior exam records.

We provide heartworm testing and preventive medications to safeguard your pet against this life-threatening parasitic disease. Annual screenings are especially critical, as asymptomatic pets can still harbor the parasite. Prevention involves monthly oral/chewable tablets, topical applications, or injectable medications, all available through our pharmacy.

Our flea and tick prevention programs include a range of oral, topical, and chewable medications to disrupt the lifecycle of these parasites. We offer personalized recommendations based on your pet’s environment, breed, and health status, available for purchase directly through our on-site pharmacy or via our online platform.

We implant permanent microchips (about the size of a grain of rice) between your pet’s shoulder blades during routine visits. Each chip contains a unique ID, registered to your contact information, which significantly increases recovery rates if your pet is lost. Microchipping is a one-time procedure performed alongside vaccinations or wellness exams.

We address intestinal parasite control through targeted deworming protocols, including fecal testing to identify specific parasites (e.g., roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms). Preventative medications and treatment plans are tailored to your pet’s lifestyle, breed, and risk factors, with prescriptions available through our pharmacy.

Our advanced in-house laboratory services include Complete Blood Counts (CBC) and chemistry panels to assess organ function, metabolic health, and systemic diseases. These tests are critical for diagnostic clarity, monitoring chronic conditions, or pre-surgery evaluations. Results are available swiftly within our clinic for immediate dialogue with your veterinarian.

We perform urinalyses to evaluate kidney function, detect urinary tract infections, diabetes, liver disease, or bladder crystals. This non-invasive test provides critical insights for diagnosing conditions like cystitis, crystal formation, or metabolic disorders, often recommended during annual wellness visits or symptom assessments.

Our clinic is equipped with digital radiography to capture high-quality X-ray images for diagnostic purposes, including bone fractures, dental disease, foreign object ingestion, heart/lung assessments, and abdominal abnormalities. Digital imaging enhances accuracy and reduces radiation exposure compared to traditional film X-rays.

We utilize ultrasound technology to visualize internal organs, assess pregnancies, diagnose masses/nodules, or evaluate heart conditions (e.g., congestive heart failure). Ultrasound is a painless, non-invasive procedure performed by our veterinarians or technicians, yielding real-time results to guide treatment plans efficiently.

Our dental radiographs reveal hidden oral issues like root infections, fractured teeth, or bone loss beneath the gumline, which aren’t visible during routine exams. These X-rays are integral for treatment planning during professional cleanings or if dental pain/symptoms are present, ensuring full oral health evaluation.

We perform tooth extractions for severely diseased, infected, or fractured teeth under anesthesia, utilizing dental X-rays to guide precise root removal. This procedure may include periodontal therapy to address gum disease or root canals for salvageable teeth. Post-extraction care instructions are always provided for seamless recovery.

Beyond extractions, we conduct oral surgeries for advanced periodontal disease, jaw fracture repair, and cleft palate correction. These procedures are performed under anesthesia with specialized equipment, ensuring optimal healing and comfort. Oral surgery may involve referrals for complex cases requiring advanced specialist care.

Our routine spay and neuter surgeries (ovulectomy/hysterotomy for females; castration for males) are performed by our veterinarians under general anesthesia, with same-day recovery monitoring. These procedures reduce reproductive risks, prevent unwanted litters, and may lower cancer incidences. Pre-surgical bloodwork is recommended for older or sick pets.

We promptly remove ingested or lodged foreign objects (e.g., bones, toys, strings) via endoscopic, surgical, or exploratory techniques, depending on the item’s location and size. Early intervention is critical; if your pet shows symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or abdominal pain, seek immediate care to avoid complications like perforation or obstruction.

Our veterinarians perform emergency cesarean sections when natural birth poses risks to the mother or puppies/kittens (e.g., dystocia, fetal distress). These surgeries are conducted under general anesthesia with postoperative monitoring for both the mother and neonates, ensuring safe delivery and neonate care.

We provide wound repair for cuts, lacerations, or trauma using surgical sutures, staples, or glues as appropriate. Wounds are assessed for depth, potential foreign objects, or infections requiring antibiotics. Postoperative care instructions are provided to facilitate healing and minimize scarring, with follow-up appointments as needed.

Our pain management strategies include prescription medications, nerve blocks, opioids, and anti-inflammatories tailored to your pet’s condition (e.g., post-surgery, arthritis, dental disease). We prioritize multimodal pain control to enhance comfort while minimizing side effects. Follow-up appointments ensure optimal management throughout recovery.

In cases of toxin exposure (e.g., chocolate, lilies, xylitol, human medications), we provide immediate emergency stabilization, including induction of vomiting, IV fluids, activated charcoal, or specialized antidotes. Timely intervention is critical; contact us immediately if you suspect poisoning to discuss urgent protocols.

We offer nail trims and grinding (dremeling) as part of our anal gland expression and routine grooming services during wellness visits or pre-surgical prep. Proper nail care prevents discomfort, joint issues, or fracture risks. Anal gland expressions are performed during routine exams to relieve impactions, a common issue in dogs.

Regular anal gland expression is recommended for dogs prone to blockages or discomfort, often performed during wellness exams. This non-invasive procedure alleviates impactions, reducing scooting or licking behaviors. Frequent expressions may be advised for certain breeds or pets with gastrointestinal sensitivities.

We integrate cold laser therapy (photobiomodulation) into our rehabilitation and pain management protocols to promote tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and alleviate chronic discomfort (e.g., arthritis, post-surgery recovery). Sessions are non-invasive, drug-free, and typically administered over multiple visits as part of a tailored treatment plan.

While we prioritize daycare and cat boarding (Kitty Condos), we occasionally accommodate healthy pets for overnight standard boarding pending availability. Our facilities adhere to strict hygiene protocols, and pets must be current on vaccinations, especially if socializing with other animals. Contact us to inquire about space.

For families preferring home euthanasia, we provide referrals to licensed mobile veterinarians in your area. Our team assists with the referral process and remains available to discuss your expectations, ensuring your pet’s final moments are peaceful and respected in a familiar environment.