Our specialty services include radiology (x-ray), ultrasound, laboratory blood and urine testing, endoscopy, allergy testing and desensitization, exotic pet care, and surgery. Our surgeons can perform soft tissue, orthopedic (including cruciate repair and TTA surgery), PENN HIP evaluation and Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS) surgery, soft palate resection and stenotic nares repair (common in bulldogs) and more.

Our services include:

ALLERGY TESTING AND DESENSITIZATION

Allergy testing and desensitization can be a great option for pets with chronic allergies. A blood sample is submitted to Heska Labs for diagnostic evaluation. Treatment sets are developed and formulated specifically for your pet based off of the allergy blood testing done earlier.  The treatment injections are given in increasing concentrations all in effort to build up your pets tolerance to the allergens involved.

ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT (ACL) REPAIR SURGERY

Ruptured cruciate ligaments will not heal on their own. They will only get worse. This injury is just like what happens to athletes. It makes the knee joint unstable, and it can cause quite a bit of pain.

Our hospital can call in a orthopedic surgery specialist, Dr. Robert Botte, a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, to perform this surgery on your dog.

BATHING

Treat your pet to a luxurious bath. Our special, cleansing baths remove dirt, debris and that doggie pet odor – your pet will feel fresh and revitalized. If scratching is a problem, our medicated baths contain soothing agents that stop the itching. Services also include nail trim and ear cleaning.

BIRDS

Providing proper medical care for birds requires specialized training and skills. We employ veterinarians who possess experience in the care and treatment of birds. Our veterinarians can advise you as to the dietary, maintenance, hygiene and medical needs of your feathered friend.

BOARDING

Pets are like our children – we feed, nurture and lavish attention on them. Our highly qualified kennel attendants do the same when you can’t be there. We provide tender loving care (such as brushing and cuddling) to keep them happy.

DENTAL CARE

Regular professional cleaning is important to maintaining your pet’s teeth. We use modern and safe ultrasound to clean each tooth thoroughly – above and below the gum line. Dental technicians polish teeth to create a smooth, lustrous tooth surface more resistant to plaque buildup. Fluoride treatments help strengthen enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity.

EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE

In any emergency, seconds count. Our experienced staff is backed up by our mobile resuscitation unit, stocked and equipped to administer the ABCs of basic life support – Airway, Breathing, Circulation/Cardiac compressions. Emergency care is offered during regular business hours. In addition, we use the services of a local, fully staffed emergency center.

ENDOSCOPY

High-tech fiber optics permits direct visual examination and biopsies of your pet’s gastrointestinal system. This allows for more accurate diagnosis and treatment of oral, esophageal, stomach, colon and even upper intestinal tract disease. Foreign objects can also be removed without the need for surgery.

EUTHANASIA AND CREMATION SERVICES

Saying goodbye to a long-time friend is painful. We work with clients to ensure their pet’s comfort and dignity. Services include taking care of the remains as directed by the client.

VACCINES AND WELLNESS CARE

We strive to prevent illness whenever possible. Our wellness care includes: Comprehensive annual or bi-annual physical exams; internal parasite testing; heartworm and flea control; vaccination program; spay and neuter package; and specialized blood tests for all life stages.

JPS SURGERY

This surgery is performed on puppies under 20 weeks of age, generally when the puppy is neutered or spayed. It shows great promise as a preventive measure for hip dysplasia, by altering the pelvic growth. This surgery has a short recovery period.

MICROCHIPPING

Microchips have helped reunite thousands of pets with their families. We offer ISO-compliant microchips which are readable both in the United States and abroad, to increase the chances of a safe recovery.

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

Our doctors can perform fracture repair, ruptured cruciate ligament repair, and even hip surgery in young puppies to prevent hip dysplasia.

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Veterinary patients feel pain and discomfort under the same circumstances as people do. We know that recognizing and alleviating pain in animals is the essence of good patient care.

PENN HIP CERTIFICATION

PennHIP is a multifaceted radiographic screening method for hip evaluation. The technique assesses the quality of the canine hip and quantitatively measures canine hip joint laxity. The PennHIP method of evaluation is more accurate than the current standard in its ability to predict the onset of osteoarthritis (OA). Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is the hallmark of hip dysplasia (HD).

PHARMACY

We stock a wide range of the best veterinary drugs in the animal healthcare field, saving you both time and money!

PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINING

We have Chris Moredock (858-274-0268) conduct regular puppy and adult training classes on our front lawn. He does at-home one-on-one training, too!

RABBITS

Providing proper medical care for rabbits and small mammals requires specialized training and skills. We employ staff veterinarians who possess experience in the care and treatment of rabbits and small mammals. Our staff veterinarians can advise you as to the dietary, maintenance, hygiene and medical needs of your furry friend.

RADIOLOGY

Radiology – or X-rays – help our veterinarians evaluate muscular-skeletal, cardiovascular (cardiopulmonary), gastrointestinal, reproductive and urinary systems.

REPTILES

Providing proper medical care for reptiles requires specialized training and skills. We employ staff veterinarians who possess experience in the care and treatment of reptiles. Our staff veterinarians can advise you as to the dietary, maintenance, hygiene and medical needs of your reptilian friend.

SOFT PALATE RESECTION & STENOTIC NARES REPAIR

SOFT TISSUE SURGERY

Our veterinarians are highly skilled in all types of soft tissue surgeries. This involves everything from lacerations and abscesses to removing bladder stones.

SPAY AND NEUTER

One of the most important things you can do for your pet is to spay (female) or neuter (male). Our veterinarians perform spay and neuter procedures frequently on all animals: dogs, cats, and even rabbits. We can provide the safest and most comfortable experience for you and your pet.

STEM CELL THERAPY

Dr. Atkinson is credentialed in Vet-Stem stem cell therapy for regenerative stem cell introduction and orthopedic use. Vet-Stem offers veterinarians a service to provide adipose-derived stem cell regenerative medicine therapy for horses, dogs and cats suffering from tendon, ligament and joint injuries. A blinded placebo controlled clinical trial report showed that 80% of dogs studied improved.

SURGERY

We offer the most advanced surgical techniques and technology. All patients are carefully screened for safety, and anesthetics are specifically tailored to your pet. Surgical services and facilities include: fully trained veterinary and technical staff, to ensure the safest, most efficient, state-of-the-art procedures for your pet; heated surgery tables for greater comfort; advanced sterilization techniques; ECG and oxygen saturation monitors; intensive after surgery care and full blood testing.

ULTRASOUND

This non-invasive, state-of-the-art technology uses sound waves to painlessly examine specific internal organs, primarily the heart and abdominal organs. Pregnancy exams are also available.

Thank you for choosing Turquoise Animal Hospital! We are honored that you are entrusting us with your pet’s medical care. Our facility has served the San Diego community for over 50 years and is a 50-year member of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Our friendly, caring, experienced staff strives to provide the best possible care and service for you and your pet.

Click the “read more” button for more information on our hospital, frequently asked questions, and forms to print for your first appointment.

Our hours are:

Monday: 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday: 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

Our hospital operates on an appointment schedule.

Ready to make an appointment?

Give us a call at 858-488-0658. One of our staff members will be happy to assist you.

Once your appointment is scheduled, we ask that you fill out our New Client Information Sheet and Examination Questionnaire and bring them with you. Also, bring any medical records from your previous veterinarian. Don’t worry if you don’t have them. We can always call your pet’s former hospital and request a copy.

Click here to download our New Client Information Sheet: for all new clients

Click here to download our Exam Questionnaire: one for each pet visiting the doctor

Don’t know which veterinarian to see?

Our staff can help you choose from our 3 doctors based upon your pet’s current needs. Our veterinarians include a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners specializing in canine and feline medicine, as well as two generalists. Our doctors have their own “special interests” in areas ranging from dermatology, exotics, surgery, and internal medicine, which will enable us to pair you and your pet with the specialized attention you both deserve.

We encourage new clients to let us know how comfortable they feel with the veterinarian they have chosen. Our goal is to provide you not only with compassionate care and superior service, but also with an open line of communication that will foster a strong bond of trust with your doctor.

What services do we offer?

Some of the services we offer at Turquoise Animal Hospital include:

Wellness Care:

• Examinations
• Vaccinations
• Flea Prevention
• Heartworm Prevention
• Internal Parasite Prevention
• Puppy and Kitten Wellness
• Dental Care
• Microchipping
• Spay and Neuter
• Behavior and Training
• Travel Health Certificates

Laboratory:

• Blood Testing
• Radiology
• Ultrasound
• Endoscopy
• Allergy Testing

Surgery:

• Soft Tissue
• Orthopedic
• Spay and Neuter
• PENN HIP/JPS Surgery
• Cruciate (ACL) repair and TTA surgery
• Soft palate and stenotic nares repair

Other Services:

• Stem Cell Therapy
• Pharmacy
• Emergencies and Critical Care
• Boarding and Bathing
• Exotics
• Euthanasia

What forms of payment do we accept?

• Cash
• Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover
• CareCredit

Please note that payment is due at the time service is rendered and we do not accept checks.

How do I get to your hospital?

Opened in 1956, we are located in San Diego, California, at the border of Pacific Beach and La Jolla, just blocks from the beautiful Pacific Ocean. We are located near the cross streets of Cass and Turquoise – next to to the French Gourmet restaurant. We have parking behind our building.

We are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, and closed on Sundays and major holidays.

Directions from I-5 North:

From Interstate 5 North, take exit 23A toward Grand Ave/Garnet Avenue. Merge onto Mission Bay Drive. Turn left onto Garnet Avenue.

Turn right onto Soledad Mountain Road. Turn left onto Beryl Street. Turn right onto Foothill Boulevard. Continue onto Turquoise Street for 1/2 mile. We are located on the right side of the street, right past the French Gourmet.

Directions from I-5 South:

From Interstate 5 South, take exit 23A toward Grand Ave/Garnet Avenue. Merge onto Mission Bay Drive. Turn right onto Garnet Avenue. Turn right onto Soledad Mountain Road. Turn left onto Beryl Street. Turn right onto Foothill Boulevard. Continue onto Turquoise Street for 1/2 mile. We are located on the right side of the street, right past the French Gourmet.

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Our veterinarians at our AAHA-accredited San Diego animal hospital perform spay and neuter procedures frequently on all animals: dogs, cats, and even guinea pigs and rabbits. We will provide the safest and most comfortable experience for you and your pet.

Spaying and neutering, performed by a veterinarian, render the animal incapable of reproducing. Below are answers to some questions you may have about this beneficial procedure.

When can I have this procedure done?

Both procedures can safely be performed at as early as 8 weeks of age. Many people choose to spay and neuter their pets around 6-8 months of age, once they have completed their puppy or kitten booster shots.

Why should I have my pet neutered?

Animal shelters, both public and private, are faced with an incredible burden: What to do with the overpopulation of dogs and cats that they cannot find homes for? Approximately 3.7 million animals are euthanized at shelters each year, due to the sheer fact that there are not enough willing adopters. Having your pet spayed or neutered ensures that you will not be adding to this tremendous burden.

What are some of the health and behavioral benefits?

Through neutering, you can help your dog or cat live a happier, healthier, longer life. Spaying eliminates the constant crying and nervous pacing of a female cat in heat. Spaying a female dog also eliminates the messiness associated with the heat cycle.

Neutering of male dogs and cats can prevent certain undesirable sexual behaviors, such as urine marking, humping, male aggression and the urge to roam. If you have more than one pet in your household, all the pets will generally get along better if they are neutered.

A long-term benefit of spaying and neutering is improved health for both cats and dogs. Spaying females prior to their first heat cycle nearly eliminates the risk of breast cancer and totally prevents uterine infections and uterine cancer. Neutering males prevents testicular cancer and enlargement of the prostate gland, and greatly reduces their risk for perianal tumors.

What is the procedure like?

Surgical Preparation for Spaying and Neutering

In preparation for surgery, the fur around the surgery site is clipped, and the skin is scrubbed with povidone-iodine (i.e., Betadine, a potent antiseptic) or chlorhexadine (an antiseptic commonly found in animal shampoo).

Spaying and Neutering Anesthesia

Spaying and neutering are performed under general anesthesia, which means that the pet is unconscious while the surgery is performed. The animal is usually given an intravenous injection and then is intubated (a tube is inserted through the nose or mouth into the airway). Intubation maintains a patent airway and allows mechanical ventilation throughout the procedure.

Anesthesia is generally safe, but poses a slight risk for complications or death. The drugs that are used are safe well-known drugs that are also used in people and the animal is closely monitored throughout the entire procedure (e.g., EKG, blood pressure monitor).

Spaying and Neutering Surgery

Spaying is done through an incision in the abdomen, and takes from 15 minutes to an hour to perform, depending on the size of the animal and other factors. Surgery on overweight animals is usually more difficult to perform because of the layers of fatty tissue. It may take longer to perform the surgery on a pregnant animal or an animal in heat because of the increased blood supply to the reproductive tract.

Neutering takes from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the animal. Pets that have only one descended testicle may require more extensive surgery if the undescended testicle is inside the abdomen.

Sterility is essential to prevent infection. The surgeon scrubs his or her hands and forearms and puts on a sterile gown and gloves. The instruments and tools used before, during, and after the surgery are sterilized.

Recovery after Spaying or Neutering

Usually, the pet is able to go home several hours after the surgery. The incision should be kept clean and dry and should be checked twice daily for sign of infection, swelling, redness, and discharge.

The pet’s activities should be limited for the first week or so following surgery. Dogs should be walked on a leash and not allowed to run or roam. Pets should be protected from stressful environments (e.g., excitement, extreme temperatures). After the first week, animals can resume normal activities.

We recommend feeding half your pet’s normal meal the night following surgery. Pets can resume usual meals the day after surgery. Pet owners who are concerned about their pet’s appetite or weight should talk to their veterinarian.

If your pet has external sutures or staples, they are removed by the veterinarian 10 to 14 days after surgery. If medications are prescribed, label directions should be followed carefully. Call the veterinarian if there are any problems or questions.

In order to ensure a new puppy or kitten’s health, it is important to schedule an examination with a veterinarian as soon as possible. At Turquoise Animal Hospital, we will provide you and your new puppy or kitten with the best medical care possible.

During that first visit, your veterinarian will check the pet for obvious congenital defects. We will ask about the pet’s health history, perform a thorough physical examination, give any vaccinations that may be due and look for internal and external parasites.

This is also a great time to ask questions about nutrition and preventive care, heartworm medication and sterilization surgery. If you have unanswered questions about puppy care or behavior, the first visit is a good time to ask for help.

Preparing for the first vet visit

As soon as you set a date for picking up your puppy or kitten, call us at 858-488-0658 and schedule an appointment for a visit.

For your first visit, please bring:

• Medical records, including vaccination history, and health care instructions that came with the puppy or kitten;
• Any medications the puppy or kitten is currently taking;
• A fresh stool sample;
• The name of the pet’s food;
• Information on where and how your pet was born and raised;
• A list of questions to ask or issues to discuss.

Follow-up visits

Most puppies and kittens will need a series of several doctor’s visits while they are still young. During these visits, the doctor will administer vaccine boosters, dewormings, and other necessary tests. Most young pets will need a series of 3-4 vaccine boosters, depending on their age and history.

These visits are a great opportunity to discuss any issues that may arise with your pet during their early months.

For this reason, it is very important to keep them on monthly flea prevention, such as Comfortis, Vectra, or Trifexis. These products are available with a prescription here at Turquoise Animal Hospital.

Many exotic pets, especially small mammals, are prey species. This means that they don’t show signs of illness to prevent displaying their weaknesses. Once your pet appears sick, it may be too late. Wellness check-ups are very important for this reason.

At Turquoise Animal Hospital, we see:

• Rodents: mice, guinea pigs, rats, hamsters, and gerbils
• Reptiles: iguanas, snakes, lizards, geckos
• Birds: parakeets, parrots, finches
• Rabbits
• Ferrets

A visit with the veterinarian can also help you learn what things your exotic pet needs to thrive. For example, some owners are unaware of the nutritional needs of their exotic pets. Did you know that iguanas shouldn’t eat a diet of only crickets, and need leafy green vegetables? The veterinarians here at Turquoise Animal Hospital can advise you on your pet’s nutrition.

Our staff can also advise you on zoonotic issues, which are animal diseases that are contagious to humans. Some reptiles are prone to salmonella. Birds may have chlamydia, which although different from the human variety, can still infect humans, especially children.

Lastly, if you or your family are considering adopting a non-traditional pet, like a rabbit or hamster, you can benefit from a visit to our clinic even before you purchase a new pet! We can advise you on husbandry and care issues and how to prepare for your new animal.

If you would like to schedule an appointment for your exotic pet, give us a call at 858-488-0658.

Dr. Al Atkinson, DVM, ABVP

Dr. Atkinson is the head veterinarian and owner of Turquoise Animal Hospital. “Dr. A” graduated Texas A&M Veterinary School in 1982 and practiced mixed animal medicine (dog, cat, cattle and horses) until 1986 when he specialized in companion animal practice. He worked in Oceanside until taking over Turquoise Animal Hospital in 2003. Dr. Atkinson is a Board Certified Practitioner with the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners since 1992. He is also a past president of the San Diego Veterinary Medical Association, member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, and a member of the American Animal Hospital Association. He is also certified in the PENN HIP procedure for hip dysplasia evaluation. His pet collection includes a Labrador Retriever, two cats, a chinchilla and a tortoise. In his spare time, Dr. Atkinson participates in triathlons, is an active Boy Scout leader and SCUBA dive master, plays guitar and even dabbles in acting (you may see him on local commercials).

Why did you become a veterinarian?

I had a variety of animals growing up and I enjoyed them all; coupled with a keen interest in medicine and science, it just seemed like a natural fit. Thirty years later I know I made the right choice.

What are your special interests in veterinary medicine, and why?

I really love working up difficult cases and I enjoy surgery, especially orthopedic surgery.

What is the best part of your job?

It’s a toss up, but it’s hard to beat playing with someone’s new puppy or kitten!

What is the hardest part of your job?

The hardest part of my job is not being able to cure all of the ill pets that I see.

Dr. Mauricio Guayasamin, DVM

Dr. Guayasamin was born in Brazil, but he has lived in Sunny San Diego for the last 17 years. Dr. Guayasamin speaks both English and Portuguese. He graduated from Western University Veterinary School in Pomona, California in May of 2008. Following graduation, “Dr. G” completed a small animal surgery and medicine internship in San Diego. There he gained valuable experience in emergency medicine, internal medicine, surgery and exotic animal medicine. Dr. Guayasamin has a special interest in internal medicine and exotics. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and San Diego Veterinary Medical Association. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, going to the beach and taking his puppy ‘Glo’ to dog beach. Dr. Guayasamin’s big ambition is to save enough money to attend the World Cup in 2014 in his native Brazil.

Why did you become a veterinarian?

I’ve loved animals since I was a child. At one point, I had turtles, dogs, birds, and fish. When I was 12, I learned that veterinarians treated animals and decided that is the career I was going to pursue.

What are your special interests in veterinary medicine, and why?

I enjoy treating exotic animals because I find them very interesting. I also like internal medicine because those cases are challenging, and dermatology because I spent a lot of time learning about skin disease from a dermatology specialist. She made skin disease fun!

What is the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is making sick pets feel better, while making clients happy that their pet is healthy.

What is the hardest part of your job?

The hardest part of my job is telling clients bad news regarding their pet’s health.

Dr. Melissa Reed, DVM

Melissa Reed, DVM is the newest veterinarian here at Turquoise Animal Hospital. She has four dogs, two cats, and two leopard geckos: Shyla, Carapa, Nacho, Bacchus, Voltaire, Chorizo, Pinky, and Brain. Dr. Reed graduated from the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. She completed several exotic animal externships. Dr. Reed enjoys dancing, hiking, music, and travel.

Why did you become a veterinarian?

My mom grew up on a farm so we were allowed to have any non-venomous pet as long as it wasn’t a tarantula. Growing up we had cats, dogs, green iguanas, garter snakes, hermit crabs, mice, rats, hamsters, hedgehogs, ferrets, a guinea pig, a rosy boa, a rabbit, budgies, a cockatiel, an Australian tree frog, an alligator lizard, a crawdad, many fish, axolotls, a bull snake, box turtles, red eared sliders, a soft shell turtle, ducks and chickens. Being a veterinarian was the coolest, most rewarding job I could think of!

What are your special interests in veterinary medicine, and why?

I love exotics! I think this is because I grew up with a wide variety of interesting critters. I also really love geriatric dogs and cats. I’m delighted to work at a hospital that treats ‘small animals’ (dogs and cats) as well as exotics.

What is the best part of your job?

I enjoy taking an animal that is in pretty bad shape and ‘putting them back together again.’ My dogs and cats were all strays I found in Trinidad. I also enjoy teaching people how to take better care of their pets.

What is the hardest part of your job?

It’s tough to tell people their pet is terminally ill.

Our hospital is on the border of North Pacific Beach and La Jolla, just blocks from the beautiful Pacific Ocean. We are located near the cross streets of Cass and Turquoise – next to to the French Gourmet restaurant. There is free client parking behind our building.

We are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, and closed on Sundays and major holidays.