West Valley Veterinary Clinic

Rhion, our 5 year old Cane Corso began showing symptoms of lameness in his right rear leg. At first we thought that he may have pulled or sprained something playing in the back yard with our Labrador Sophie. When he gets his 170lbs moving around it’s like a freight train blowing through the back yard. After almost a week of still showing lameness we knew it was time for a visit to Dr. Sam.\r \r I was worried that he may have torn a cruciate ligament. Having gone through a torn cruciate repair with one of our Boxers in the past, I knew the cost and the commitment to recovery for that surgery were both very high. With Rhion’s size being a concern, knowing I wouldn’t be able to support his 170lb body for the required post-surgical physical therapy, I was very worried. Little did we know at the time, the diagnosis of a torn cruciate ligament would have been a blessing. After a course of anti-inflammatory medication, things seemed to be a little better for a week or so, but the lameness returned and seemed to be even worse than before. \r \r We contacted the Clinic for a follow-up, this time to get x-rays, we were fully expecting the dreaded diagnosis of a torn ligament. It worked out well on the day that we took the x-rays that Dr. John Lammerding, a board certified specialist was there at the clinic performing a surgery on another patient. After Dr. Sam, Dr. Lammerding, Sandra and I wrestled the giant Rhion on the x-ray table we were all full of adrenaline and our blood was pumping. What the x-rays reviled made my blood run cold and my heart skip a beat. Rhion had bone cancer.\r \r We don’t have a conclusion to this story yet. Dr. Lammerding and Dr. Sam performed a full leg amputation on Rhion this past week. He is recovering amazingly well from a traumatic and brutal surgery. He was able to get up and down on his own after the second day after surgery. He is cautiously perusing the back yard on his own. His pain levels already seem to be lower than when the offending leg was attached.\r \r We have a lot of hard decisions to make for Rhion’s care and many treatment options to be considered. I can’t imagine facing these emotionally charged decisions with any other Veterinarian. I know that Dr. Sam will advise us to the best of his ability, with the concern for Rhion being the number one priority. He treats every pet individually, recognizing the unique needs for each and every patient, and the unique circumstances for each client as well. He has taken such good care of our pets and of us since he came to Lompoc taking over the West Valley Veterinary Clinic after the founding Doctors Marshall retirement. His Staff are the kindest, most compassionate people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. They all care for our pets as if they were their own, and treat us like family. So this holiday season, a time of reflection and of thanksgiving, we are thankful to the Doctors and Staff at the West Valley Veterinary Clinic, and that we don’t have to go through this extremely difficult time alone. \r \r Grateful Clients of West Valley Vet Clinic more

I have gone to WVVC for years, before Dr. Sam took over. I have ALWAYS had good experiences there and unfortunately Dr. Sam's first patient when he took over was my life-long pal Bear who was in kidney failure. He had been sick for a long time and was no longer able to move. He was suffering too much so we had to make the extremely difficult choice to put Mr. Bear down. :( Not only was this vet and his office staff very nice but they found a card with a picture of a dog who looked like Bear and sent it to us with a very lovely message in it! Well 5 years later we still go there for our two chihuahua/rat terriers that my husband and I have gotten since. Generally we have only needed routine vacs and exams but earlier this month Paco our larger dog became very depressed and wasn't eating. I took him in and was very concerned. After a couple days of IV fluids and blood tests Dr. Sam finally came up with a diagnosis! Our lil Paco has Addison's Disease! Not only did Dr. Sam save Paco's life by making this very rare diagnosis but he also helped us find the best form of medicine for us (liquid) at the best price possible! He's been great about explaining this disease to me and answering any questions I could come up with! Paco will need medicine and treatment for this disease for the rest of his life and we look forward to Dr. Sam being the one to take care of his needs. I cannot thank him enough, or his lovely staff who were very supportive of my sensitive feelings when I was upset while we didn't know what was wrong and thought we might lose him. They took excellent care of him and are very happy to see him back to his normal Paco self! This vet and his staff get an A++++++ from my family and I! Can't recommend them enough! Pros: Best Vet and office staff ever! Cons: NONE! Wish all were this good! more

West Valley's staff is so animal-friendly and caring. They really put a great deal of effort into delivering the best medicine for your pet. Dr. Sam is very patient and loving with my cat and two doggies. Woof! --Greg Pros: Always get the appointment time I need! Cons: Can't think of one. more

We are very fortunate to have Dr. Sam and his Staff in Lompoc. Dr. Sam has cared for our pets as if they were his own. When he moved into Lompoc he did away with the examining table and got down on the floor with them. This has alway put our pets at ease especially when he sits there with them in his lap. He is very compassionate and would never do anything unless it was absolutely necessary. His staff is equally dedicated to making sure that our pets are number one when they walk through that door. West Valley Vet is definitely a first class Veterinarian Clinic and I am so glad that they are here in Lompoc. Pros: Compassionate & Caring more

My dogs always enter the clinic willingly, because they know that Dr. Sam and his staff really love them (and spoil them)! He exmaines them at their level...on the floor..and talks to the owner, me, at my level, answering all my questions thoroughly. A great example of caring: one of my dogs had complications during surgery at a specialist's office, and the specialist was in constant contact with Dr. Sam during that day. Dr. Sam not only had made time for these consultative updates but also agreed to have our dog returned to Lompoc and kept her overnight (and observed her throughout the following day). That night he called me at 10 p.m.--when he had returned to the clinic to check on our dog--to assure me that our precious 12-year-old was doing well. Dr. Sampathkumaran is extraordinary!!! Pros: When your pets need help, he is always there for them. more

Simply put, he should not be in this business. Uncaring and insulting. Please shop around. This is no way to treat an animal. Pros: Receptionist is friendly Cons: Office is dirty, DVM was insulting, Overpriced, disrespectful to my pet more