Pioneers in Veterinary Orthopedic & Sports Medicine
Orthopedic Surgery
& Arthroscopy
Sports & Performance Medicine
Orthobiologic Regenerative Therapy
Rehabilitation & Return to Activity
Pioneers in Minimally Invasive Care & Modern Orthopedic Medicine
For decades, our specialists have advanced the standards, techniques, and technologies shaping modern veterinary orthopedics and sports medicine.
Research & Scholarship
Peer-reviewed publications, textbook chapters, funded clinical research, and scientific presentations advancing orthopedic disease, musculoskeletal injury, orthobiologic therapy, objective outcomes assessment, and functional recovery.
Technology & Innovation
Foundational contributions to canine arthroscopy, minimally invasive diagnosis, orthobiologic systems, musculoskeletal ultrasound, surgical instrumentation, rehabilitation protocols, and return-to-performance planning.
Education & Leadership
Board-specialty and professional-organization leadership, national and international lecturing, ACVS and ACVSMR procedural laboratories, national specialty-program development, and resident, intern, fellow, and clinician mentorship.
TPLO Specialists for the San Francisco Bay Area
The Sams Clinic specialists have performed thousands of TPLO procedures and designed TPLO implant systems widely used by veterinary surgeons.
TPLO Experience
Performed thousands of TPLO surgeries across routine, complex, revision, and second-opinion cranial cruciate ligament cases.
TPLO Innovation
Designed TPLO plates and implant systems widely used by veterinary surgeons performing TPLO surgery.
Complete Cruciate Care
Treatment may incorporate arthroscopic joint and meniscal evaluation, orthobiologic therapies, rehabilitation, and progressive return to activity based on each dog’s injury and long-term functional needs.
For Bay Area Families & Performance Dogs Around the World
Whether you're our neighbors in the San Francisco Bay Area or traveling to us from farther away, our team carefully coordinates your pet's care together with you every step of the way.
Bay Area Families
For pets whose best days mean comfortable couch time, neighborhood walks, Marin trail hikes, and family playtime, The Sams Clinic helps dogs and cats regain comfort, stability, and mobility so they can return to the moments that matter most.
Sport & Working Dogs
For dogs trained for precision, power, and control — where every stride, turn, and hesitation matters — The Sams Clinic tailors diagnostic and treatment pathways to your dog’s condition, capabilities, and performance demands. Learn more >
Our Specialists
Andrew Sams, DVM, MS, DACVS
Founder & Medical Director
Orthopedic Surgery & Arthroscopy
Sherman Canapp, DVM, MS, CCRT, DACVS, DACVSMR
Orthopedic Surgery & Arthroscopy
Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation
Dana Whitlock, DVM, MS, CCRP, CVA, DACVSMR
Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation
Patient Stories
Brick
Hunting
‘I wanted to share the adjectives that Dr. Canapp and his team embody that motivated me to travel 15+ hours on 7 different trips to have them work with 3 of my dogs.”
Cane
Dock Diving
“My Labrador Retriever Cane had arthroscopic surgery in May 2016 for shoulder OCD. Now 4 years old, Cane is a dock diving national champion and multi-time national finalist. He also competes in agility, obedience and rally events as well as retriever hunt tests.”
Cider
Agility
“Cider has recovered so well from his procedure for medial shoulder syndrome (MSS). I can tell a huge difference! He is so grateful to be back to his very energetic, keep mommy on her toes self!”
Ryker
Agility
“Dr. Canapp was very thorough in his examination, diagnosis and treatment of Ryker’s MSS, which included radiofrequency treatment, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cells. Following surgery, Ryker completed about three months of rehabilitation and then three months of strength training. He is currently back to running agility. Amazingly, his weave-pole issues are resolved.”