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
Tango
Agility
“About three months after Tango placed 4th in the USDAA Cynosport Steeplechase, he developed an intermittent, slight limp in his front leg. We went to veterinarians and a specialist, but no one could tell me exactly what was wrong, even after an MRI, physical therapy, laser therapy, Adequan and Metacam. On a former client’s suggestion, we flew from Seattle to see Dr. Canapp. I got an answer right away—Tango was diagnosed with bilateral medial shoulder syndrome.”
Levy
Agility
My 6-year-old AKC FCI World Agility Team Border Collie and Silver Medalist, Leverage “Levy,” had a very complicated and extensive carpus and possible shoulder injury which required very special treatment. For several weeks I was haunted with despair and merely hoped she could just run pain- and limp-free again. Little did I know, Dr. Canapp and his team would bring my remarkable girl back to doing what she loves — agility, herding, frisbee and swimming.
Auggie
Agility
“Dr. Canapp and his team diagnosed and treated Auggie for an acute stifle injury in 2018 when he was 8 years old, helped him to fully recover and go back to hiking mountains, swimming, running agility, playing disc and being the go-anywhere dog he loves to be.”
Squid
Agility
“My dog, Squid Vicious, was diagnosed and treated for bilateral iliopsoas strains and underwent stem cell and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment. After a long recovery of rest and rehabilitation, Squid made a full recovery and has gone on to have a very successful career in agility.”