Atwater Stephen W DVM Introduce
For pet owners in California, finding a veterinarian who can handle complex medical challenges with expertise and compassion is essential. In Walnut Creek, many turn to the specialized services available at VCA Encina Veterinary Medical Center, where a team of veterinary specialists provides advanced care for pets with intricate health issues. At the heart of this team is Dr. Stephen W. Atwater, a veterinarian who specializes in oncology. His work focuses on providing hope and a high quality of life for pets diagnosed with cancer, working with a team that offers a wide spectrum of veterinary medical services. This facility is a primary destination for those in the Bay Area seeking expert care beyond what a general practice can provide, combining advanced technology with dedicated patient care.
VCA Encina Veterinary Medical Center is more than just a general practice; it is a hub for specialty care, internal medicine, and emergency services. The practice has been in business for decades, building a reputation for its extensive range of specialized offerings. The team is dedicated to providing high-level diagnostics and treatments that are typically found only in large, multi-specialty animal hospitals. The goal is to provide a seamless and effective care experience for pets, ensuring that they receive the best possible medical management and treatment plans, regardless of the complexity of their condition. The center’s approach is collaborative, often working closely with referring veterinarians to ensure continuity of care, which is a significant benefit for both the pet and the owner.
The clinic is located at 2803 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA. This central location in the Bay Area makes it a convenient choice for clients traveling from across the region, including Concord, Martinez, and other nearby cities. VCA Encina Veterinary Medical Center has made accessibility a priority for all clients. The facility includes a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, making it easy for people with mobility challenges to bring their pets in for care. The presence of a wheelchair-accessible toilet further enhances the client experience. Appointments are highly recommended, especially for specialty services, to ensure that the patient receives a dedicated and unhurried consultation. The clinic is open 24 hours a day for emergency and critical care, providing a crucial safety net for pet owners in times of crisis.
As a multi-specialty animal hospital, the services offered at VCA Encina Veterinary Medical Center under the purview of veterinarians like Dr. Atwater are extensive and highly specialized. They cover a wide range of advanced medical and surgical needs. Here is a list of the key services provided:
- Oncology Services: As a specialist, Dr. Atwater provides advanced cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radioactive iodine therapy. The clinic's oncology department works to design individualized treatment plans to give pets a good quality of life.
- Advanced Diagnostics: The hospital utilizes cutting-edge diagnostic tools such as abdominal ultrasonography, digital radiography, and other forms of ultrasonography and ultrasound. This allows for precise and early diagnosis of complex conditions.
- Emergency and Critical Care: The center is equipped for urgent care, including emergency surgery and oxygen therapy. They are open 24/7 for pet emergencies, providing a vital service to the community.
- Internal Medicine and Specialty Care: They offer a wide range of internal medicine services, including care for the heart, liver, and urinary tract. They also provide specialty care for conditions like arthritis and other bone and joint issues.
- Surgical Services: The clinic's surgical team performs a variety of procedures, from scheduled surgeries to emergency operations. They are equipped for complex procedures like bone and joint support, replacement surgery, and laser surgery.
- Palliative and Integrative Medicine: In addition to aggressive treatments, they offer pain management and palliative treatment to ensure a pet's comfort. They also explore integrative medicine to provide holistic support for patients.
The features and highlights of VCA Encina Veterinary Medical Center, and the specialists like Dr. Atwater who work there, are what truly distinguish the practice. These are the elements that build trust and loyalty among the California community.
- Specialized and Comprehensive Care: The clinic's focus on specialty care, from oncology and surgery to internal medicine, means that pet owners do not have to travel to multiple locations for advanced treatment. This streamlined approach provides convenience and continuity of care, especially for pets with complex health issues.
- Expert and Compassionate Team: As one review noted, Dr. Atwater is "kind and patient" and provides his email for direct communication, which is a rare and highly valued level of accessibility and personal care. This commitment to being a constant source of support for clients during a difficult time sets the tone for the entire team.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: The hospital is well-equipped with advanced diagnostic equipment, including CT scanners, digital x-rays, and ultrasounds. This technology allows the specialists to formulate accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans, leading to better outcomes for patients.
- Collaborative Approach: The clinic prides itself on being a top choice for referring veterinarians, working closely with primary care vets to ensure the best possible care for the pet. This collaborative model benefits the patient and ensures the pet owner is well-informed throughout the entire process.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, you can contact Atwater Stephen W DVM at VCA Encina Veterinary Medical Center. The address is 2803 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA. You can reach them by phone at (925) 937-5001, or their mobile number +1 925-937-5001. Since appointments are highly recommended for specialty services, it is best to call ahead to discuss your pet's needs and schedule a time that works best for you.
When considering a veterinary care provider, especially for a pet with complex or serious health issues, choosing a facility like VCA Encina Veterinary Medical Center is a significant decision. What makes it a worthy choice, despite any isolated negative experiences that may be shared online, is its reputation as a leading specialty hospital in California. The positive reviews from clients who have navigated the difficult journey of a pet's cancer diagnosis, and who praise Dr. Atwater for his kindness, patience, and direct communication, demonstrate the high level of personal care they provide. While any medical practice, human or animal, can have a difficult outcome, the facility's commitment to accessibility, state-of-the-art technology, and a wide array of specialized services makes it a crucial resource for the community. For a pet owner in California facing a complex health challenge with their animal, having a place that offers emergency care, advanced diagnostics, and compassionate specialty veterinarians all under one roof is not just a convenience, it is a lifeline. This comprehensive and expert approach is what makes VCA Encina Veterinary Medical Center a trusted choice for those seeking the best possible care for their beloved companions.
Atwater Stephen W DVM Services
Veterinarian
- Abdominal Ultrasonography
- Anesthetic Monitoring
- Arthritis & Pain
- Behavior Support
- Blood Pressure Monitoring
- Boarding & Grooming
- Bone & Joint Support
- Bronchoalveolar Lavage Bal
- Cancer Treatments
- Digital Radiography
- Dog Care
- Ear Care
- Emergency And Critical Care
- Emergency Surgery
- Flea & Tick Prevention
- General Practice
- Gi Tract & Probiotics
- Heart Care
- Immune & Antioxidant Support
- Integrative Medicine
- Internal Medicine
- Laser Surgery
- Liver Care
- Medical Management
- Oxygen Therapy
- Pain Management
- Palliative Treatment
- Pet Health Care
- Pet Safety
- Primary Care
- Radioactive Iodine Therapy
- Replacement Surgery
- Scheduled Appointments
- Skin & Coat Support
- Specialty Care
- Sports Medicine
- Surgery Surgery
- Therapeutic Diets
- Treatment Plans
- Ultrasonography Ultrasound
- Urgent Care
- Urinary Care
- Veterinary Medical Services
Atwater Stephen W DVM Details
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Amenities
- Toilet
Planning
- Appointments recommended
Atwater Stephen W DVM Photos
Atwater Stephen W DVM Location
Atwater Stephen W DVM
2803 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA
Atwater Stephen W DVM Reviews
June 6, 2025 update. It's been over 2 months. I've reached out to the CEO of VCA, the Hospital Manager and Vet Manager at VCA Encina ... I've been told 'legal will reach out to me'. It seems I'm being ghosted. This doesn't feel like a professional way to run a business or a respectful way to treat a client.I notice the other reviews are several years old. Chloe's story: I brought my beloved cat to VCA Encina June 2024. By mid-July, she was dead. Their Oncologist, Dr. Atwater, whom I trusted with her care, failed to competently read the histopathology report and failed to put her on the correct cancer treatment that was critical to her survival. Exacerbating his negligent treatment, VCA Encina also gave me post-operative pain medication with dosage instructions on the bottle (double) that did not match the dosage instructions on the discharge paperwork. VCA Encina told me "not to worry about giving her too much". Following their instructions may have resulted in a potential weakening of her kidneys. Xrays showed her kidneys had enlarged to 2-3 normal size and she was in massive kidney failure. Shortly before she died Dr. Atwater had informed me we had "hit the lottery" and she had 2 years to live. 10 days later she was gone. Further, Dr. Atwater wrote in the condolence card: "Although she could have benefited from a more aggressive treatment, your decision not to do so was a very reasonable decision.” I had never made that decision. I had paid approximately $8,000 for her surgery to remove the cancer and I would have done anything to save her life. This was a devastating, traumatic experience for me and my family and continues to break our hearts. Has anything like this ever happened to you?4-12-25 update: March 25th I mailed a letter to the VCA medical director, the hospital manager and the CEO of VCA Corporate, Patty Wu, requesting the name of VCA Encina's professional liability insurance so I could pursue a claim of medical malpractice directly with them. After no response, April 4th I emailed a reminder of the request and was told: "Hello, We have forwarded your request to VCAs legal team after your response to the email sent on March 18th. From my understanding, our legal team has reached out to you and will assist you with anything further."The legal team has not reached out to me as of 6-6-2025. This feels a little intimidating and threatening. My cat died last year in extremely unfortunate circumstances. My family has been and continues to be devastated, and now we're being told that legal is going to reach out to us. Photo below is Chloe's sister, coping.
June 07 · JSI think Dr.Atwater is great, we were referred to him when we found out our fur son has cancer, he has been kind and patient with myself and my husband through everything. He gave me his email and boy have I used it and he always gets back to me right away. I highly recommend Dr.Atwater.
October 27 · Lisa Wolfe- March 28 · Allison O'Connor
- March 28 · Allison O'Connor
- July 02 · Micheala Bradley
- July 02 · Micheala Bradley
- January 07 · Dennis Shay
- January 07 · Dennis Shay
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