About
Orange Canyon Pet Clinic offers high quality veterinary medicine, ophthalmology, surgery, dental care, grooming and pet boarding. Centrally located in Orange County, California in the city of Orange.
- Progressive Medicine
- State of the Art Equipment
- Board-Certifed Specialists (Surgery, Opthamalogy, Cardiology, Ultrasound)
- Reliable and Compassionate
- Excellent Customer Service
Services & Procedures
Services and procedures tailored to exactly what your pet needs
Preventative Care
Preventative care is the foundation of a long, healthy life for your pet. Our comprehensive wellness services include routine exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, nutritional guidance, and early disease screening tailored to your pet’s age and lifestyle. By focusing on prevention and early detection, we help identify potential health concerns before they become serious, keeping your pet healthier and happier at every stage of life.
Laboratory Services
Our in house laboratory provide accurate, immediate test results. We also are able to run complete diagnostic tests utilizing our reference lab with results available within 1-2 days.
Surgical Operations
Our surgical procedures are designed to provide safe, effective care using modern techniques and advanced monitoring. We offer a wide range of soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries, from routine procedures to more complex interventions, with a strong focus on patient comfort, pain management, and recovery. Each surgery is performed by experienced veterinarians who ensure the highest standard of care before, during, and after your pet’s procedure.
Internal Medicine
We are dedicated to your pet’s health and well-being through medical treatments and comprehensive personalized pet care.
Pharmacy Services
All of your pets prescriptions can be prescribed and filled on site.
Dental Care
Dental prophylaxis, digital oral radiographs, oral surgery, and extractions are all available in house.
Specialty Services & Procedures
Specialty services and procedures by in-house and mobile board-certified specialty veterinarians
Ophthalmology
Dr. Esson, a board-certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions. His many areas of interest and expertise include:
• Eyelid & inherited ocular defects
• Dry eye & related conditions
• Corneal disease & ulcers
• Ocular trauma & infectious disease
• Uveitis & cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Cancers affecting the eye
• Neurological disease affecting the eye
Specialty Surgery
Dr. Smith, a board-certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, specializes in complex orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. He has trained with leading surgeons and lectured internationally on topics like elbow replacement and advanced therapies for canine arthritis. His clinical practice focuses on continually advancing both minimally invasive and surgical treatment options.
• TPLO
• FHO
• Fracture repair
• Soft tissue palette resection
• OCD
• Luxating Patella Repair
• Oral Surgery
• Gastropexy
• Tumor removal
Cardiology
Our board-certified cardiologist, specializes in advanced cardiac care. His mission is to enhance the well-being of every cardiac patient by providing compassionate, expert care and reliable support to veterinarians in managing your beloved pet.
• Cardiovascular physical examination
• Comprehensive Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram (and interpretation)
• Thoracic radiograph (interpretation)
• Holter/Event monitoring
• Thoracocentesis
• Abdominocentesis
• Pericardiocentesis
• Ultrasound guided diagnostic aspirates
• Guidance for management of congestive heart failure and arrhythmias
Ultrasound
Our board-certified radiologist is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and provides advanced diagnostic services, including ultrasound, ultrasound-guided procedures, and radiologic interpretation.
Acupuncture
Dr. Ellis provides veterinary acupuncture, a gentle and non-invasive therapy that involves placing fine needles at precise points on an animal’s body. This treatment helps relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. It is typically used as part of a comprehensive care plan alongside conventional veterinary treatments.
Doctors
Dr. Kirsten Murphy, DVM
Veterinarian / OwnerDr. Kirsten Murphy is a graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. She grew up in both Southern California and Colorado. Wanting to become a veterinarian from an early age, she spent many hours with her "zoo" of personal pets including cats, dogs, horses, birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, frogs, and fish.
After completing her last year of veterinary school she volunteered doing surgery for the Humane Society. She ultimately couldn't stay away from Southern California and returned to Orange County and has honed her skills in general medicine and surgery. Dr. Murphy worked in Irvine, Tustin, and Orange for 12 years prior to joining Orange Canyon Pet Clinic in March of 2018. Her professional interests include surgery, oncology, and animal behavior.
Dr. Murphy lives in Orange with her husband, three kids, and their furry four-legged friends which includes 3 dogs (2 French Bulldogs and a Lab), 4 cats, and 3 horses. When Dr. Murphy isn't working or playing with the kids, she enjoys gardening, sewing (she makes her own dog costumes for Halloween), and travelling the world. Some of her favorite places include Egypt, China, Italy, and the Greek Isles.
“As a practice owner, I'm thrilled to offer high quality, progressive veterinary medicine using state of the art equipment and excellent customer service to a community I love.”
Dr. Katie Ellis, DVM
Associate VeterinarianDr. Katie Ellis is a compassionate and dedicated veterinarian with a deep passion for enhancing the well-being of animals. She has a special interest in physical rehabilitation, acupuncture, senior pet care, and pain management, utilizing an integrative approach to help her patients lead happier, healthier lives. Dr. Ellis earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona before pursuing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences, where she developed a strong foundation in both traditional and complementary veterinary medicine.
With a commitment to lifelong learning, Dr. Ellis continually expands her expertise in rehabilitative therapies, ensuring that her patients receive the most effective and compassionate care possible. She finds great fulfillment in helping pets regain mobility, manage chronic pain, and enjoy their golden years with comfort and dignity.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Ellis embraces an active lifestyle and cherishes the time spent with her own beloved animals, including a horse and two affectionate golden retrievers. Whether she's riding, hiking, or simply enjoying quiet moments with her pets, she approaches her personal life with the same dedication and commitment as her veterinary practice.
Dr. Raquel Heskett, DVM
Associate VeterinarianRaquel E. Heskett, DVM, graduated from Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. Dr. Heskett has worked in a variety of practices ranging from shelter medicine to specialty practices.
While in specialty she focused on medical neurology which includes diseases such as seizures and spinal cord injuries. After 20 years of practice, the Human Animal Bond and One Health Concepts remain vital to her way of practicing medicine.
Dr. Heskett shares her home with her husband, 2 children, 2 cats,2 dogs, 2 snakes, a leopard gecko, a mouse and a multitude of pet invertebrates (courtesy of her daughter).
Dr. Douglas Esson, DVM, DACVO
Board-Certified Veterinary OphthalmologistDr. Esson specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions across all species. Dr. Esson’s background includes decades of experience in academic & private practice, including training students, veterinarians, interns & residents as well as a catalogue of published research, veterinary medical chapters & textbooks. Dr. Esson is dedicated to preserving and improving your pet’s comfort & vision through advanced and compassionate care.
Well known in the Southern California veterinary community, Dr. Esson has practiced collaboratively with local veterinarians. He regularly teaches continuing education courses and wet labs, and his wildlife volunteer work has been featured in numerous publications and syndicated television programs. He is actively involved in conservation efforts and is a frequently invited international speaker.
Dr. Esson works closely with multiple wildlife & zoological organizations, has interests in marine mammal & reptile medicine, volunteers with multiple international humanitarian organizations and is a deputy with the Orange County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue unit.