I am Dr. Steven A Thomasson, and I would like to introduce myself. Welcome to our website! We operate a small animal hospital, in Scottsdale, Arizona, serving dogs, cats, and other small pets. I believe we have the experience you would seek for your pets, as I have been in practice since 1981, and the compassion your pets need to keep them as happy and healthy as possible.
We truly enjoy the pets whose needs we serve. We Take a practical approach to medicine, for example, tests are run only when diagnostically helpful. This approach minimizes stress for your pet and helps to control costs.
We truly enjoy the pets whose needs we serve. We Take a practical approach to medicine, for example, tests are run only when diagnostically helpful. This approach minimizes stress for your pet and helps to control costs.
Services
We at Cochise Animal Hospital are proud to serve the Scottsdale, Arizona and the surrounding areas.
We treat every patient with the same loving attention and care that we would for our own pets.
With over 37 years of experience, we pride ourselves in providing the best care possible for our clients and their pets.
If you have any questions about our services, please don't hesitate to call us at 480-991-2858.
Came into Cochise for a routine physical examination for my dog, and the staff and veterinarian were very accommodating.
We treat every patient with the same loving attention and care that we would for our own pets.
With over 37 years of experience, we pride ourselves in providing the best care possible for our clients and their pets.
If you have any questions about our services, please don't hesitate to call us at 480-991-2858.
Came into Cochise for a routine physical examination for my dog, and the staff and veterinarian were very accommodating.
I've taken my multipoo (her name is Puppy) to multiple vets for stomach related issues and zero answers.
Dr. Thomasson immediately was able to detect a tumor in her abdomen.
If not for that visit we would have no idea she has an orange-sized tumor that needs to be removed with her spleen.
I have always remained with my pet while procedures are performed.
That option wasn't given me.
It took a long time for what I was told would be a shot.
When Rusty did reappear, I was told the wound was also drained.
Dr. Thomasson immediately was able to detect a tumor in her abdomen.
If not for that visit we would have no idea she has an orange-sized tumor that needs to be removed with her spleen.
I have always remained with my pet while procedures are performed.
That option wasn't given me.
It took a long time for what I was told would be a shot.
When Rusty did reappear, I was told the wound was also drained.
Reviews (6)
Bob Shepheard
May 20, 2025
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Dear Veterinary Board of Arizona C/O Tracy Riendeau
I'm very sorry for any inconvenience. I am formally requesting that my complaint against Cochise Animal Hospital be reopened. After everything that happened to my dog, Trapper, and following the verbal retaliation, I was further disheartened to see that my review of their services has been repeatedly removed from their website. It is only fair for my voice and Trappers story to be heard.
Below, I have included my original review of Cochise Animal Hospital and the details of my initial complaint for your reference and consideration.
Please let me know what options, if any, are available to reopen this matter.
Heartbroken and Disappointed by Dr. Thomasson's Care
By Bob Shepheard
My experience with Dr. Thomasson was profoundly distressing and, ultimately, heartbreaking. I entrusted him with the care of my beloved dog, both a cherished companion and a trained service animal, believing he possessed the necessary expertise to treat his cancer. Unfortunately, that trust was misplaced.
Dr. Thomasson misrepresented his qualifications, experience, and understanding of veterinary oncology. Instead of recommending a comprehensive treatment plan involving radiation or chemotherapy, standard first-line approaches for certain cancers, he insisted that surgery alone would be sufficient to remove the tumor and cure the disease. This narrow and outdated approach reflected a concerning lack of current medical knowledge.
The initial surgery was poorly performed. The incision reopened due to stitches that failed to hold, requiring a second procedure to repair the damage. I was told this follow-up would be minor and routine. It was not. The second surgery resulted in a drastically enlarged and disfiguring incision, leaving my dog in pain and severely deformed. His condition deteriorated rapidly, and he ultimately had to be euthanized.
What adds to the pain is that my original review, which included date-stamped photos clearly documenting the extent of his suffering, was removed. I am reposting this because transparency and accountability in veterinary care are vital. Pet owners deserve to make informed decisions based on the whole truth.
Dr. Thomassons negligence, lack of experience, and poor surgical judgment caused irreversible harm and immense suffering. To this day, I have not received an apology, explanation, or even a basic expression of sympathy. What happened is inexcusable. I share this, hoping no one else has to endure the same anguish.
I'm very sorry for any inconvenience. I am formally requesting that my complaint against Cochise Animal Hospital be reopened. After everything that happened to my dog, Trapper, and following the verbal retaliation, I was further disheartened to see that my review of their services has been repeatedly removed from their website. It is only fair for my voice and Trappers story to be heard.
Below, I have included my original review of Cochise Animal Hospital and the details of my initial complaint for your reference and consideration.
Please let me know what options, if any, are available to reopen this matter.
Heartbroken and Disappointed by Dr. Thomasson's Care
By Bob Shepheard
My experience with Dr. Thomasson was profoundly distressing and, ultimately, heartbreaking. I entrusted him with the care of my beloved dog, both a cherished companion and a trained service animal, believing he possessed the necessary expertise to treat his cancer. Unfortunately, that trust was misplaced.
Dr. Thomasson misrepresented his qualifications, experience, and understanding of veterinary oncology. Instead of recommending a comprehensive treatment plan involving radiation or chemotherapy, standard first-line approaches for certain cancers, he insisted that surgery alone would be sufficient to remove the tumor and cure the disease. This narrow and outdated approach reflected a concerning lack of current medical knowledge.
The initial surgery was poorly performed. The incision reopened due to stitches that failed to hold, requiring a second procedure to repair the damage. I was told this follow-up would be minor and routine. It was not. The second surgery resulted in a drastically enlarged and disfiguring incision, leaving my dog in pain and severely deformed. His condition deteriorated rapidly, and he ultimately had to be euthanized.
What adds to the pain is that my original review, which included date-stamped photos clearly documenting the extent of his suffering, was removed. I am reposting this because transparency and accountability in veterinary care are vital. Pet owners deserve to make informed decisions based on the whole truth.
Dr. Thomassons negligence, lack of experience, and poor surgical judgment caused irreversible harm and immense suffering. To this day, I have not received an apology, explanation, or even a basic expression of sympathy. What happened is inexcusable. I share this, hoping no one else has to endure the same anguish.
Bob Shepheard
May 16, 2025
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Deeply Disappointed and Heartbroken by Dr. Thomasson's Care
My experience with Dr. Thomasson was profoundly distressing and ultimately devastating. I entrusted him with caring for my beloved dog, who was a cherished companion and my service animal. Unfortunately, Dr. Thomasson misrepresented his capabilities, experience, and understanding of animal cancer treatment.
Rather than exploring a comprehensive treatment plan that included chemotherapy or radiation, common first-line approaches for tumors, Dr. Thomasson insisted that surgery alone would be sufficient to remove the tumor and cure my dogs cancer. This recommendation reflected a concerning lack of current oncological knowledge and experience.
The initial surgery was poorly executed: the incision reopened due to stitches that failed to hold, necessitating a second operation. I was assured this follow-up would be minor and routine, but it was anything but. The second surgery left my dog with a significantly extended and disfiguring incision. The outcome was not only physically traumatic but also emotionally unbearable. My dog was left suffering and ultimately had to be euthanized.
What makes this even more troubling is that my original, detailed reviewincluding date-stamped photos documenting my dogs conditionwas removed. I am reposting this because transparency in veterinary care is not optional but essential. Pet owners have a right to know the truth.
Dr. Thomassons actionsmarked by negligence, inexperience, and poor surgical judgmentcaused irreparable harm and suffering. To this day, I have not received an apology, explanation, or even a gesture of sympathy. What happened to my dog is unforgivable, and I hope this review helps prevent others from experiencing similar heartbreak.
Bob Shepheard
My experience with Dr. Thomasson was profoundly distressing and ultimately devastating. I entrusted him with caring for my beloved dog, who was a cherished companion and my service animal. Unfortunately, Dr. Thomasson misrepresented his capabilities, experience, and understanding of animal cancer treatment.
Rather than exploring a comprehensive treatment plan that included chemotherapy or radiation, common first-line approaches for tumors, Dr. Thomasson insisted that surgery alone would be sufficient to remove the tumor and cure my dogs cancer. This recommendation reflected a concerning lack of current oncological knowledge and experience.
The initial surgery was poorly executed: the incision reopened due to stitches that failed to hold, necessitating a second operation. I was assured this follow-up would be minor and routine, but it was anything but. The second surgery left my dog with a significantly extended and disfiguring incision. The outcome was not only physically traumatic but also emotionally unbearable. My dog was left suffering and ultimately had to be euthanized.
What makes this even more troubling is that my original, detailed reviewincluding date-stamped photos documenting my dogs conditionwas removed. I am reposting this because transparency in veterinary care is not optional but essential. Pet owners have a right to know the truth.
Dr. Thomassons actionsmarked by negligence, inexperience, and poor surgical judgmentcaused irreparable harm and suffering. To this day, I have not received an apology, explanation, or even a gesture of sympathy. What happened to my dog is unforgivable, and I hope this review helps prevent others from experiencing similar heartbreak.
Bob Shepheard
Vicky C.
Jan 23, 2025
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10/10 recommend Cochise Animal Hospital! We recently adopted a dog in September and Rooster has had several visits to Cochise. All of the vets and techs are so lovely and make it a great experience for both the pet and owners. It is easy to book an appointment calling or through their app and the front desk ladies are so kind and responsive. I hope that we don't need many vet visits in the future however I know my dog Rooster is in good hands when we take him here!
Vicky C.
Jan 23, 2025
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10/10 recommend Cochise Animal Hospital! We recently adopted a dog in September and Rooster has had several visits to Cochise. All of the vets and techs are so lovely and make it a great experience for both the pet and owners. It is easy to book an appointment calling or through their app and the front desk ladies are so kind and responsive. I hope that we don't need many vet visits in the future however I know my dog Rooster is in good hands when we take him here!
Scott B.
Apr 06, 2024
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I think i might have forgot the name but i think her name was Ray she was very helpful when I called over the phone. I gave a four star just because I haven't been there person yet but overall she answered all my questions and I should be planning something in the next couple of months to get some blood work done for my 2 cats
Lauren N.
Jul 10, 2023
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Dr Rachel McKague is the absolute best doc and surgeon! She did our french Bulldog Willow's c section and was so professional and informative and helpful as this was our first litter. She has a way of making you feel comfortable and as if you're in great hands, as we were! I knew from conversing with her in the lobby days prior that she was the best doc for our situation. The staff is so accommodating and nice. They called me and text me through the whole surgery so I knew how Willow and babies were doing. Afterwards Dr McKague called me and let me know how everything went and told me the next steps at home for caring for Willow and her puppies. I highly recommend Cochise for any of your pets needs, and Dr McKague! I was so pleased start to finish with the whole experience and will continue seeing Dr McKague for all of our future needs!
