Business Details
Your Trusted Veterinarians in Little River, SC
Saint Francis Animal Hospital is a trusted full-service veterinary hospital dedicated to providing top-level medical, surgical, and dental care for small animals in Little River, SC. Our facility features a well-stocked pharmacy, in-hospital surgery suite, healing laser, digital x-ray capabilities, and a supervised hospitalization area. We prioritize annual physical examinations and preventive care to address potential health issues early, offering a broad spectrum of diagnostic procedures through in-house testing and external laboratories. Our team collaborates with local practices for specialized diagnostics and focuses on compassionate, comprehensive care tailored to each pet's needs.With over decades of combined experience, our veterinarians specialize in internal medicine, surgery, dentistry, dermatology, and geriatric care, ensuring pets receive expert treatment throughout their lives. We emphasize client education, transparent communication, and maintaining the human-animal bond, serving Little River and surrounding areas including North Myrtle Beach, Longs, and Calabash. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our state-of-the-art equipment, personalized treatment plans, and a team-driven approach to pet wellness.
Services
Pet Geriatric Care
Puppy/Kitten Exams
Diagnostic Services
Wellness Exams
Pet Ultrasound
Laser Therapy
Pet Dentistry
Vaccinations
Microchipping
Surgical Procedures
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of combined veterinary expertise in small animal care.
- Our hospital features digital x-ray, in-house surgery, and healing laser technology.
- We provide tailored geriatric care plans for senior pets' unique needs.
- Our team includes specialists in dentistry, dermatology, and internal medicine.
- We serve Little River, North Myrtle Beach, and surrounding communities.
What people say
Compassionate care
Professional staff
Knowledgeable team
Patient comfort
Best animal hospital
Services
Pet Geriatric Care
Specialized healthcare for aging pets ensures optimal quality of life. Our veterinarians create customized wellness plans addressing mobility, nutrition, and chronic condition management. Regular check-ups help detect age-related issues early, maintaining comfort and vitality in senior animals.
Puppy/Kitten Exams
Comprehensive early-life examinations establish health baselines for young pets. Vaccination schedules, parasite prevention, and developmental monitoring ensure proper growth. Our team provides guidance on nutrition, training, and socialization during these critical life stages.
Diagnostic Services
Advanced diagnostic tools including bloodwork, x-rays, and ultrasound enable precise health assessments. In-house lab capabilities provide rapid results for timely treatment decisions. Complex cases receive specialized analysis through trusted external laboratory partnerships.
Pet Dentistry
Professional dental cleanings and oral health assessments prevent systemic disease. Digital dental x-rays identify hidden issues beneath the gumline. We treat periodontal disease, perform extractions, and offer home care recommendations for ongoing oral hygiene.
Surgical Procedures
Soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries performed with modern anesthetic monitoring. Pre-operative bloodwork ensures patient safety. Post-operative care includes pain management and recovery monitoring for optimal healing outcomes.
People
Dr. Trudy Swanda-Foley
Medical Director
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with expertise in internal medicine, ophthalmology, and dermatology. Graduate of Auburn University, member of AVMA and SC Association of Veterinarians. Certified in Human-Animal Bond research.
Dr. Robert Bruner
Veterinarian
Graduate of Washington State University with surgical specialization. Former academic professor and internship director. Provides dental care and surgical services, volunteers with World Vets in international humanitarian missions.
Dr. Morgan Houde
Veterinarian
University of Georgia veterinary graduate focusing on surgery, dermatology, and dentistry. Active member of professional veterinary organizations, committed to continuing education in advanced treatment techniques.
Dr. Andrea Sisk
Veterinarian
North Carolina State University graduate with master's in Physiology. Certified in laser therapy and swine medicine. Special interest in companion animal rehabilitation and pet pig care, with 10+ years clinical experience.
Bill
Hospital Administrator
Mechanical engineering graduate from University of Nebraska with corporate experience at Caterpillar Inc. Manages hospital operations, bringing technical expertise and business acumen to veterinary practice management.
Questions
What services do you offer for senior pets?
We provide comprehensive geriatric care including mobility assessments, chronic disease management, and customized nutrition plans for aging pets.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Request appointments online through our website or call us directly at (843) 249-1988 during business hours.
Do you offer emergency veterinary care?
We provide urgent care during regular business hours but recommend local emergency clinics for after-hours critical situations.
What diagnostic tools are available?
Our hospital features digital x-ray, ultrasound, in-house lab testing, and healing laser technology for accurate diagnostics.
Are vaccinations included in wellness exams?
Vaccination schedules are discussed during exams, with core vaccines administered according to individual pet risk factors and state regulations.
How do you handle pet dental care?
We perform professional cleanings, digital dental x-rays, and periodontal treatments while providing home care guidance for oral health maintenance.
