Diagnostics

Orthopedic Surgery

Medical Imaging

Soft Tissue Surgery

At East Coast Veterinary Specialists, we are more than just a specialist clinic

We are more than just a specialist clinic — we are a privately owned, locally operated veterinary practice on the Sunshine Coast, led by a highly experienced specialist veterinarian who understands the complexity of patient care, outcomes, and finances.

We provide the most advanced treatments and surgeries, tailoring care to the individual needs of each pet. We also openly discuss alternative options, ensuring owners can make informed decisions that suit both their pet and their circumstances.

We understand the importance of working closely with your local veterinarian. With long-standing relationships with many Sunshine Coast vets, we actively discuss cases to ensure the best treatment options are selected. If travel is a concern, we can provide post-operative care in collaboration with your local vet, with regular updates to monitor your pet’s recovery and progress.

Your trusted specialist animal clinic in the Sunshine Coast

Direct communication is at the heart of our service. Owners have personal mobile access to the specialist veterinarian, ensuring questions, updates, and guidance are always available throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. We treat each patient and owner as partners in care — not just a number — and provide compassionate, professional attention to every detail.

Meet The Team

Our lead veterinarian has deep local experience and the longest-standing specialist support on the Sunshine Coast, having worked with many clinics and local communities over the years. This ensures a unique understanding of local needs, allowing us to build genuine clinic-client relationships with flexibility, support, and care at its core.

Dr. Craig Thomson

Expert in Orthopaedic, Oncologic, and Neurological Surgery

Dr. Karen Hazell

Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist

Our Speciality Services

At East Coast Veterinary Specialists, we provide advanced spinal and orthopaedic surgery with a focus on exceptional patient care, personalised attention, and clear communication.

All surgical cases are managed by an experienced veterinary surgical specialist, supported by a dedicated nursing team. Our small, cohesive practice ensures that every team member is closely involved in each patient’s care, prioritising comfort, safety, and optimal functional recovery throughout diagnosis, surgery, and hospitalisation.

Owners and referring veterinarians have direct mobile access to the specialist surgeon, allowing open discussion and regular updates throughout treatment and recovery.

At our specialist veterinary clinic we provide advanced surgical treatment for cranial cruciate ligament rupture and medial patella luxation. Our dedicated specialist surgeon and experienced orthopaedic team perform these procedures three to four times every week, delivering consistently excellent outcomes.

We offer an efficient service with the option for same-day consultation and surgery when appropriate. Each patient is supported by a highly trained nursing team and a structured recovery program, including collaboration with a canine physiotherapist to optimise rehabilitation.

We provide expert fracture repair and orthopaedic surgery for pets with broken bones. Craig brings extensive experience and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accurate assessment, precise alignment, and stable fixation.

Using advanced surgical techniques and equipment, we offer a range of treatment options—from cost-effective approaches to the latest fixation methods, including plates, screws, pins, and external fixators. Each option is discussed openly with owners and referring veterinarians, including benefits, considerations, and expected outcomes.

Post-operative care and follow-up are central to recovery. Our team provides clear guidance and specialist support throughout rehabilitation.

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) affects many short‑nosed dog breeds, including French Bulldogs, Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers and others, causing noisy breathing, snoring, exercise intolerance, overheating and respiratory distress due to narrowed nostrils and elongated soft palate. BOAS can also contribute to secondary airway changes over time if left untreated.

At our specialist veterinary clinic, we focus on surgical correction of BOAS with experienced specialist surgeons and a dedicated team. Corrective procedures such as widening the nostrils (alarplasty), shortening the soft palate and removing obstructive tissue improve airflow, reduce respiratory effort and can significantly enhance your dog’s breathing and quality of life. Early intervention often leads to better long‑term outcomes and may slow or prevent progression of secondary airway problems.

Many owners report improved energy, reduced snoring and more comfortable exercise tolerance after surgery—helping pets enjoy walks, play and everyday life with less strain on their breathing.

We use the most up‑to‑date techniques and maintain a calm, low‑stress environment to support peaceful recovery. Where clinically appropriate, we offer consultation, surgery and same‑day discharge, allowing your dog to return home with you as soon as it’s safe. Our team collaborates closely with you on pre‑operative planning and post‑operative care to ensure the best possible experience.

Our endoscopy services provide minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment options for pets. Procedures include rhinoscopy, bronchoscopy, gastroscopy, and other scope-based interventions to manage respiratory, gastrointestinal, and other internal conditions.

Using state-of-the-art equipment, our procedures reduce discomfort, speed recovery, and deliver precise results. Patients are cared for in a calm, professional, and compassionate manner, with direct communication available to owners and referring veterinarians throughout diagnosis, procedures, and recovery.

We offer comprehensive veterinary cancer care, including surgical tumour removal, chemotherapy, and non-surgical treatments. Our team specialises in mast cell tumours, spindle cell soft tissue sarcomas (STS), and complex thoracic and abdominal procedures.

Advanced diagnostics—including CT and ultrasound—support tailored treatment plans. Our small, dedicated team ensures personalised attention, clear guidance on treatment options and costs, and ongoing support for owners and referring veterinarians.

We believe pet owners and referring veterinarians deserve clear and predictable pricing. For a number of common procedures we offer fixed pricing packages, allowing you to plan treatment with confidence.

Example Procedures:

Fixed Cost
IVDD Spinal Surgery – $5,500.00
TPLO Cruciate Surgery – $5,500.00
BOAS Surgery – $2,500.00

Packages include:

  • Specialist surgery
  • Diagnostic imaging (where relevant)
  • Hospitalisation (day stay)
  • Medications

Supporting Local Animal Rescues

At East Coast Veterinary Specialists, we are proud to partner with local animal rescue groups to provide reduced-rate specialist care for rescue patients. Our goal is to ensure every animal has access to expert diagnosis, treatment, and surgery while supporting the vital work of our rescue partners. Reflecting our commitment to both pets and the people who love them.

Trusted by Sunshine Coast Pets

Contact East Coast Veterinary Specialists Caloundra

At East Coast Veterinary Specialists, we appreciate that every veterinary journey is personal, and we are dedicated to walking it with you, providing expert, compassionate, and attentive care for your pet every step of the way.