Veterinary Surgery, Cardiology & Internal Medicine Near You in Los Angeles
When your dog or cat needs more than routine care, finding a veterinary hospital that offers surgery, cardiology, and internal medicine under one roof can make all the difference. Coordinated specialty care means faster diagnoses, fewer transfers between facilities, and better outcomes for your pet. In Los Angeles alone, 77.5 million U.S. households now own at least one pet, and the demand for advanced veterinary services continues to grow. This guide explains what each specialty involves, why having them together matters, and how to choose the right hospital near you.
What Is Specialty Veterinary Care?
Specialty veterinary care is advanced medical or surgical treatment provided by veterinarians who have completed additional years of residency training and earned board certification in a specific discipline. Unlike a general practice vet, a specialist focuses exclusively on one area, such as the heart, internal organs, or complex surgical procedures.
Board-certified specialists hold credentials from organizations like the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) or the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). At LAASER in Los Angeles, the staff includes board-certified veterinarians in emergency and critical care, internal medicine, neurology, cardiology, anesthesiology, and surgery.
Veterinary Surgery: When Your Pet Needs an Operation
Veterinary surgery is the branch of veterinary medicine focused on operative procedures to treat injuries, diseases, and structural abnormalities in animals. A board-certified veterinary surgeon completes a three-year residency after veterinary school and an internship before becoming eligible for certification.
Common Surgical Procedures
Specialty surgical services typically include joint stabilization (TPLO, CBLO), fracture repair, tumor removal, and emergency abdominal surgery. At LAASER, the surgery department handles referrals from emergency, internal medicine, and neurology departments, enabling faster scheduling for critical cases.
Benefits of an In-House Surgical Team
Having a full-time surgical team inside a specialty and emergency hospital means better communication, faster scheduling for urgent cases, and seamless post-operative rehabilitation. LAASER's surgical team collaborates directly with the hospital's rehabilitation and clinical nutrition departments when patients need extended recovery support.
Veterinary Cardiology: Protecting Your Pet's Heart
Veterinary cardiology is the specialty dedicated to diagnosing and treating diseases of the heart and cardiovascular system in animals. LAASER's cardiologists are board-certified by the ACVIM with the DACVIM (Cardiology) credential, having completed a three-year accredited residency after internship and veterinary school.
Conditions Treated
Cardiologists assess, diagnose, and manage conditions including congestive heart failure, dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hypertension, and congenital heart diseases. Learn more about LAASER's cardiology services, led by Dr. Jordan Vitt, DACVIM (Cardiology).
Advanced Cardiac Diagnostics
Modern veterinary cardiologists use echocardiography, electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring, Holter monitoring, and interventional techniques like balloon valvuloplasty. These tools allow precise evaluation of heart function and guide treatment decisions without invasive procedures whenever possible.
Internal Medicine: Diagnosing Complex Conditions
Veterinary internal medicine is the specialty focused on the diagnosis and non-surgical management of complex and chronic diseases in animals. At LAASER, internal medicine specialists hold the DACVIM credential from the ACVIM after completing a three-year residency.
Diagnostic Capabilities
Internists use advanced tools such as endoscopy (bronchoscopy, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, rhinoscopy, cystoscopy), ultrasonography, and CT scans to investigate conditions that elude standard diagnostics. These capabilities allow targeted biopsies, real-time imaging, and minimally invasive evaluations.
When to Seek an Internist
If your pet has an unresolved illness, unexplained weight loss, chronic vomiting or diarrhea, or a condition requiring long-term management, a veterinary internist can develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Your primary veterinarian can submit a referral directly through LAASER's online portal.
Why Surgery, Cardiology & Internal Medicine Under One Roof Matters
Pets with complex health issues often need input from multiple specialists. A dog scheduled for surgery may need cardiac clearance from a cardiologist beforehand. A cat with chronic kidney disease managed by internal medicine may develop a condition requiring surgical intervention. When these departments exist in the same hospital, collaboration happens in real time.
According to the AVMA, U.S. pet owners spent an average of $598 (dogs) and $529 (cats) on veterinary care in 2025. Consolidated specialty care can reduce duplicate diagnostic costs and minimize the stress of transporting a sick pet between facilities.
LAASER offers all three specialties alongside emergency and critical care, neurology, dentistry, anesthesiology, and rehabilitation, all available at their Glassell Park location at 2500 N San Fernando Road, Los Angeles.
Specialty Services at a Glance
| Specialty | What It Treats | Key Diagnostics | Board Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgery | Fractures, joint disease, tumors, emergency abdominal conditions | Radiography, CT, fluoroscopy | DACVS (American College of Veterinary Surgeons) |
| Cardiology | Heart failure, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, congenital heart defects | Echocardiography, ECG, Holter monitoring | DACVIM (Cardiology) |
| Internal Medicine | Chronic disease, GI disorders, endocrine conditions, respiratory illness | Endoscopy, ultrasound, CT | DACVIM (Internal Medicine) |
Key Takeaways
- Surgery, cardiology, and internal medicine are distinct board-certified veterinary specialties requiring years of post-doctoral training.
- Having all three specialties in one hospital enables real-time collaboration and reduces duplicate testing.
- LAASER in Glassell Park, Los Angeles offers all three services plus emergency care, neurology, dentistry, and rehabilitation 24/7/365.
- Board-certified cardiologists use echocardiography and Holter monitoring to diagnose heart conditions non-invasively.
- Internal medicine specialists rely on endoscopy, ultrasound, and CT for complex and chronic disease diagnosis.
- Your primary vet can refer your pet directly to a specialist hospital through an online portal.
- U.S. pet owners spent an average of $598 per dog and $529 per cat on veterinary care in 2025, making cost-efficient consolidated care important.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a board-certified veterinary specialist?
A board-certified veterinary specialist is a veterinarian who has completed veterinary school, an internship, and a multi-year residency, then passed rigorous examinations administered by a specialty college such as the ACVIM or ACVS.
Does my pet need a referral to see a specialist at LAASER?
Many specialist appointments at LAASER are coordinated through veterinarian referrals, but the hospital also accepts emergency walk-ins 24/7. Contact the hospital at (323) 800-8387 to discuss your pet's situation.
How do I know if my pet needs a cardiologist?
Common signs include persistent coughing, exercise intolerance, fainting episodes, or a heart murmur detected by your primary vet. A veterinary cardiologist can perform an echocardiogram to evaluate heart structure and function.
What types of surgery does LAASER perform?
LAASER's surgery department handles soft tissue surgery, orthopedic procedures like TPLO and CBLO, tumor removal, and emergency surgical cases. The team also collaborates with neurology for neurosurgical procedures.
When should I take my pet to an internal medicine specialist?
Seek an internist when your pet has an undiagnosed chronic illness, unexplained symptoms, or a complex condition that requires advanced diagnostics like endoscopy or CT imaging.
Is LAASER open on weekends and holidays?
Yes. LAASER is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, including all holidays. Emergency services are always available.
Where is LAASER located?
LAASER is located at 2500 N San Fernando Road in the Glassell Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, CA 90065. The hospital is easily accessible from surrounding communities including Eagle Rock, Highland Park, and Pasadena.
How much does specialty veterinary care cost?
Costs vary based on the condition and required diagnostics or procedures. According to AVMA data, U.S. pet owners spent an average of $200 per veterinary visit in 2025. Specialty care may exceed this, so ask LAASER's team for an estimate during your consultation.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If your pet needs surgery, cardiac evaluation, or internal medicine expertise, LAASER's board-certified team is ready to help. Call (323) 800-8387 or visit laaser.vet to request an appointment through the Pet Parent Portal. For veterinarians looking to refer a patient, use the online referral portal to submit records and coordinate care seamlessly.