LAASER: The 24/7 Emergency and Specialty Veterinary Hospital in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Animal Specialty Emergency & Rehabilitation (LAASER) is the premier 24/7 emergency and specialty veterinary hospital in Los Angeles. It provides immediate critical care and advanced specialty services under one roof. This guide covers how the facility operates, the specific specialty departments available, and how to prepare for a visit.

24/7 Emergency Care

Emergency veterinary care is immediate medical attention provided to pets experiencing life-threatening conditions. At LAASER, the emergency team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. No appointment is necessary for emergency visits. Pet owners can simply arrive at the hospital at any time, day or night. The facility is located at 2500 N. San Fernando Road in Los Angeles, California.

Triaging and Assessment

Upon arrival, a triage technician promptly assesses the pet's condition. This process determines the urgency of the medical needs. Pets are treated based on the severity of their condition through a process called triage. This ensures that the most critically ill or injured patients receive immediate attention. While the waiting room may appear quiet, the medical team is often actively caring for hospitalized patients behind the scenes.

Common Emergency Symptoms

Owners should seek emergency care if their pet exhibits specific critical signs. These include difficulty breathing, collapse, severe bleeding, or trauma. Other urgent symptoms include seizures, repeated vomiting, or inability to urinate. Suspected poisoning or ingestion of toxic substances also requires immediate attention. If you are unsure whether your pet's condition is an emergency, it is always appropriate to contact the hospital for guidance.

Specialty Veterinary Services

A veterinary specialist is a veterinarian who has completed extensive additional education and clinical training in a particular area of veterinary medicine. LAASER offers a comprehensive range of specialty services for dogs and cats. These services are available by appointment and are often utilized following an emergency visit or via referral from a primary care veterinarian. The hospital features board-certified and residency-trained specialists in multiple departments.

Neurology and Neurosurgery

The Neurology and Neurosurgery team addresses neurological disorders to maximize recovery chances. They evaluate signs such as limb weakness, uncoordinated gait, or seizures. The team performs specialized examinations to localize the affected area of the nervous system. Additional testing, such as MRI and spinal fluid analysis, may be required to identify the underlying condition. The neurology team sees appointments Monday through Thursday and performs consults for the Critical Care and Emergency service on other days.

Internal Medicine and Cardiology

Internal medicine specialists assess and manage highly complicated conditions, including chronic diseases. They are trained in advanced diagnostics such as endoscopy, ultrasonography, and CT scans. The cardiology department focuses on the heart, managing conditions like congestive heart failure and arrhythmias. Cardiologists at LAASER are board-certified in Internal Medicine with a sub-specialty in cardiology. They utilize advanced diagnostics such as echocardiography and Holter ECG monitoring to investigate cardiac conditions.

Surgery and Rehabilitation

The surgery department provides advanced soft tissue, orthopedic, and emergency surgical procedures. Surgeons act as a resource for primary veterinarians by providing consultations on difficult cases. The rehabilitation and integrative medicine team helps pets regain performance and self-reliance. Therapies include underwater treadmill, laser therapy, and acupuncture. This team works side by side with the primary care veterinarian to ensure transparency in the care plan.

Key Takeaways

• LAASER provides 24/7 emergency care with no appointment required.
• The hospital is located at 2500 N. San Fernando Road, Los Angeles, CA 90065.
• Specialty services include Neurology, Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Surgery, and Rehabilitation.
• Specialists at LAASER are board-certified and residency-trained.
• Emergency visits are triaged based on the severity of the pet's condition.
• Specialty appointments require a referral or direct scheduling by phone.
• The facility offers advanced diagnostics like CT, MRI, and endoscopy.
• Payment options include Cherry, allowing for 0% APR plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I take my pet to an emergency vet?

You should take your pet to an emergency veterinarian when they are experiencing a sudden illness, injury, or change in condition that could be serious or life-threatening. Difficulty breathing, collapse, severe bleeding, trauma, seizures, repeated vomiting, inability to urinate, toxin exposure, and significant pain are examples of conditions that may require immediate veterinary attention.

Is LAASER open for Emergency Veterinary Care?

Yes, LAASER is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for emergency care. You do not need an appointment to visit the emergency department. Simply come to the hospital any time, day or night.

Do I need a referral to visit LAASER for specialty care?

Specialty services are available by appointment. If your primary care veterinarian has referred your pet, or you are seeking care from one of our specialty departments, please call us to schedule an appointment. You may also complete our Patient Registration Form prior to your visit.

What happens when my pet arrives at an emergency hospital?

When you arrive, one of our triage technicians will promptly assess your pet's condition to determine the urgency of their medical needs. Pets are treated based on the severity of their condition through a process called triage, ensuring that the most critically ill or injured patients receive immediate attention.

What specialty veterinary services does LAASER provide?

LAASER provides emergency and critical care, neurology and neurosurgery, surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, and rehabilitation and integrative medicine for dogs and cats in Los Angeles.

Does LAASER accept pet insurance or payment plans?

LAASER accepts various payment options, including Cherry. Cherry offers true 0% APR options and interest-bearing plans with APRs as low as 5.99%. There are no hard credit checks for these payment plans.

What should I bring to my emergency vet visit?

It is helpful to bring your pet's medical records, a list of current medications, and any relevant history of the incident. If you have a referral from your primary care veterinarian, bring that documentation as well. This helps the team review your pet's medical history and coordinate records.

How much does emergency veterinary care cost?

Costs vary depending on the severity of the condition and the treatments required. LAASER offers payment options through Cherry to help manage costs. You can see if you qualify for a payment plan on their website.

Conclusion

LAASER stands as a vital resource for pet owners in Los Angeles who need both immediate emergency response and long-term specialty care. By combining 24/7 availability with board-certified specialists, the hospital ensures that pets receive comprehensive treatment without the need to transfer between facilities. Whether your pet is facing a sudden crisis or requires ongoing management for a complex condition, the team at LAASER is dedicated to providing compassionate and expert care. To plan your visit or schedule a specialty appointment, today.