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 animal hospital in Los Angeles that also offers comprehensive specialty care. Located in Glassell Park, this facility provides immediate critical care alongside advanced services in neurology, surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, and rehabilitation. This guide details how LAASER integrates emergency stabilization with specialized treatment to ensure seamless continuity of care for dogs and cats in the greater Los Angeles area.

24/7 Emergency Care

Emergency veterinary care is the immediate medical attention provided to pets experiencing life-threatening conditions or sudden injuries. At LAASER, the Emergency and Critical Care team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This round-the-clock availability ensures that pet owners in Los Angeles have access to expert medical intervention at any time, whether it is a holiday, a weekend, or the middle of the night.

When a pet arrives at an emergency hospital, the process begins with triage. Triage is a systematic assessment used to determine the urgency of a patient's medical needs. A triage technician evaluates the pet's condition to ensure that the most critically ill or injured patients receive immediate attention. This protocol allows the medical team to prioritize care effectively, even when the hospital is busy. While wait times can vary depending on the severity of cases currently being treated, the team remains committed to keeping pet owners informed throughout the visit.

Common conditions that require immediate emergency attention include trauma from vehicle accidents, difficulty breathing, collapse, seizures, and suspected poisoning. Other critical signs include inability to urinate, severe bleeding, and heatstroke. If a pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, prompt evaluation is essential. The emergency team at LAASER works closely with the specialty departments to ensure that complex cases are managed without the delays associated with transferring a patient to a different facility.

Specialty Veterinary Services

Specialty veterinary services are advanced medical and surgical treatments provided by veterinarians who have completed extensive additional education and clinical training in a specific area of medicine. Following veterinary school, specialists typically complete an internship and a multi-year residency. Board-certified specialists have also passed rigorous examinations established by their recognized specialty organizations. This advanced training allows them to diagnose and manage complicated conditions that may be beyond the scope of primary care.

At LAASER, specialty services are available by appointment. If a primary care veterinarian refers a pet, or if an emergency case requires specialized intervention, the patient can be seen by the appropriate specialist within the same hospital. This integrated model is a significant advantage for pet owners. It eliminates the stress of transporting a sick or injured pet to a separate specialty clinic. Instead, the pet remains in a familiar environment with a team that is already familiar with their medical history and current condition.

The hospital utilizes an online referral case submission portal to facilitate communication between primary care veterinarians and the LAASER team. This portal allows for the swift submission of medical records and diagnostic results prior to the appointment. Once the patient is seen, medical updates and reports are automatically uploaded to the portal, ensuring that the primary care veterinarian stays informed about the pet's progress. This collaborative approach fosters trust and ensures that all parties involved in the pet's care are aligned.

Specialty Departments

LAASER offers a wide range of specialty departments, each staffed by board-certified or residency-trained experts. These departments cover a broad spectrum of medical needs, from complex internal diseases to advanced surgical procedures and rehabilitative therapies. The presence of these departments under one roof allows for a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. When a pet has multiple health issues, the team can collaborate to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

The Internal Medicine department focuses on complex medical conditions involving the gastrointestinal, endocrine, respiratory, kidney, liver, and immune systems. Internists are trained in advanced diagnostics such as endoscopy, ultrasonography, and CT scans. The Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine department provides therapies such as underwater treadmill, laser therapy, and acupuncture to help pets regain function and manage pain. These services are particularly beneficial for pets recovering from orthopedic or neurological procedures.

Another critical component of the specialty services is the Critical Care unit. Veterinary critical care medicine is the intensive care provided to pets who are critically ill or injured and require round-the-clock monitoring. The standards at LAASER align with those of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC). Diplomates in this field have completed state-of-the-art training that allows for intense practice in emergency and critical care. This ensures that pets in the most severe conditions receive the highest level of medical support.

Cardiology, Neurology, and Surgery

Cardiology, neurology, and surgery are three of the most complex areas of veterinary medicine. At LAASER, these departments are led by specialists with extensive training and board certification. The integration of these services with the emergency department allows for rapid diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions in these fields.

Cardiology

Veterinary cardiology is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases. LAASER's cardiologists are board-certified in Internal Medicine by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) with a sub-specialty in cardiology. They assess and manage conditions such as congestive heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy, and congenital heart diseases. Advanced diagnostics used in this department include echocardiography, Holter ECG monitoring, and pacemaker implantation. Cardiology services are offered one week of the month, and appointments can be scheduled through the hospital's Pet Parent Portal.

Neurology and Neurosurgery

Neurology is the study and treatment of disorders of the nervous system. The neurology team at LAASER addresses conditions such as seizures, spinal disorders, and paralysis. Neurologists perform specialized examinations to localize the area of the nervous system that is affected. Depending on the findings, additional testing such as MRI and spinal fluid analysis may be required. The neurology team sees appointments Monday through Thursday and also takes transfers and performs consults for the Critical Care and Emergency service on other days. This ensures that neurologic emergencies are addressed promptly, even when the neurologist is not physically present in the hospital.

Surgery

Veterinary surgery involves the use of surgical techniques to treat diseases and injuries. LAASER's surgeons are dedicated to providing the best possible surgical care, including soft tissue, abdominal, and orthopedic procedures. The surgery service utilizes in-house equipment such as a 128-slice CT scanner, digital radiography, and C-Arm/Fluoroscopic Imaging. The benefits of having a full-time surgical team in a specialty and emergency hospital include faster surgery scheduling for critical cases and better post-operative care. The surgeon also takes transfers and referrals internally from the emergency, internal medicine, and neurology departments, ensuring a seamless flow of care.

Key Takeaways

• LAASER is a 24/7 emergency and specialty veterinary hospital located in Los Angeles, California.
• The hospital offers immediate emergency care alongside advanced specialty services in one location.
• Specialty departments include Cardiology, Neurology, Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Rehabilitation.
• Board-certified specialists at LAASER have completed extensive residency training and rigorous examinations.
• The integrated model allows for seamless continuity of care without the need to transfer patients between facilities.
• An online referral portal facilitates communication between primary care veterinarians and the LAASER team.
• Critical care at LAASER aligns with the standards of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care.
• Pet owners can schedule specialty appointments through the Pet Parent Portal or by calling the hospital directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 veterinary care. No appointment is necessary for emergency visits. Pet owners can come directly to the hospital or call ahead to notify the team of their arrival.

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

While a referral from a primary care veterinarian is common for specialty care, it is not always required. Pet owners can contact LAASER directly to schedule an appointment with a specialist. However, a referral can help ensure that all relevant medical records are available to the specialist prior to the visit.

What happens when my pet arrives at an emergency hospital?

Upon arrival, a triage technician will 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. This ensures that the most critically ill or injured patients receive immediate attention. The team will keep you informed throughout the visit.

Does LAASER accept pet insurance?

LAASER works with many pet insurance providers. It is recommended that pet owners contact their insurance company to verify coverage and billing procedures before their visit. The hospital can provide itemized bills to facilitate the claims process.

What is a veterinary specialist?

A veterinary specialist is a veterinarian who has completed extensive additional education and clinical training in a particular area of veterinary medicine. This training typically includes an internship and a multi-year residency, followed by board certification through a recognized specialty organization.

Can veterinary rehabilitation help after surgery?

Yes, veterinary rehabilitation can be highly beneficial after surgery. Therapies such as underwater treadmill, laser therapy, and therapeutic exercise can help pets regain strength, mobility, and function. The rehabilitation team works closely with the surgical team to develop a customized treatment plan for each patient.

How can I schedule an appointment with a specialist at LAASER?

Specialty appointments can be scheduled by calling the hospital at (323) 800-VETS (8387) or by submitting an appointment request through the Pet Parent Portal. Providing medical history and records in advance allows the team to prepare for the appointment and coordinate with your primary care veterinarian.

Conclusion

For pet owners in Los Angeles, finding a veterinary hospital that offers both 24/7 emergency care and comprehensive specialty services is crucial. LAASER stands out as a leading facility that meets this need. By integrating emergency stabilization with advanced specialty departments, the hospital ensures that pets receive the highest standard of care in a single location. The collaborative approach between the emergency team and the specialists allows for rapid diagnosis and effective treatment of complex conditions.

If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, do not hesitate to contact LAASER. The team is ready to provide compassionate and expert care when you need it most. For specialty appointments, you can reach out to the hospital to schedule a visit with one of their board-certified specialists. To learn more about the services offered or to register your pet, visit the contact page or call (323) 800-VETS (8387). LAASER is committed to guiding pets and their families through every stage of treatment and recovery, ensuring that your furry companion receives the best possible care.