Laparoscopy
Veterinary Laparoscopy in Los Angeles
What is laparoscopy?
Veterinary laparoscopy is a minimally invasive abdominal surgery that uses a small camera (laparoscope) and fine instruments passed through one or two keyhole incisions, typically a few millimeters wide. At our Santa Monica practice, Dr. Antonio Pedraza uses laparoscopy to perform procedures such as keyhole spays, prophylactic gastropexy, cryptorchid neuters and organ biopsies for dogs and cats across Los Angeles. Because the approach usually reduces tissue trauma, patients often experience less post-operative pain and may return to normal activity sooner than with open surgery. Whether a dog or cat is a candidate depends on individual evaluation, including exam, blood work and imaging. The surgical goal matches traditional surgery, and Dr. Pedraza can convert to an open approach if it is safer for the patient.
Key facts
- Procedure
- Veterinary Laparoscopy in Los Angeles
- Typical use
- Keyhole spay, gastropexy, cryptorchid neuter, organ biopsy, bladder stones
- Access method
- 1–2 keyhole incisions (~5 mm) with a camera
- Anesthesia
- General anesthesia, fully monitored
- Recovery expectation
- Often days rather than weeks; many cases discharge same-day
- Referral needed?
- Accepted; families and referring veterinarians may request a consultation
- When to call urgently
- Call urgently for incision bleeding, repeated vomiting, breathing trouble, collapse or severe pain
- Consultation
- Book a Consultation
Approach
1–2 keyhole incisions (~5 mm)
Recovery
Often days, not weeks
Anesthesia
General, fully monitored
Discharge
Same-day for most routine cases
Laparoscopy (often called "keyhole surgery") is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows our veterinarian to perform abdominal procedures through very small incisions. Using a rigid fiber-optic camera (laparoscope) and refined instruments, we can examine and operate inside your companion's body with the smallest possible disruption.
Common Laparoscopic Procedures We Offer
- Laparoscopic Spay (Ovariectomy): Routine spays performed through 1–2 tiny incisions instead of a large abdominal opening, dramatically reducing post-op pain and recovery.
- Laparoscopic Gastropexy (Bloat Prevention): For large, deep-chested breeds at risk of GDV, we tack the stomach to the abdominal wall through a keyhole approach. Can be combined with a laparoscopic spay in one anesthetic event.
- Laparoscopic Cryptorchid Neuter: Locate and remove undescended testicles from the abdomen with excellent visualization and minimal incisions.
- Laparoscopic Organ Biopsy & Exploratory Surgery: Targeted biopsies of liver, kidney, pancreas, or intestines under direct camera guidance — safer and more accurate than blind needle biopsies.
- Laparoscopic Cystotomy (Bladder Stone Removal): Laparoscope-assisted bladder stone removal through a small incision for quicker healing.
- Advanced Laparoscopic Procedures: Select cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy or adrenalectomy when minimally invasive removal benefits your companion.
What to Expect from a Laparoscopic Procedure
Your companion typically fasts the evening before surgery and is placed under general anesthesia, monitored throughout with advanced protocols. Most companion animals wake smoothly and are up on their feet sooner because of reduced pain. Many routine procedures (spays, biopsies) go home the same day. In the rare event a minimally invasive approach cannot be completed safely, we are prepared to transition to a traditional surgery — your companion's safety always comes first.
By choosing laparoscopic surgery at our Santa Monica clinic, you are choosing the least invasive option for your companion without compromising on effectiveness.
Procedure recommendations depend on physical exam findings, diagnostics, anatomy, condition severity and anesthetic safety. Dr. Antonio Pedraza reviews each case individually.
Reviewed by Dr. Antonio Pedraza, DVM, MVM · Last updated May 28, 2026
Related procedures
Clinical imagery
Real cases from our Los Angeles operating room
Surgical and endoscopic imagery from Dr. Pedraza's recent cases. Some images show internal anatomy and clinical findings.
References
Clinical references and further reading
Educational links are provided for background context. Recommendations depend on individual veterinary evaluation.
- AAHA Anesthesia and Monitoring Guidelines for Dogs and CatsAAHA
- Spaying and Neutering — pet owner guidanceAVMA
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (relevant to prophylactic gastropexy)ACVS
- Small Animal Surgical Conditions — owner education libraryACVS
Reviewed by Dr. Antonio Pedraza, DVM, MVM
Last updated: May 28, 2026
This page is educational and does not replace an individual veterinary consultation.
Serving Greater Los Angeles
Care close to home for companion families across the Westside
Located at 2116 Main Street in Santa Monica, Los Angeles Laparoscopy Vet at Sevilla Veterinary Hospital serves companion animals, dogs and cats from Santa Monica, Los Angeles, West Los Angeles, Venice, Brentwood, Culver City, Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, Marina del Rey.
Los Angeles Laparoscopy Vet at Sevilla Veterinary Hospital
2116 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
By appointment · referrals welcome
Ready to schedule advanced care for your companion?
Speak with our team about whether a minimally invasive procedure is right for your dog or cat.