Resources
Clinical context in plain language.
Educational guidance from Dr. Antonio Pedraza and the clinic team about minimally invasive veterinary procedures, preparation and questions to discuss at consultation. These resources do not replace individual veterinary evaluation.
Search by procedure, question or topic — for example, “laparoscopic spay” or “recovery”.
17 guides to explore.
The clinical library
Published educational guides for companion families and referring veterinary teams, organized by topic. Case-specific recommendations require individual evaluation.
Laparoscopy & minimally invasive surgery
6 guides
Laparoscopic Spay in Los Angeles: The Complete Guide
Laparoscopic spay in Los Angeles by Dr. Antonio Pedraza in Santa Monica. How keyhole spay works, how it compares to traditional spay, and how candidacy is decided for your dog.
Read guideYour Dog's Laparoscopic Spay: What to Expect
A step-by-step guide to laparoscopic spay for dogs in Santa Monica & Los Angeles — consultation, the procedure, recovery and aftercare with Dr. Pedraza.
Read guideLaparoscopic Gastropexy for Dogs: What Families Should Know
Learn about laparoscopic gastropexy for dogs in Los Angeles — what it is, who may be a candidate, and how recovery works. Candidacy depends on evaluation.
Read guide
Laparoscopy vs Traditional Surgery for Dogs and Cats
How laparoscopy compares with traditional open surgery for dogs and cats — incisions, visualization, recovery and candidacy. A balanced guide by Dr. Pedraza in Santa Monica.
Read guideMinimally Invasive Surgery for Dogs and Cats in Los Angeles
Learn when dogs and cats in Los Angeles may benefit from laparoscopy, endoscopy, arthroscopy, laser procedures and advanced vet surgery in Santa Monica.
Read guide
When to Refer for Veterinary Laparoscopy
Guidance for primary-care veterinarians in Los Angeles on when to refer for veterinary laparoscopy — common indications, how candidacy is discussed, and how patients return to your care.
Read guidePlanning, cost & recovery
4 guidesUnderstanding the Cost of Minimally Invasive Vet Surgery in Los Angeles
What influences the cost of minimally invasive veterinary surgery in Los Angeles — what an estimate includes, financing, insurance and how to plan with Dr. Pedraza.
Read guide
Recovery After Minimally Invasive Surgery for Dogs and Cats
What recovery looks like after minimally invasive surgery for dogs and cats — activity, incision care, feeding, pain management and follow-up, guided by Dr. Pedraza in Santa Monica.
Read guide
How to Prepare Your Dog or Cat for Minimally Invasive Surgery
A clear preparation checklist for minimally invasive veterinary surgery — records, bloodwork, fasting and what to bring. Instructions depend on your companion animal.
Read guide
Questions to Ask Before Advanced Veterinary Surgery
A practical list of questions to ask before advanced or minimally invasive veterinary surgery — diagnosis, options, anesthesia, recovery and cost.
Read guideEndoscopy
1 guideArthroscopy
1 guide
For referring veterinarians
3 guides
Veterinary Surgery Referrals in Los Angeles
Information for referring veterinarians in Los Angeles: how to refer cases for minimally invasive surgery, what to send, communication and collaborative care with Dr. Pedraza.
Read guideWhat Records to Send for a Veterinary Surgery Referral
A practical checklist of what records to send for a veterinary surgery referral in Los Angeles — history, bloodwork, imaging and medications — so the case is reviewed before the consultation.
Read guideMinimally Invasive Surgery for Referring Veterinarians
How LA Laparoscopy Vet supports primary-care teams in Los Angeles with minimally invasive surgery referrals — collaborative care, clear communication, and patients returned to your practice.
Read guideAirway & brachycephalic breeds
2 guides
Does My French Bulldog Need BOAS Surgery?
Wondering if your French Bulldog needs BOAS surgery? Learn the signs that point to airway surgery, when to act, and what an evaluation involves — with Dr. Pedraza in Santa Monica.
Read guide
Caring for a Brachycephalic Dog: Breathing, Heat & Weight
Practical, vet-informed tips to keep flat-faced dogs (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Bulldogs) comfortable and safe — breathing, heat safety, weight, harnesses and when to seek help.
Read guideProcedure primers
Definitions, common clinical uses, planning considerations and photographs from our clinical setting for each service.
Laparoscopy
Camera-assisted abdominal surgery using small access points and specialized instruments.
Read primer 02Endoscopy
Internal examination and selected treatments using flexible or rigid scopes.
Read primer 03Laser & Energy Procedures
Focused laser and energy devices selected for specific tissue and surgical objectives.
Read primer 04Arthroscopy
Camera-assisted evaluation and treatment of selected joint conditions.
Read primer 05VITOM Microscope
Exoscopic visualization that provides a magnified surgical field on a monitor.
Read primerRecommendations depend on examination findings, diagnostics, anatomy, condition severity and anesthetic considerations.
Planning library
Practical questions around the procedure.
Preparation and recovery instructions must come from the clinic for the individual companion. These routes explain what information to gather and where to ask next.
Next step
Ready to discuss your companion's care?
Speak with our team about the available approaches and whether a minimally invasive procedure may be appropriate after individual evaluation.