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For referring veterinarians

Veterinary Surgery Referrals in Los Angeles

A practical guide for primary-care veterinarians referring patients for laparoscopy, endoscopy, arthroscopy and other minimally invasive procedures in Santa Monica — what to send, how we communicate, and how cases return to your care.

2116 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA

Reviewed by Dr. Antonio Pedraza, DVM, MVM · Last updated June 3, 2026

VITOM microscope visualization used for advanced veterinary minimally invasive surgery

Key takeaways

  • Referring veterinarians can send records, imaging and bloodwork before the consultation.
  • We focus on clear, timely communication back to the primary-care team.
  • Patients return to your practice for ongoing and routine care after the procedure.
  • Referrals are welcomed for both diagnostic and surgical minimally invasive cases.

How the referral process works

Referring a patient is straightforward. You can contact our team by phone or have the family book a consultation, and we coordinate from there. Sharing the patient's history, recent diagnostics and your clinical question up front allows us to prepare before the visit and use consultation time efficiently.

Our goal is to support your relationship with the client, not replace it. We see ourselves as an extension of your team for procedures that benefit from advanced minimally invasive equipment and training.

What to send before the consultation

Referring veterinarians can send records before the consultation, which helps us plan appropriately. Useful items include the patient's history and presenting complaint, recent bloodwork, radiographs or other imaging, current medications, and any prior surgical or anesthetic notes.

Records can be sent ahead of the appointment so the case is reviewed before the family arrives. If imaging is available, please include it — it often informs whether a minimally invasive approach is appropriate for the individual patient.

Cases commonly referred for minimally invasive surgery

Common referrals include laparoscopic spay and prophylactic gastropexy, cryptorchid neuter, abdominal and liver biopsies, endoscopic evaluation of the GI tract or airway, foreign-body retrieval, arthroscopy for selected joint conditions, and procedures that benefit from VITOM-assisted visualization.

Each case is assessed individually. Whether a keyhole approach is suitable depends on exam findings, diagnostics, anatomy and anesthetic safety, and we are glad to discuss candidacy with you before scheduling.

Communication and shared records

Clear communication is central to a good referral experience. After the consultation and any procedure, we aim to send concise, timely updates so you have what you need for continuity of care, including findings, what was performed and home-care instructions provided to the family.

If you would like to discuss a case directly, our team can arrange a conversation. We want referring veterinarians to feel informed at each step.

Returning patients to your care

Minimally invasive procedures are typically outpatient, and patients return to your practice for routine and ongoing care. We provide discharge instructions and recommended follow-up so the transition back to your team is smooth.

Families are encouraged to maintain their relationship with their primary veterinarian for vaccines, wellness and long-term management. Our role is focused on the specific procedure and the period immediately surrounding it.

How to start a referral

To begin, call our team or direct the family to book a consultation, and send the patient's records when convenient. We will confirm receipt and reach out if anything further is needed before the visit.

We appreciate the trust involved in a referral and aim to make the process simple for both you and your clients.

Related pages

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

You can call our team or have the family book a consultation, then send the patient's records, imaging and bloodwork. Sharing your clinical question in advance lets us review the case before the visit and plan appropriately.

Yes. Referring veterinarians can send records before the consultation, including history, diagnostics, imaging and current medications. Reviewing these ahead of time helps us assess candidacy and prepare for the appointment.

Yes. Minimally invasive procedures are usually outpatient, and patients return to your practice for routine and ongoing care. We provide discharge instructions and recommended follow-up to support a smooth transition.

We aim to provide concise, timely communication including findings, what was performed and the home-care instructions given to the family, so you have what you need for continuity of care.

References

Clinical references and further reading

Educational links are provided for background context. Recommendations depend on individual veterinary evaluation.

Reviewed by Dr. Antonio Pedraza, DVM, MVM

Last updated: June 3, 2026

This page is educational and does not replace an individual veterinary consultation.

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