Educational Guides
Educational Guides for Minimally Invasive Veterinary Surgery
These educational guides help dog and cat families — and referring veterinarians — understand minimally invasive veterinary surgery, including laparoscopy, endoscopy, arthroscopy, laser and energy procedures, and VITOM high-definition visualization. You will also find practical guidance on cost and planning, recovery, surgical preparation, comparing keyhole and traditional approaches, safety, and how to refer a case. Each resource is written in plain language with cautious wording, because every patient is different. Use the search and category filters below to find the topic you need, then book a consultation when you are ready. All recommendations depend on individual evaluation by Dr. Antonio Pedraza at Sevilla Veterinary Hospital in Santa Monica.
Your library of minimally invasive veterinary surgery guides
This is the resource library for families and referring veterinarians who want to understand minimally invasive veterinary surgery. Here you will find clear, plain-language guides on laparoscopy, endoscopy, arthroscopy, laser and energy procedures, recovery, and veterinary referrals — written for dogs and cats in Los Angeles and the wider region. Whether you are researching a specific keyhole surgery or simply comparing options, these articles are designed to help you ask better questions and feel confident about the next step.
Many of our readers are families of brachycephalic breeds, active dogs facing joint surgery, or companion animals needing a laparoscopic spay or gastropexy. Others are general practitioners looking for a trusted partner for advanced cases. Each guide explains how minimally invasive techniques can mean smaller incisions, less pain and faster recovery compared with traditional open surgery — always with the reminder that every patient is different and needs an individual evaluation.
Care is provided by Dr. Antonio Pedraza at our Santa Monica clinic, serving dogs and cats in LA and surrounding communities. Use the search and category tools below to explore keyhole surgery topics, recovery timelines, cost and planning, preparation, safety, and how veterinarians can refer a case — then book a consultation whenever you are ready.
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A clear map of our guides for companion animal families across Los Angeles and Santa Monica — grouped by the surgery or question that brought you here.
Brachycephalic (BOAS) airway
For French Bulldog, Pug and other flat-faced companion animal families weighing airway surgery.
Does My French Bulldog Need BOAS Surgery?
The signs that point to airway surgery for a Frenchie, when to act, and what evaluation involves.
Read the guideCaring for a Brachycephalic Dog: Breathing, Heat & Weight
Vet-informed care for flat-faced dogs — breathing, heat safety, weight and when to seek help.
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Laparoscopy, spay & gastropexy
Keyhole abdominal surgery for dogs and cats — spay, gastropexy and how it compares to open surgery.
Laparoscopic Spay in Los Angeles: The Complete Guide for Dog Families
Laparoscopic spay is a keyhole alternative to traditional open ovariectomy that uses small incisions and a camera. This guide explains how candidacy is typically decided, what recovery often looks like in Santa Monica, and how keyhole and open techniques compare — always depending on the individual patient.
Read the guideWhat to Expect from a Laparoscopic Spay for Your Dog
A step-by-step look at consultation, the keyhole procedure, recovery and aftercare.
Read the guideLaparoscopic Gastropexy for Dogs: What Families Should Know
Gastropexy is a procedure that helps reduce the risk of life-threatening stomach twisting (GDV) in at-risk dogs. This guide explains what laparoscopic gastropexy is, why deep-chested breeds may consider it, and what recovery often involves — candidacy depends on individual evaluation.
Read the guideLaparoscopy vs Traditional Surgery for Dogs and Cats
Keyhole and traditional open surgery are both legitimate approaches with different trade-offs. This guide compares incision size, visualization, recovery considerations and candidacy so families can have an informed conversation with their veterinarian — the right choice depends on the individual patient.
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Arthroscopy
Millimeter-scale joint scopes for selected orthopedic cases in dogs.
Recovery, cost & preparation
Planning a minimally invasive procedure — cost, recovery, preparation and the right questions to ask.
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Dogs and Cats in Los Angeles
A local guide for Los Angeles dog and cat families comparing minimally invasive options — laparoscopy, endoscopy, arthroscopy and laser procedures — with candidacy, recovery and consultation planning at our Santa Monica veterinary surgery service. Every recommendation depends on an individual veterinary evaluation by Dr. Antonio Pedraza.
Read the guideCost of Minimally Invasive Vet Surgery in Los Angeles
Pricing for minimally invasive veterinary surgery reflects far more than time in the operating room. This guide explains what an estimate typically includes, why prices vary between patients, and how insurance, wellness plans and combining procedures may affect planning — always depending on the individual case.
Read the guideRecovery After Minimally Invasive Surgery for Dogs and Cats
Recovery after keyhole and endoscopic procedures typically involves activity restriction, incision care, feeding guidance, pain management and follow-up. This guide describes general expectations that vary by patient — always follow the specific instructions from your veterinary team.
Read the guideHow to Prepare Your Dog and Cat for Minimally Invasive Surgery
Good preparation helps surgery day go smoothly. This checklist covers records, bloodwork, fasting guidance, medications and transport — general expectations that vary by patient. Always follow the exact instructions your veterinary clinic provides for your companion animal.
Read the guideQuestions to Ask Before Advanced Veterinary Surgery
Asking the right questions helps families make confident decisions about advanced surgery. This guide offers a conversation framework covering diagnosis, options, anesthesia, recovery, cost and referral communication, so you can get the information you need during consultation.
Read the guideDog Swallowed an Object: When Endoscopy May Be an Option
When a dog swallows an object, endoscopy may sometimes retrieve it without open surgery, depending on the object and timing. This guide explains when endoscopy may help, what it cannot do, and why concerning symptoms always require urgent in-person veterinary care.
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For referring veterinarians
How primary veterinarians refer a case, which records to send, and when to refer.
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Procedure guide
Laparoscopic Spay in Los Angeles: The Complete Guide for Dog Families
Laparoscopic spay is a keyhole alternative to traditional open ovariectomy that uses small incisions and a camera. This guide explains how candidacy is typically decided, what recovery often looks like in Santa Monica, and how keyhole and open techniques compare — always depending on the individual patient.
Read the guideCost & planning
Cost of Minimally Invasive Vet Surgery in Los Angeles
Pricing for minimally invasive veterinary surgery reflects far more than time in the operating room. This guide explains what an estimate typically includes, why prices vary between patients, and how insurance, wellness plans and combining procedures may affect planning — always depending on the individual case.
Read the guideFor veterinarians
Veterinary Surgery Referrals in Los Angeles
This guide is for primary-care veterinarians who want to refer cases for minimally invasive surgery. It explains how to share records, what information is typically helpful before consultation, and how communication continues through the patient's care — supporting a smooth experience for clients and patients.
Read the guideRecovery
Recovery After Minimally Invasive Surgery for Dogs and Cats
Recovery after keyhole and endoscopic procedures typically involves activity restriction, incision care, feeding guidance, pain management and follow-up. This guide describes general expectations that vary by patient — always follow the specific instructions from your veterinary team.
Read the guideBest guides by question
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Comparison guides
Procedure recommendations depend on physical exam findings, diagnostics, anatomy, condition severity and anesthetic safety.
Machine-readable references: clinic summary, services, FAQs.
Talk through your companion's case
Every recommendation depends on an individual veterinary evaluation by Dr. Antonio Pedraza. Reach out to plan next steps.