VCA Orange County Veterinary Specialists

08/14/2024

Vaccines and Immunization are important and necessary to help prevent hospitalization and stress to your pet. Make sure to speak with your veterinarian on which vaccines are right for your pet's age and lifestyle.

08/13/2024

We're almost through the summer, but the heat is still here. Heatstroke is no joke! Look out for these signs to keep your pet cool this summer.

08/09/2024

Hikes are a great way to spend time with your pet, but they can pose some dangers.

If something pops up on your next hike, make sure to check out our VCA Urgent Care services.

Learn More: https://vcahospitals.com/urgent-care

08/08/2024

Happy ! 🎉😺 To celebrate, we're spotlighting some of our Associates' adorable furry friends!

08/06/2024

Disasters can strike at any moment so it's important stock up on emergency supplies and consider your pet’s needs. Lastly, be sure to download the myVCA app to have access to your pet's medical records.

Download Now: myvca.app

07/31/2024

Thank you Sampson for being a great tour guide on a tour of our VCA Urgent Care hospital! When care can’t wait, go to VCA Animal Hospitals Urgent Care for same-day pet care.

Learn More: https://vcahospitals.com/urgent-care

07/29/2024

Let's go to the beach-beach, let's avoid heat waves! 🛸

07/24/2024

Can you guess that pet? 🐾 Answer in the comments 👇!

Hint: They make a clownish and fun-loving companion.

Comment below and let us know if you guessed correctly!

07/23/2024

With heat waves sweeping across the country, blue-green algae is appearing in new areas and posing an increased risk to pets.

Found in lakes, ponds or any source of standing water, it’s extremely toxic and consuming it can be fatal. The best way to prevent accidental poisoning is to keep a close eye on pets when they’re around water.

If you think your pet has been exposed, take them to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital and contact the ASPCA Poison Control at 888-426-4435.

07/18/2024

If the pavement is too hot for you, it's too hot for them. Make sure to be aware of the dangers hot pavement can have on your pet's paws.

07/17/2024

Tornadoes form during intense thunderstorms and can reach wind speeds of 200+ mph. Although tornadoes can occur anywhere, they are prevalent in the Southeast and Midwest. Stay informed by downloading the FEMA app and signing up for weather reports and evacuation notices.

Keep a list handy of pet-friendly shelters and contact information for your local animal control office and ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) in case of evacuation.

07/16/2024

Not sure whether to visit VCA Urgent Care or VCA Emergency Care? We've got you covered.

Make sure to call your local VCA Animal Hospital to ask if you are uncertain.

07/12/2024

Heatstroke is no joke! Make sure to keep your pets properly cool and hydrated to avoid overheating.

07/11/2024

Hurricane season is here and keeping pets safe is our top priority. Help prepare your pets for when disaster strikes with these Hurricane Safety tips.

Get your FREE Hurricane Preparedness Playbook Now: https://vca.mobi/HurricanePreparednessPlaybook

07/10/2024

Just itching to have your questions about pet allergies answered?

We're answering everything you need to know about pets and their allergen & dermatological needs.

07/08/2024

🐶: P-R-E-V-E-N-T(ION). Find out why it’s key for me🎶

07/04/2024

Have a happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸 Wishing you and your pets a safe holiday weekend!

Tips for a safe Independence Day: https://vca.mobi/FourthofJulySafety

07/03/2024

Here are top safety BBQ tips for this holiday weekend.

07/02/2024

Who doesn't love a good fireworks show? Pets, that's who! 🎆

We're sharing tips and tricks to help prepare your pets for this week's holiday celebrations.

More Tips for a Safe Independence Day: https://vca.mobi/FourthofJulySafety

06/28/2024

There's a lot of information about ticks and fleas out there, but it's hard to know which is right!

We're sharing some of the most common misconceptions people have about fleas and ticks.

06/27/2024

Heatstroke is no joke, and now that the summer heat is here, you can bet that our pets are feeling the heat in a big way!

Check it Out Now: https://vca.mobi/UrgentCareHeatstroke

06/25/2024

What are some common questions you have about pet allergies or skin issues?

We're answering everything you need to know about pets and their allergen & dermatological needs.

06/24/2024

We love all pets no matter what they look like, but Wild Thang is making our heart sing! 💙

Wild Thang, an 8-year-old Pekingese, and his owner Ann Lewis stop by TODAY to celebrate his newly crowned title of World’s Ugliest Dog after competing in the contest five times. NBC’s Gadi Schwartz, who was a judge in the competition, shares highlights for TODAY.

06/20/2024

🎂What pet matches your birth month?🎂

Let us know if we got it right in the comments 👇!

06/18/2024

It's but we get to bring pets to work every day!

06/17/2024

Every trail has its tales, but don’t let parasites be one of them! Get all the year-round protection you need when you book your free first exam at VCA.

*Terms and Conditions Apply. New Clients Only

06/16/2024

Happy Father's Day to all fathers out there. You've helped us learn that anything is 😸💙

06/14/2024

Not sure what to get to care for your pet's skin? We've included some of our essential picks for your pet.

List of products mentioned in the video:
🐾 Douxo S3 PYO Pads
🐾 Douxo Calm Shampoo
🐾 DermAllay Conditioner Spray
🐾 Dermaquin Soft Chews for Dogs
🐾 Royal Canin Skintopic Dog Food

Click Here for More Items: shopmyvca.com

06/13/2024

Tomorrow is and the demand for pet blood donations has increased significantly.

A single blood donation can potentially save the lives of up to three other pets.

Swipe to see how you can help.

06/11/2024

Heatwaves are affecting not only us but our pets as well. We've prepared a few tips to help your pet beat the heat and stay safe on even the hottest of days.

06/06/2024

Meet Dr. Nikki Gaudette
Veterinarian Specialist - Cardiology

Dr. Nikki Gaudette grew up in Southern California and has worked in the veterinary field since high school. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Cal State University of Long Beach in 2007 and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from St. George's University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. After obtaining her veterinary degree, she completed a rotating internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery and a Cardiology Specialty internship at Atlantic Coast Veterinary Specialists in Bohemia, NY. She then stayed on at Atlantic Coast Veterinary Specialists to complete a three-year residency in medical and interventional veterinary cardiology. She continued to work in the Northeast for an additional three years at Newtown Veterinary Specialists before deciding to relocate back to California.

06/03/2024

For the month of May we posted topics on Surgery, and we hope you enjoyed it! Please contact us if you have any questions, comments or concerns about your pet.

This month we will be posting information on CARDIOLOGY. Please like, comment or share with family, friends and our local community. Your pets’ health and comfort are our top priorities, and we are here to provide them with the best care possible 24 hours a day. We hope you start the week well. Happy Monday!

05/30/2024

Will My Pet Be in Pain?
Surgery is a major medical procedure and is often associated with pain in both animals and humans. You can be assured that your veterinary team' "your pet's general practitioner veterinarian, veterinary surgeon, and any other veterinary specialists involved in your pet's care' "will prescribe pain management options to help keep your pet as comfortable as possible before, during, and after surgery. If you are concerned about pain management for your pet, simply ask your veterinarian.

05/27/2024

Meet Theo, a 20-week-old mixed breed dog presented to VCA Surgery following a diagnosis of acute left radius/ulna fracture after falling off from a retaining wall. Theo underwent surgery with us for open reduction and stabilization of his radius fracture. Theo has been recovering well and at his 4-week recheck radiographs, he had clinical union of his radius fracture with stable implants; he is now advised to gradually return to normal activity over 2–3-week period. Mom and he can't wait to be rumbunctious again!!

05/27/2024

Today is a day to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and to also support the family members of those we have lost. Now and forever, we remember. Never forget, forever honor.

05/21/2024

What are Common Referral Veterinary Surgeries?

Tumor removal
Limb amputation
Cruciate ligament repair (TPLO's and other traditional methods)
Hip replacement
Surgical repair of elbow dysplasia
Spinal problems/herniated discs
Gastric dilatation/volvulus
Wound management and skin reconstruction
Congenital defects
Urinary obstructions
Cancer Surgeries

Cancer does appear to be becoming more common in both dogs and cats, most likely because they are simply living longer. However, early detection and specialized care are leading to increased survival and cure rates in almost all the types of cancers that afflict pets.

Surgery is one of the most common treatment options for pets with cancer, and can lead to enhanced survival times and better quality of life for many affected pets. Your veterinary surgeon will work closely with your general practitioner or veterinary oncologist to ensure your pet is getting the very best care.

05/20/2024

Will My Regular Veterinarian Still Be Involved?

In many if not most surgical cases, veterinarians will still supervise your pet's care, especially if your pet is continuing to cope with a disease or chronic condition. It depends on your pet's particular disease and health problem, however. Typically, though, your primary practitioner veterinarian will oversee many aspects of your pet's pre-op and post-op care, just as in human medicine. Recovery periods are often prolonged in many surgical cases, particularly in orthopedic surgery, and it is very important to follow your veterinary team's recommendations concerning at-home recovery guidelines for your pet, follow up care and appointments, as well as any rehabilitation that has been prescribed.

05/16/2024

What Kinds of Problems Require the Expertise of a Veterinary Surgeon?

Board certified veterinary surgeons can repair complex fractures, perform total hip replacements, and use advanced techniques to repair torn ligaments (ruptured cruciate ligaments) within the knee. They can also remove cancerous growths, manage extensive or non-healing wounds, and perform reconstructive surgery, such as grafting skin over large injuries. Veterinary surgeons can perform intricate surgeries in the chest or abdomen, such as kidney transplants in cats or repairing heart defects in dogs. Spinal injuries and herniated discs are problems that are also commonly referred to board certified surgeons. Veterinary surgery is also expanding into minimally invasive surgery, such as arthroscopy, thorascopy, and laparoscopy.

05/15/2024

Meet Otis, a 9-month-old Goldendoodle who was presented to OCVS Emergency Service after being hit by a car 2 months ago. On presentation he was stable but was diagnosed with multiple pelvic floor fractures and a left femur fracture. He was hospitalized and transferred to the surgery department the next day. He underwent surgery to stabilize his comminuted left femur fracture. He recovered well from surgery and went home once his post-op swelling improved.

8 weeks later, Otis is doing well and has been cleared for normal activity! The VCA OCVS team is thrilled for your safe and speedy recovery!

05/10/2024

Why Does My Pet Need A Veterinary Surgeon?

Just as your own primary care physician may feel the need to refer you to the care of a specialist from time to time, your general practitioner veterinarian may feel your pet needs the additional expertise of a board certified surgeon for certain surgeries.

Board certified veterinary surgeons also are often affiliated with referral hospitals where they may have access to specialized diagnostic or surgical equipment, the latest and safest anesthesia monitoring equipment, physical therapy or rehabilitation capabilities, and other critical care services that a general practitioner may not have access to. All of these specialized services may be necessary for the optimal care and recovery of your pet.

You can be assured that a veterinarian who knows when to refer you and your pet to a veterinary surgeon is one that is caring and committed to ensuring that your pet receives the highest standard of care for his or her problem.