Quality Services

For incredible pets.

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Allergy Testing

Allergy testing is commonly performed on chronically allergic pets with itchy skin and/or recurrent skin or ear infections after other problems have been ruled out such as bacterial infection, skin parasites parasites and food allergy. Pets with allergic sensitivities suffer needlessly with excessive itching or chronic infections and may be given improper treatment if their allergy is not recognized and diagnosed correctly. Our hospital routinely tests dogs and cats for sensitivity to a wide array of allergens ranging from insects and grasses to trees and molds.

At Banderas Pet Hospital & Boarding we are familiar with the antigens that most commonly cause allergies in pets here in the Orange County area.

How is testing for allergies done?

  • Testing requires simply taking a blood sample
  • Blood tests require 2 weeks for results.
After results are received, the doctor then plans a course of injections to help desensitize your pet to the conditions causing their itching and infection.

Behavioral Training

Behavioral problems in pets can hinder the development of a fulfilling relationship between pets and their owners. Our well-qualified and knowledgeable Doctor and staff are experienced in identifying and addressing the causes of a variety of behavioral problems.

Though our approach is rooted in the principles of behavioral medicine, we recognize the effectiveness of proper pet-owner interactions and pet training as a means of curbing undesirable and unsafe behaviors.

These techniques can be used to treat a variety of behavioral problems in dogs and cats, including:
  • House training issues
  • Aggression toward people and other animals
  • Noise phobias
  • Inappropriate urination/defecation
  • Inappropriate excitability

Cancer Treatment & Veterinary Oncology

Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. There are many different types of cancer that are found in animals. Symptoms are often similar to those in people (e.g. lumps or bumps, abnormal swelling, unexplained weight loss, listlessness, reluctance to exercise etc..)

Cancer is particularly common in animals that are 8 years or older. Early cancer diagnoses and proper treatment can improve your pet’s quality of life and help him or her to live longer with fewer complications. Detecting problems early give your pet the best chance at successful treatment and recovery.

There are many oncology options such as surgery, laser surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. In some cases we may recommend that you consult with an oncologist and assist you with a referral. We never forget that this is a challenging time for both you and your pet. We will do all we can to promote your pet’s quality of life and support you in making these difficult decisions.

If you notice any of these signs in your pet, call 949-766-4449 and ask to make an appointment with Dr. Cooper.

Dermatology

Skin disorders can be painful for your pet and diagnosing the cause can be difficult for your veterinarian. Dr. Cooper has a strong interest in veterinary dermatology and a commitment to the pet and the owner to resolve commitment to the pet and the owner to resolve the condition.

Skin disorders can be caused by parasitic infestation, allergic reaction, or non-infectious disease and must begin by ruling out one possibility at a time.

Dr. Cooper believes in trying the simple solutions 1st before ordering the more expensive diagnostic tests and treatments. The frustrating part of dermatology disease is that in some cases the condition can only be managed and not cured.

There are many dermatological conditions we see in pets. Among these are:
  • Flea allergyOtitis (ear infection)
  • Staph infection
  • Parasites
  • Ring Worm
  • Food Allergy
The first step is to obtain an extensive history along with a physical and dermatological exam of your pet.

If your pet is experiencing skin problems call 949-766-4449 and ask for an appointment with Dr. Cooper for a dermatology exam.

Dental Care

Bad breath in pets is often joked about, but it is not a laughing matter. Dental disease affects up to 80% of pets over the age of three, and just like humans, there can be serious consequences of poor dental health.

Dental disease can have major effects on your pet’s organs, including the heart, liver and kidneys. The most obvious signs to look for are:
  • Bad Breath
  • Brown or discolored teeth
  • Loose teeth
  • Pain when eating – loss of appetite
  • Lethargy or loss of normally playful nature
  • Failing to groom (cats)


Diagnostics

You want your veterinary hospital to have state-of-the-art equipment. At Banderas Pet Hospital, we believe in providing solid, well trained veterinary staff along the latest in medical technology that enables us to bring you a rapid and accurate diagnoses.

When your pet is ill, he or she may require more than a thorough physical exam. State-of-the-art diagnostic tools and procedures may be needed to treat your pet. Some of our diagnostic equipment and procedures includes:
  • Blood Pressure
  • Cytology
  • Digital Radiology (X-ray)
  • Digital Dental Radiology • EKG
  • Fiberoptic Otoscopy
  • Glaucoma Testing
  • Indirect & Direct Opthalmoscopy • In-House Laboratory
  • Reference Laboratory Services
  • Ultrasound
  • Full In-house laboratory (in addition to Reference Laboratory Services)
  • Cage-side pancreatitis screening
When your pet is ill and you need answers or your pet is healthy and you’d like a base line for future use, call 949-766-4449 and ask to make an appointment.

Eye Care – Ophthalmology

Animals and humans suffer from many of the same eye problems. Veterinary ophthalmology is the diagnosis and treatment of conditions involving the eyes and eyelids. At Banderas Pet Hospital, we routinely treat conditions such as Glaucoma, Dry Eye (KCS), Corneal Diseases, Infections, Injuries and Eyelid Diseases.

Our hospital is equipped with specialized instruments for evaluating, diagnosing and treating eye problems including:
  • CO2 Laser Surgery for eyelid reconstruction & extraocular surgery
  • Cryosurgery & Radio Surgery
  • Instruments for measuring intraocular pressure
  • Special stains to diagnose corneal scratches or defects
  • Schirmer Tear Test Strips to diagnose tear production disease – KCS or “Dry Eye”
  • Direct Opthalmoscope for general exams
  • Indirect Opthalmoscope for special Retinal Exams
Although we do not have an ophthalmologist on staff, Dr. Cooper is trained to evaluate the eyes of dogs and cats and can diagnose and treat many diseases and injuries. Should a patient come in with a condition that we believe is advanced, we will provide you with a referral to a specialist.

After the critical phase of ocular disease is past, we are equipped to follow up with long-term care of ocular problems. In addition, we carry a wide variety of ocular medications that either we or your pet’s ophthalmologist may prescribe. The goal of Banderas Pet Hospital is to make sure your “Pet Kid” receives quality, compassionate state-of-the-art ocular care.

If you notice your pet rubbing at his or her eyes, a swelling of the eye, redness or tearing of the eye, please call Banderas Pet Hospital 949-766-4449 and ask for an appointment. We can usually schedule this type of appointment the same day as it is considered an urgent problem.

Endocrinology

Endocrinology is the branch of medicine dealing with hormonal imbalances in your Pet Kid’s body. Hormonal diseases can occur as a result of an excess of certain hormones, such s hyperthyroidism in cats and adrenal disease a in dogs, or as a result of a lack of hormones, such as diabetes.

Hormonal diseases can cause a multitude of clinical signs, depending on what organ is affected and whether the problem is an excess or a lack of a particular hormone.

The endocrine system of a dog or cat consists of several glands and organs that produce hormones. A hormone is a substance or chemical that when released, passes through the bloodstream and affects other organs within the body. Hormones are essential for growth and development, digestive processes and utilizing nutrients. If there are imbalances in the endocrine gland and their hormones do not function effectively, the overall health of your dog or cat would be severely affected.

Some common diseases of the endocrine system include:
  • Addison’s disease (Hypoadrenocorticism)
  • Cushing’s disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Diabetes Mellitus
Certain diagnostic tests such as blood tests to measure the various hormones in the blood, stimulating tests, serum biochemistry tests, complete blood count (CBC) and urinalysis may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Hormonal diseases can cause a multitude of clinical signs, depending on what organ is affected and whether the problem is an excess or a lack of a particular hormone. Some of the symptoms of hormonal imbalance are:
  • Skin problems, such as hair loss or recurrent infections
  • Increased drinking and urinating
  • Weight loss or weight gain
  • Weakness and lethargy
  • Excessive panting

End of Life Care

This is one of the most painful decisions any pet owner will ever have to make. We know this because we are pet owners too. .

The Decision

This decision may have been a long time coming or it may have come upon you in an instant. It may be an accident or a newly detected terminal illness or maybe it’s just time to peacefully end the suffering of a long loved friend.

Our team at Banderas Pet Hospital & Boarding understands the difficult decision you must make and we will be beside you to help you through it.

This is a very difficult and personal decision that you must make after weighing all the information you have been given and the circumstances of your family life. No one should make this decision for you.

Euthanasia at home

If you choose to have your pet’s days ended at your home, our doctor and technician will come to your home and perform the euthanasia surrounded by your family members.

Your pet will then be covered with a blanket and respectfully taken back to our hospital for cremation.

Euthanasia at the hospital

You can choose to bring your pet to our hospital where you can then decide if you wish to be with your pet to comfort him or her until the end.

If this is your decision, we will quietly and with great respect, take your pet to the treatment room to place a catheter in a vein in his or her leg.

We will then bring your pet back to the exam room where you are waiting and place him or her in your arms or on the table with a soft blanket for comfort and your last goodbyes. When you are ready, a painless injection into the catheter will peacefully end his or her life on Earth. We will leave you alone for final minutes together. If there are other clients and patients in the lobby, if you desire, we will offer to escort you through an alternative exit for complete privacy.

You can also decide that your reaction and grief may cause undo stress to either your pet or you and you may prefer to stay away. You can be assured that your pet will be handled in a gentle, respectful manner according to your wishes.

When it’s over

We can help with the arrangements of a private cremation of your pet’s remains with ashes returned to you or a communal cremation where your pet will be cremated with other pets.

We have had to make these tough decisions many times and still we adopt another pet because we know the many years of joy our pets bring us far outweigh the days of extreme sadness.

Flea, Tick, Heartworm, and other Parasites

Parasites are not just a nuisance. Parasites are a danger to your pet as well as to your family. 34% of dogs in the US are infected with intestinal parasites which is why, at Banderas Pet Hospital & Boarding, we know it is important for your pet to be on parasite protection year-round. Parasites can cause severe illness and even death. At BPH, we will provide you with the most effective and cost efficient prevention and treatment for your pet.

The use of year-round heartworm and broad-spectrum parasite medications, as well as appropriate flea and/or tick products, is the foundation of an effective parasite control program for your pet.

Call us today at (949) 766-4449 to make an appointment to have your pet tested for parasites. This should be done at least semiannually.

We will help you protect your pet and your family from these potentially harmful parasites all year long.

Internal Medicine

Internal medicine is the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis, management, and non-surgical treatment of unusual or serious diseases.At Banderas Pet Hospital, our ability to effectively diagnose and treat your pet results from talented staff working with the best possible medical technology.

The experience and ability of Dr. Cooper, along with his commitment and rigorous training allows him to keep pace with the latest medical advances. Each pet’s problem is evaluated individually and thoroughly. We formulate a plan with your input that will enable us to reach a diagnosis and then develop an appropriate treatment plan for your pet.

Dr. Cooper is trained to diagnose and treat internal medicine cases involving disorders that affect the following systems:

  • Endocrine
  • Gastrointestinal
  • Hematologic (spleen and blood)
  • Liver
  • Respiratory
  • Urinary
  • Cardiovascular
Some of the tools our staff uses to diagnose & manage these disorders include:
  • Laboratory Testing
  • Digital X-rays
  • ECG
  • Blood Pressure Monitoring
  • Ultrasound
  • IV fluid therapy
  • Feeding tube placement

Intensive Care (ICU)

The staff at Banderas Pet Hospital & Boarding attend frequent continuing education meetings to ensure that we always offer the most effective diagnostics and treatments available.
  • Blood Transfusions
  • Feeding tube placement
  • Intravenous therapy
  • Oxygen Therapy
  • Pain Management
Our doctor and staff will work closely with you as a team to make the best decisions concerning your pet’s treatment and care. In emergencies, our goal is to assist pet owners in making the best decisions for their pets. All diagnostic and treatment options are clearly and concisely discussed with each client.

Diagnostic information is quickly available with our:
  • Blood Pressure
  • Digital radiology equipment
  • ECG – Electrocardiography
  • Fiberoptic Otoscope • In-House Laboratory
  • Off-site Reference Laboratory
  • Pulse oximetry (blood oxygen saturation)
Once the doctor has examined your pet, you will be informed about your pet's treatment options, and plans. Prior to any treatment, an estimate of potential fees is provided. Please share your questions and concerns regarding costs with your doctor or technician before treatment starts. It’s important that our medical team clearly understands your wishes before any course of treatment is undertaken.

Our fully equipped modern surgery allows us to deal with virtually any surgical situation. We have on-call board certified specialists to supplement patient care.

Your decisions concerning your pet’s care will be completely respected. Our ICU is also equipped with neonatal incubators.

Laboratory

Our Nationally Certified Laboratories and in-house Laboratory allows us to perform many types of testing that can aid in the diagnosis and treatment of your pet.

We are able to rapidly perform Ear & Skin Cytology as they are needed for your pet’s care.

In addition to our in-house Laboratory testing, we utilize outside laboratories for performing most of our laboratory tests. These outside laboratories are Precision Veterinary Diagnostics, Idexx Laboratory and Antech Diagnostics Laboratory. All the laboratories can provide us with rapid results for a wide variety of diseases by performing the following tests:
  • Bacterial cultures
  • Blood Chemistries
  • Complete blood counts
  • Cytology Fecal examinations (testing for the presence of hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and roundworms and Giardia)
  • Fungal cultures
  • Heartworm testing
  • Histopathology
  • Pancreatitis testing
  • Thyroid testing
  • Urine tests
  • Vaccine titers
  • Virus Testing (Parvovirus, Feline Leukemia Virus, and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)
Wellness testing can help catch many conditions early before they become serious illnesses. Be sure to ask your veterinarian about which tests your pet may need during your pet’s next wellness exam.

Laser Therapy

Banderas Pet Hospital & Boarding is proud to introduce K-Laser Class IV laser therapy for your pets. Its beneficial uses include alleviating chronic pain, accelerating healing and rehabilitation plus much, much more!

No matter what kind of pet you have, large or small, dog or cat, Class IV laser can be part of or the total solution to help ease your pet's pain. Safe and effective, this powerful modality provides increased mobility, increased wound healing, and post-surgical rehabilitation.

Class IV laser therapy

has been very successful in the field of human medicine for many years. We are pleased and excited to be able to offer it for the treatment of our best friends!

What is laser therapy?

Photobiomodulation is the scientific term for Class IV Laser's effect on tissue. Deep penetrating photons from the laser influence cell chemistry in a variety of beneficial ways. In addition, the infrared wavelengths create a warm sensation in your pet's body at the precise location requiring treatment. Treatment time, power and laser pulse frequency are based on your pet's individual condition and body size. After surgery, patients receiving laser therapy have less pain. Their recovery is faster, with fewer complications

Where is it beneficial?

Pain Management: Pet owners often prefer a progressive, noninvasive therapy instead of a drug regimen for the treatment of chronic pain. Laser therapy provides that solution.
Wound Healing: Laser therapy can significantly reduce healing time. Traumatic skin injuries and surgical incisions benefit greatly from laser intervention.
Infections: Because the laser kills bacteria as well as reducing inflammation, it can be used to reduce healing time
Rehabilitation: Musculoskeletal injuries and orthopedic surgeries often require additional rehabilitation solutions.

What to expect.

A majority of patients exhibit greater comfort and mobility within 12 to 24 hours after a laser treatment

Although improvement is often seen after the first visit, most patients require multiple treatments for greatest benefit. For most conditions, we recommend a multi-visit treatment plan. Treatments vary in length, but most sites require only 2 to 8 minutes.

Class IV laser therapy treatments are cumulative in nature. The length and frequency of treatments varies with your pet's condition. Chronic conditions may require ongoing treatments

We will recommend a treatment plan specific to your pet's condition. The treated area usually feels better 12 to 24 hours after a Laser treatment.

There is no patient sedation or excessive restraint required and the experience is usually pleasant and comforting to the animal. As with any therapy, the patient should be kept quiet until all treatments are complete. The length of laser therapy treatments and frequency of treatments improve outcomes.