Preventive Care

• Dental Care
  An ultrasonic scaler is used to remove plaque and tartar and careful attention is paid to each tooth both above and below the gum line. Each individual tooth is also examined closely for gum recession, loosening, discoloration, enamel wear, and fractures. The teeth are then polished and given a fluoride treatment to protect the enamel surface. If x-rays and/or extractions are needed, the doctor will contact you and discuss recommendations and costs of more extensive dental work.
• Vaccination
  Vaccines are necessary to prevent many serious, often fatal diseases. However, they are not without potential side effects. At Animal Hospital of Irvine we follow American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) vaccination guidelines, and we customize our vaccine recommendations to each individual pet based on his/her health status, lifestyle, environment, and other risk factors.
• Nutritional Counseling
  Your pet’s stool should be submitted for a fecal exam at least once annually. Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms are all common parasites that can cause weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting. Roundworms and hookworms are also transmissible to humans, especially children. If parasites are present, we deworm with the appropriate medication. Animal Hospital of Irvine also offers parasite prevention products specific to your pet’s needs.
• Comprehensive Examination
  Every dog and cat should undergo a thorough physical exam at least once a year. During an exam the doctor evaluates your pet’s weight; inspects the eyes, ears, and oral cavity; listens to the heart and lungs; palpates the abdominal organs; assesses the coat and skin; and checks for tumors and enlarged lymph nodes. If any abnormalities are noted, the doctor will explain the possible causes and offer recommendations for testing and treating the problem. The exam also provides an opportunity to discuss any changes in your dog’s habits and behavior.

Illness Treatment

• Parasites Treatment and Control
• Pain Management
  Joanne Hwang completed her undergraduate degree at the University of California, Irvine, and received her Degree of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University. Her professional interests include dermatology, dentistry, and pain management. She is driven to treat her patients with the same kindness and compassion that she expects for her own family members, both two-legged and four-legged, and in her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and being active outdoors.
• Vomiting Treatment
• Diarrhea Treatment
• Skin Condition and Allergy Treatment
  Fleas can cause serious skin problems and allergies. Ticks can transmit many debilitating diseases. Heartworms, which are spread by infected mosquitoes, can cause severe, even fatal, damage to the heart and lungs. All of these parasites are prevalent in Southern California and can easily be prevented with the proper topical and/or oral products. Animal Hospital of Irvine can recommend the safest, most effective preventive protocol based on your pet’s lifestyle and environment.

Chronic Condition Treatment

• Diabetes Treatment
• Thyroid Disease Treatment
  Although life expectancy varies with size, cats and dogs are considered senior at the age of 7. Just like people, older pets are much more likely to develop conditions such as cancer, heart/kidney/liver disease, arthritis, diabetes, hypo- or hyperthyroidism, and cognitive dysfunction. Common signs of a problem include...
• Heart Disease Treatment
  We employ extensive monitoring to make sure your pet’s vital signs are stable during surgery. We place intravenous catheters and administer intravenous fluids to every pet and we utilize advanced technology such as EKG, pulse oximeters, blood pressure monitors, and respiratory capnographs to detect any subtle changes. A high-tech Bair huggerheating system safely and effectively keeps your pet warm during and after the procedure. Throughout the surgery, a specially trained veterinary technician is present to assist with the procedure and to closely monitor your pet.
• Periodontal Disease Treatment
  Does your pet have bad breath, reddened gums, and/or discolored teeth? These are all common signs of dental disease in animals. Because most pets do not undergo daily tooth brushing, soft plaque easily accumulates and hardens into tartar. The gums become inflamed, a condition called gingivitis, and periodontal disease can develop, leading to gum recession, looseness of teeth, and tooth root abscesses. If left untreated, infection can then spread to other parts of the body such as the kidneys and liver.

Emergency Care

• Wound and Fracture Care

Surgery

• Veterinary Surgery
  If you’re looking for a veterinary hospital that genuinely cares about your pets and their quality of life, then Animal Hospital of Irvine is the perfect place for you. We are a full-service animal hospital providing not only medical and surgical care, but also boarding and bathing services for dogs and cats. We are open 7 days a week for your convenience and to ensure continuity of care. Our veterinarians, Dr. Lai and Dr. Hwang, have over 20 years of combined experience in veterinary medicine. They pride themselves on being “problem solvers” and their ultimate goal is to have your pets live healthy, happy and long lives.
• Spaying and Neutering
• Veterinary Euthanasia

Lab and X-Rays

• Laboratory Services
  We perform a thorough physical examination of your pet and conduct blood tests prior to administering anesthesia. These screenings are important to to detect possible underlying disease that may affect the use of anesthesia. Based on your pet’s health status and test results, we formulate an unique anesthetic protocol for your pet.
• X-Ray
• Dental Radiology
• Microchipping
  A microchip is a tiny computer chip – about the size of a grain of rice – that is inserted under the skin between the shoulder blades of your dog or cat. It is a safe, effective form of identification that is very useful if your pet were to ever get lost. Each chip contains an unique number that is associated with both your pet’s information and your contact information. This number is stored in a national database. Shelters and veterinary hospitals use special scanners to detect and read microchips so you can be promptly reunited with a lost pet.

General Pet Care

• Boarding
  Ever heard the phrase, “Good things come in small packages”? Well, we take pride in being the “bed-and-breakfast” option for pet boarding. A "home away from home” experience that is warm, cozy, and personal!
• Animal Daycare

Specialty

• Small Animal Vet