High-tech medical treatments for pets

Dr. Nicole Buote holds paw in hand with a patient at the VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital.

(Christina House / For the Los Angeles Times)

June 18, 2015 2:13 PM PT

Veterinary assistants Cory Wakamatsu, left, and Talon McKee prep Coach, a 1-year-old Bernese mountain dog, for surgery with Brynn Schmidt, lead anesthesia technician, right, at the VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital.

(Christina House / For the Los Angeles Times)

Lead anesthesia technician Brynn Schmidt and veterinary assistant Cory Wakamatsu prep Coach.

(Christina House / For the Los Angeles Times)

Coach receives anesthesia before surgery.

(Christina House / For the Los Angeles Times)

Coach is moved onto an operating table for surgery.

(Christina House / For The Times)

Dr. Nicole Buote, chief of surgery, performs laparoscopic ovariectomy, gastropexy and a stem cell harvest on Coach.

(Christina House / For the Los Angeles Times)

Dr. Nicole Buote removes falciform fat from Coach,.

(Christina House / For the Los Angeles Times)

Dr. Nicole Buote saves fat tissue removed from Coach for later harvesting of stem cells.

(Christina House / For the Los Angeles Times)

Veterinary assistant Talon McKee wheels Coach out of the operating room after the dog had laparoscopic surgery and a stem cell harvest procedure.

(Christina House / For the Los Angeles Times)

Lifestyle Animals & Pets