VCA Orange County Veterinary Specialists

08/04/2025

Do you know the signs of Lyme disease in pets? Learn how to prevent, spot, and treat it early.

08/01/2025

Get smart about your daily strolls with these top walking tips with your pets.

07/30/2025

Is your dog munching on grass? Don’t worry—it’s often perfectly normal. 🌿 Still unsure? Your VCA care team is just a call away!

07/30/2025

What Is A Board Certified Surgical Specialist?

A board certified veterinary surgical specialist is a licensed veterinarian who has obtained intensive, additional surgical training. A veterinary surgeon can offer special assistance for your pet in the following kinds of cases:

Traumatic injury and emergencies (such as fractures, skin wounds and lacerations, correction of gastric dilatation-volvulus, and exploratory (abdominal/thoracic) surgery
Orthopedic surgeries, cruciate ligament surgeries (TPLOs), and arthroscopy for joint exploration.
Minimally invasive surgery including laparoscopy and thoracoscopy.
Soft tissue surgeries (such as tumor/cancer removal and correction of congenital defects).

07/28/2025

If your pet looks like they’re biting at invisible flies, it could be more than quirky behavior. Learn what fly biting might mean and what to look out for.

07/27/2025

Please meet Dr. Andrea McDooling
Medical Director
BVSc, MS, DACVIM (SAIM)

Dr. McDooling is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and has extensive clinical interests in all aspects of small animal internal medicine. She completed an internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery from Louisiana State University and then pursued a residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the University of Minnesota. While at the University of Minnesota, her Masters research included the evaluation of tests for early diagnosis of cancer of the urinary tract in dogs. She won several awards for her research from the University of Minnesota and the award for Outstanding Resident Research from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Dr. McDooling has also authored several journal articles and textbook chapters.

Her special interests include gastroenterology, immune-mediated diseases, endocrinology, and cystoscopy for lower urinary tract evaluation. Dr. McDooling is experienced in all endoscopic procedures such as gastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy, tracheobronchoscopy, rhinoscopy, cystoscopy, and vaginoscopy. She is also skilled in abdominal ultrasound, biopsy techniques, bone marrow evaluation and placing tracheal and urethral stents. In her free time she enjoys traveling, cooking and spending time with family and friends.

07/25/2025

Ever wonder how microchips work? 🐾 Watch to learn why this tiny device can make a huge difference in keeping your pet safe and sound.

07/23/2025

Why do dogs wag their tails? Watch to discover some common reasons your pup might be feeling excited—or trying to tell you something!

07/23/2025

Please meet Dr. Nicole Fein
Veterinarian Specialist - Internal Medicine
DVM, DACVIM

Dr. Nicole Fein graduated from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance. Prior to pursuing her career as a veterinarian, Dr. Fein worked as a professional model and dancer, appearing in national ad campaigns and productions, and even touring with the Radio City Rockettes. She then went on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from University of Minnesota.

Following graduation from veterinary school, Dr. Fein completed an internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at VCA Animal Specialty and Emergency Center in LA. Her training continued in San Diego at Veterinary Specialty Hospital where she completed a three-year residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine. During her residency, Dr. Fein received extensive training in abdominal ultrasound and all endoscopic procedures including gastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy, rhinoscopy, and bronchoscopy. Within the field of Internal Medicine, Dr. Fein has a particular interest in immune mediated disease and endocrine disorders. Dr. Fein is a self-proclaimed French bulldog fanatic and in her free time enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and two fur children, a French bulldog named Stella and a Siberian husky named Stoli.

07/21/2025

What Is A Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist?

A board certified veterinary internal medicine specialist is a licensed veterinarian who has obtained intensive, additional training in understanding how your pet's internal body systems function and in diagnosing and treating the many serious diseases that can affect the health of those systems. An internal medicine specialist has advanced training in the following disciplines:

Endocrinology
Cardiology
Gastroenterology
Hematology (study of the blood)
Immunology
Infectious Diseases
Nephrology/Urology
Neurology
Respiratory Diseases
Oncology

07/19/2025

Please meet Dr. Lauren Munchel
Emergency Veterinarian
DVM

Dr. Lauren Munchel grew up in Southern California. She graduated in 2009 from the University of California, Irvine with a Bachelor of Biological Science and a minor in Anthropology. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2017. After obtaining her degree Dr. Munchel completed a one-year rotating internship at Hickory Veterinary Hospital in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania. Although Dr. Munchel enjoys traveling, she was very glad to be able to move back home to Southern California.

Dr. Munchel enjoys time at home with her two island cats, Pixel and Quorra, as well as her crested gecko. When not at work, Dr. Munchel enjoys baking, reading and tabletop games with friends.

07/18/2025

Five signs your pet might have allergies—here’s what to watch for. Noticed something unusual? Don’t hesitate to call your local VCA Animal Hospital for expert care.

07/16/2025

From brushing to bathing, these grooming tips will help keep your pet cool and comfortable this summer.

07/15/2025

Did you know your pet can get sunburned too? Just like humans, pets need protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Keep them safe by providing shade, plenty of fresh water, and pet-safe sunscreen for sensitive areas like noses and ears. Hear expert tips on keeping pets cool, comfortable, and sunburn-free!

07/15/2025

At VCA Orange County Veterinary Specialists, we provide 24-hour emergency and critical care for your pet, as well as specialty veterinary services in internal medicine, cardiology, surgery and diagnostic imaging. 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 have a PAWsome day!

07/14/2025

Ticks are more common during the summer months—especially on dogs. Watch to learn where to check your dogs for ticks to keep them safe and comfortable all season long.

07/11/2025

Finish out the rest of the summer prepared. From now through July 15, enjoy 50% off an Emergency Care exam* at select VCA Animal Hospitals. Keep peace of mind by claiming your coupon today: https://bit.ly/4mWwpWS

07/10/2025

Celebrating these little ones with big personalities today - Happy National Kitten Day!

07/10/2025

07/07/2025

🎓 Free CE Opportunity for DVMs & RVTs! 🐾
Join us at VCA OCVS on Wednesday, July 16 for an hour of RACE-approved CE on interpreting blood gas results in your patients.

🩺 Topic: Interpreting Blood Gas Results: A Practical Guide for the Veterinary Clinician
👩‍⚕️ Speaker: Leyla Fatourechi, DVM, DACVECC
🍽 Dinner at 6:15 PM | 📚 Lecture at 6:30 PM
📍 VCA Orange County Veterinary Specialists, Tustin, CA
📧 RSVP to [email protected]

Don't miss this informative session with practical, case-based learning!

07/06/2025

Please meet Dr. Kayla Mochizuki
Emergency Veterinarian
DVM

Dr. Kayla Mochizuki grew up in Southern California. She graduated in 2015 from Missouri Valley College with a Bachelor of Biological Science and a minor in Chemistry. She received her Master of Public Health in 2020 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from St. George's University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2022. After obtaining her degree, Dr. Mochizuki completed a one-year rotating internship at California Veterinary Specialists in Carlsbad, California.

In her free time, she enjoys looking after her collection of plants and animals. She also enjoys spending time outdoors when the weather is nice; hiking, camping, paddleboarding and snowboarding are some of her favorite activities.

07/05/2025

🎆 We’re here for your pets this 4th of July! 🎆
Our Emergency & Critical Care team is open 24/7 — fully staffed and ready to help if your clients need us. No appointment needed, walk-ins welcome! 🐾🇺🇸

07/04/2025

On this day of remembrance, we honor the resilience and courage shown on 9/11. We stand together in gratitude for the heroes—both human and animal—who served selflessly. Today, we reflect on the strength of our nation and the power of compassion.