Our Comprehensive Approach
We take a holistic approach to your pet’s health, treating them based on five pillars of wellness to consistently improve your companion’s total quality of life. Discover how our comprehensive care sets us apart.
COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH
Dr. Annie Harvilicz, DVM CVA is the owner and Chief Medical Officer of Laguna Vista Veterinary Center. She is an animal lover who considers the happiness, health, and safety of animals in every decision she makes for her centers and her foundation. Dr. Annie believes in a holistic approach to medicine, which means that she doesn’t avoid modern medicine but rather sees it as one of the facets of her treatment. Her goal is to ensure that the entire animal — mind, body, soul — works together to give the animal the best possible life. To achieve this, she has developed a comprehensive approach to animal wellness and healthcare that includes five pillars: Nutrition, Behavior, Traditional Medicine, Modern Medicine, and Prevention. Below are some examples of how these pillars are integrated into our clinic.
NUTRITION
Nutritional science investigates how diet affects animal companions’ metabolic and physiological responses. Our veterinarians focus on food therapy and how nutrition complements other elements of the center’s holistic approach to animal wellness. We offer various nutrition-related services, such as Nutrition/Diet Analysis, Weight Management, and Nutraceuticals/Supplements.
BEHAVIOR
Our focus on behavior is designed to enhance human-animal interactions by promoting scientifically-based training, management, and behavior modification techniques. By recognizing the importance of addressing the behavioral needs of animals and their owners, we aim to enhance the lives of animals and people globally. We offer various services related to behavior. They include Behavior Assessment, New Puppy/New Kitten Training, Training Tools and Aids, and Medical Management.
TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) is the ancient veterinary treatment of animals developed for over 3,500 years and is practiced worldwide. The fundamental truth for health in TCVM is balance—balance within yourself, with others, with your diet, and with nature. TCVM practices include five major fundamental branches: food therapy, acupuncture, herbal therapy, Tui-Na (“twee-na”) and Qi-Gong (“chi-gong”). Our services related to TCVM include acupuncture in treating arthritis, neurological disease, cancer, constipation, allergies, skin problems, infectious diseases, and endocrine disorders.
PREVENTION
Preventive care refers to preventing diseases (or injuries) rather than curing them or treating their symptoms. Example: Melanoma is a significant risk for companion animals, especially in California. Using inexpensive sunblock from Animal Wellness Centers can help prevent melanomas, saving thousands of dollars in cancer treatment and, most notably, your companion’s life. We offer various services related to prevention. They include Wellness exams, Vaccinations, Heartworm Prevention, Flea and Tick Control etc.
MODERN MEDICINE
Modern veterinary medicine is the science branch that applies medical, surgical, dental, diagnostic, and therapeutic principles to pet, domestic, wildlife, and livestock animals. Today’s veterinarians are vets who are highly educated to protect the health of animals. We offer various services related to Modern Medicine. They include providing Health/Travel Certificates, Blood Tests and Fecal Exams, Blood Pressure Monitoring, and a Full Service Pharmacy and Prescription Medicines.