We are committed to caring for your pet – while maintaining the highest level of safety for our Associates and pet owners. We thank you for your continued patience and support. Learn more about our COVID-19 response and guidelines.

There is an outbreak of Canine Influenza in dogs which is very contagious. If your dog is coughing, sneezing, lethargic or has a runny nose, consider seeking veterinary care. We do not offer the vaccine at this location. Please contact your regular veterinarian for more information.

Maria Huh

DVM

Associate Veterinarian

Emergency

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At a Glance

Specialties Include:

Emergency medicine

My Pets:

Henry - Terrier mix

Undergrad school: UCLA
Veterinary school: University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine

Why did you choose to become an emergency veterinarian? I like the variety. You can see the mundane to the off-the-wall diseases ailments – the acute to the chronic illnesses. There is no routine. You can see patients from all specialties and help direct clients to the best department(s). I am always learning something.

Why do you choose to practice at VCA West Coast? My coworkers and colleagues who have the highest regard for patient and client care. I learn from them. I am excited about the advanced medicine that VCA West Coast offers.

What do you enjoy doing outside of practicing medicine? I enjoy arts and crafts. I take art classes where I can draw, paint in different mediums. I want to travel and explore different cultures and experiences.

Emergency

Complete Emergency Care

At VCA West Coast Specialty and Emergency Animal Hospital, we're available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with a full staff of top veterinarians, technicians, and client care specialists to handle any situation requiring immediate medical attention. Whether your regular veterinarian's office is closed or you have been referred by your family veterinarian, we are prepared to care for your pet and handle all emergencies -- from the minor to most complex.

Our highly trained emergency and critical care teams have direct access to the Hospital's full complement of state-of-the-art equipment. In addition, they are aided by the support of the Hospital's entire interdisciplinary team of specialists, as well as the referring veterinarian - all working in concert to deliver the best, most expeditious treatment possible. Pet medical emergencies can be stressful and traumatic for owners as well as their pets. We provide prompt, attentive, personal service starting the very first moment a patient arrives, with a quick, clear line of communication to the primary care veterinarian and pet owner.

VCA West Coast Specialty and Emergency Animal Hospital's Emergency and Critical Care Specialists can help in the event of a medical crisis. When every second counts, we're here and ready to assist you and your pet. For immediate medical assistance or for information, please call our center at 714-963-0909.

Our Emergency and Critical Care units can assist in all of the following situations that can be considered an emergency:

Traumatic injuries - fractures, bites, burns, lacerations
Automobile accidents
Wounds, bleeding
Known or suspected ingestion of a foreign object or unknown substance
Respiratory emergencies, choking, difficulty breathing
Vomiting, diarrhea
Difficulty urinating or defecating
Shock, loss of consciousness
Dizziness, staggering, tremors, inability to move, sudden weakness, unusual or erratic behavior
Signs of extreme pain, such as whining or shaking indicating a problem
Seizures
Paralysis
Toxin reactions, poison ingestion
Labor that does not progress and delivery problems
Blood in urine or feces or vomiting blood
Swollen, hard, painful abdomen
Any injury to the eye
Heatstroke

What Is an Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarian?

A veterinarian whose sole focus is on emergency and critical care of pets has a background and experience in treating life-threatening conditions. While your general practitioner veterinarian can diagnose and treat many health problems and handle many routine emergencies, certain situations may require the care of a doctor who has had intensive training and experience in handling emergency and critical care of pets. An emergency and critical care veterinarian typically works in tandem with your general practitioner veterinarian on a referral basis, as well as with any other needed specialists, until the emergency is resolved.

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