Laser Surgery For Pets
Dogs, Cats, and Other Animals Can Now Benefit From Surgery by Laser
What Is a Laser?
LASER is the acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission Radiation. There are many different kinds of lasers, but the CO2 laser is one of the most widely used medical lasers in the world, and the one found in most veterinary clinics.
The CO2 laser produces an invisible beam of light that can be used to cut or vaporize skin and soft tissues. The veterinarian generally uses the laser for the cutting portion of the surgery, rather then a scalpel blade; but the laser can also be used to ablate small warts or tumors.
What Are The Advantages?
- Less Pain – The laser seals nerve ending as it cuts so there is less post-operative pain.
- Less Bleeding – The laser seals small blood vessels as it cuts so there is less bleeding during the surgery. This allows the surgeon to have a better view of the surgery site. Many times this will speed up the surgery; which means your pet is not under anesthesia as long.
- Less Swelling – The laser does not crush, tear, or bruise the tissue because only a beam of light is making contact with the tissues.
- Reduced Risk of Infection – The laser sterilizes the tissues as it cuts. This kills the bacteria that cause infection.
- Greater Precision – With only a beam of light making contact with the tissue the surgeon has great precision. Tissue the width of a strand of hair can be removed without affecting surrounding tissues.
Are There Any Disadvantages?
- Increased Healing Time – Incisions seem to take longer to heal due to the lack of bleeding. When a scalpel is used healing time is generally 10 – 14 days with the laser it is 14 – 21 days. The increased healing time is usually not noticeable.
- Increased Price – The laser is an expensive piece of equipment that many veterinarians do not yet have. The surgery price might be slightly higher at practices that have laser surgery capabilities.
What Procedures Can Be Performed With a Laser?
Any surgery that can be performed with a scalpel blade can be performed with the laser. The following are procedures that especially benefit from laser surgery:
- Cat Declaws – This is a very painful procedure when a scalpel blade is used. With the laser cats have less pain and are up on their feet much faster, usually within a day.
- Tumor/Wart Removals - Small tumors and warts can be burned off with just a local anesthetic. Older pets can have warts removed without the risk of general anesthesia.
References:
Accuvet Laser Surgery: Pet Owners
Laser Surgery in Small Animal Practice, Dr. John Godbold DVM, US Companion Animal Health, 2006
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