High Tech Tools Providing High Touch Care
Our hospital remains on the cutting edge of veterinary medicine and surgery by offering CO2 laser surgery.
What is Laser and how does it work?
LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission Radiation. In short, it is a device that generates a beam of light energy at a specific wavelength. The first laser was developed in 1960 with widespread use in human surgery in the late 1980’s.
The most commonly used laser is the CO2 laser. The wavelength of the CO2 laser beam is absorbed into the water found in the skin and other soft tissue, vaporizing the cells, thereby “cutting” tissues. The surgeon can control the extent to which it is absorbed into the surrounding tiddues, allowing extreme surgical precision. The laser is superior to stainless steel surgical blades for many procedures. This exciting and important technology is used by the veterinarians of our facility to provide the most advanced and compassionate health care for your loved pet.
What are the benefits of laser surgery for my pet?
There are three major advantages of laser surgery over traditional stainless steel for our patients: Decreased pain, reduced bleeding and blood loss, and reduced risk of infection.
Decreased post-operative pain is accomplished when the laser seals the nerve endings as it cuts. This reduces pain impulses from the surgery site. Additionally, many skin tumors can be removed using local anesthesia (“numbing” of the skin) rather than having the pet undergo general anesthesia.
Reduced bleeding and blood loss is achieved through the cauterization of blood vessels as the laser beam vaporizes the tissues.
There is a reduced risk of infection due to the super healing of tissues in the incision site that destroys any bacteria.
What surgeries can be performed with the laser?
Almost any soft-tissue surgery may be performed with the CO2 laser. Routine procedures such as spays and neuters are commonly done with the laser. The CO2 laser is also used for skin tumour removal and eyelid and mouth surgeries. Your veterinarian can determine if CO2 laser can be used during your pet’s surgery.
Please contact one of our team members if you have any questions about CO2 laser surgery.