Laser Surgery

The surgical laser can easily replace a scalpel in several surgical procedures, including dermatology, ophthalmic surgery, and many other specialties. Reduced trauma to tissue, along with the laser’s ability to seal nerve endings and lymphatics as it cuts, results in less post-operative swelling, pain, and discomfort. In addition, laser surgery puts less stress on the pet and often requires less time under anesthesia. Laser surgery is a “no-touch” technique, where the laser tip is held 1-3 mm away from the target tissue without touching it. In addition, the high-intensity laser beam kills bacteria in its path, producing a sanitizing effect. Lasing helps to avoid thermal damage to the surrounding healthy tissues. Reduced risk of infection, less bleeding, swelling, and pain often allows the patient a faster return to normal activities, i.e. eating, drinking, playing, etc. At Critter Care Animal Hospital, we use laser for surgeries inclusive of declaws, nares/palate resections, tumor removals, to name a few.