Animal Laser Surgery Comes To Manatee County

Westbay Animal Hospital, located at 6905 Cortez Road in Bradenton is the first and only veterinary hospital in Manatee County to provide laser surgery for pets. While laser surgery has been used and proven to be effective for humans for over 25 years, it has only recently been adopted by veterinarians.

In April 2000, Westbay Animal Hospital obtained a carbon dioxide laser made by Luxar Corporation. The laser replaces the need for a scalpel by emitting an invisible light beam that cuts through skin and tissue. Advantages to the pet include less pain, less bleeding, and less swelling, which improves the healing process. There is also a reduced risk of infection as the laser sterilizes the tissue it contacts, without affecting the surrounding tissue.

According to Dr. Sheila Scroggins, owner of Westbay, laser surgery is being used in a wide variety of procedures for dogs and cats at the hospital. Cysts, tumors and warts almost anywhere on the body can all be cosmetically and painlessly removed. Declaw surgeries are now done exclusively with laser. Cats usually require no post-operative bandages, and walk comfortably on their feet the following day. Longer, involved surgeries are made much less complex as bleeding, swelling and pain are greatly reduced. Laser surgery is also offered as an option to the pet owner for elective procedures such as spays and neuters.

Laser surgery is a safe and comfortable treatment for pets. Surgery is less intrusive to the pet and typically the surgical recovery time is considerably reduced.

Dr. Sheila Scroggins and Dr. Mary Smart both took advanced certification courses in the proper techniques of laser surgery and are members of the Veterinary Surgical Laser Society.

For more information about laser surgery and whether it is appropriate for your dog or cat, please contact Westbay Animal Hospital, 6905 Cortez Road, Bradenton, (941) 792-3473.