An Effective Gentler Form of Surgery

LASER stands for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers have been used in human surgery for over 20 years and are becoming more available as a great tool for Veterinary surgery as well. A laser generates an intense beam of light at a specific wavelength. The wavelength determines what the laser beam is attracted to. One of the newest lasers in veterinary medicine is the 980nm Diode laser. The laser only affects the tissue at the surgical site, allowing extreme surgical precision without damaging the surrounding tissue. It is attracted to water and oxyhemoglobin (blood). Since most soft tissue is composed of water and blood it is an excellent tool to use in these types of procedures:

Feline Declaws
Canine Dewclaws
Tissue and traumatic wound disinfection
Ear, nose, throat applications
Ear Polyp removal
Anal sac excision
Ear Crops
Eye Lid Surgery
Tumor removal
Urinary bladder
Biopsy
Others not listed

The coagulative capability of the laser provides better vision for the surgeon since they can operate in a bloodless surgical field. Very small animals (birds, reptiles, small mammals) greatly benefit from this blood sparing tool. Several procedures can be performed more rapidly thus decreasing the amount of time the animal is under anesthesia. The laser seals nerve endings which reduces post-operative pain, swelling, and discomfort which improves the healing process. Although it is necessary to include an additional fee for the laser procedure, the benefits to your pet far outweigh the additional cost. You will find your pet will experience less pain and will have a more tolerable recovery when the laser is used for their surgical procedures.For more information feel free to call Dr. Mark A. Scribano D.V.M. at Northeast Animal Hospital 727-822-8501.