For many of our surgeries, we use a surgical laser in place of a traditional scalpel. Laser scalpels reduce blood loss and give our surgeons a clearer field, which often allows for shorter anesthesia times.
Lasers also cause less tissue trauma than a traditional blade, which can mean a faster recovery and easier pain management for your pet.
How a Surgical Laser Works
A surgical laser uses a focused beam of light to cut tissue instead of a steel blade. As it cuts, the laser seals small blood vessels, which helps reduce bleeding during surgery. It also seals small nerve endings, which may help reduce pain after the procedure, and can lower the number of bacteria at the incision site.
Because the beam is so precise, the surgeon can remove tissue carefully while affecting less of the healthy tissue around it. This can be especially useful in areas with a lot of blood vessels or where precision matters, such as the mouth, eyelids, ears and skin. Your vet will decide whether a laser or a traditional blade is the better tool for each part of your pet's procedure.
Procedures Where a Laser Scalpel Is Often Used
Surgical lasers can be used in many types of soft tissue surgery for dogs and cats. Depending on your pet's needs, your vet may recommend a laser for procedures such as:
- Spays and neuters
- Removal of skin lumps, warts and growths
- Oral surgery and treatment of gum overgrowth
- Eyelid mass removal
- Procedures to help brachycephalic pets breathe more easily
- Ear canal and other delicate soft tissue procedures
Your pet still receives anesthesia, monitoring and pain management, just as with any surgery. Our team will explain how the laser will be used and what recovery should look like.
Questions about Laser Surgery?
Call us or book an appointment online, and our team will help you decide on the next step for your pet.
Surgical Laser Scalpel: Frequently Asked Questions
Is laser surgery safe for pets?
Does laser surgery mean a faster recovery?
Will my pet still need stitches after laser surgery?
Can a laser be used for every type of surgery?
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