Hearts
That CareRIDGEWOOD ◊VETERINARY ◊HOSPITAL
Hands That HealHearts
That Care
LASER SURGERY
What is a Laser?
A laser is a device that generates an intense beam of light at a specific wavelength.
How Does A Laser Work?
The specific wavelength of light that a laser produces determines how that particular laser works.
The most commonly used surgical laser is a CO2 laser that produces an invisible beam of light that
vaporizes the water normally found on skin and other soft tissue. The veterinarian removes only a thin
layer of tissue, leaving the surrounding skin unaffected.
Why Use Laser Surgery?
Using laser surgery results in:
Less pain- the laser energy seals the nerve endings as it moves through the tissue, so your pet feels less pain after surgery.
Less bleeding- the laser seals small blood vessels during surgery, which allows your veterinarian to perform surgery.
with more precision. This speeds some procedures resulting in a decreased need for anesthesia.
Less swelling-Laser energy does not crush, tear or bruise the tissue.
How Does That Help My Pet?
Decreased Risk of Infection - The laser sterilizes while it removes diseased tissue killing the bacteria that cause infection.
Quick Return to Normal Activities - Recovery is fast and there is less post-operative discomfort.
Precision -The laser can remove unhealthy tissue while minimally affecting normal tissue.
What Types of Surgeries Can Be Performed With Lasers?
Laser surgery can be used to correct cysts, tumors, warts and infections found around the ears, eyes, mouth
and skin. It is used in spay and neutering, and declawing of cats. It is also used in more specialized surgeries.
Click to view Laser Surgery being performed by Dr. Dean Cerf;