The laser is ideal for a wide variety of surgical procedures for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and exotics. Laser surgery is commonly used in soft-tissue surgical procedures. Common procedures include:
- Cat declaw
- Spays
- Neuters
- Amputations
- Oral/dental procedures
- Mass removals/dermatology
- Avian and exotic procedures
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Valley Animal Hospital has performed more than 800 laser declaw procedures over the past 10 years on cats ranging from 6 months to 18 years of age. Laser surgery is bloodless and, combined with our pain management techniques perfected over the years, results in little to no discomfort to the patient!
The picture at left shows one of our doctors performing a laser declaw. This cat walked literally 6 hours post surgery as if nothing had occurred. It is truly the only humane way to perform a declaw.
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A laser is a device that generates an intense beam of coherent light that can cut, seal or vaporize tissue. Laser technology has been helping doctors to safely and effectively treat patients for more than 20 years. The technology is well proven and well documented, and it is now gradually being adopted by progressive companion animal health care facilities. It is important to note that Valley Animal Hospital was one of the first hospitals in the entire Northeast U.S. to utilize this type of surgery in veterinary medicine and was a pioneer in laser cat declaws. We have a combined experience of over 9 years in it's use . The way a particular laser works is determined by the specific wavelength of light that it produces. For example, the most commonly used surgical laser is a CO 2 laser which produces an invisible beam of light that vaporizes the water normally found in the skin and other soft tissue. Because the doctor can precisely control the laser, only a thin layer of tissue is removed, leaving the surrounding areas unaffected. What Type of Procedures Can a Laser Perform? A laser is ideal for a wide variety of procedures for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, horses and other animals. Some of these include the removal of cysts, tumors and warts.
- Less Pain - The laser seals nerve endings as it "cuts." As a result, your companion animal will experience less pain and be more comfortable post operatively.
- Less Bleeding - The laser seals small blood vessels during surgery. This speeds many procedures, reducing the time your companion animal needs to be under anesthesia, which further reduces possible complications.
- Less Swelling - Laser energy does not crush, tear or bruise tissue because the only thing that touches your companion animal is an invisible beam of light.
What Does This Mean For My Companion Animal?
- Reduced risk of infection - As the laser removes diseased tissue, it seals the skin and reduces the amount of bacteria present.
- Precision - The laser can remove unhealthy tissue while minimizing adverse effects to healthy surrounding tissue.
- Quick return to normal activities - Healing is rapid and there is less post-operative discomfort and a better course of healing.
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