(above) THE LASER SURGERY ROOM: The surgeon is wearing protective goggles as a spay incision is made with the laser. The laser unit is on the left and the surgeon holds the articulated laser arm. On the right is the vacuum unit which pulls away exhaust air from the surgery site.

(left) TUMOR REMOVAL: The surgeon uses the laser to remove a tumor (skin growth) from a dog's rear leg.
 

(right) SKIN INCISION WITH LASER: The laser cuts through the skin smoothly and easily.

 

(right) CLOSE-UP SKIN INCISION: Note the lack of any bleeding on this close-up. Surgical bleeding is minimized with laser surgery since it seals small skin vessels as it cuts. The red light to the right of incision is not the actual cutting beam, but just an indicator that shows the surgeon where the laser is focused.

In an effort to provide the highest quality surgical and medical care for our patients, LMAH has added laser surgery to our capabilities. Laser surgery is cutting edge technology used in veterinary medicine, as well as human medicine. Laser surgery allows shorter surgical/anesthesia time, quicker healing, and less post-operative discomfort.  Here are answers for some frequently-asked questions.

How does a laser work?
A laser produces an invisible beam of light that vaporizes the tissue as it "cuts." As the doctor directs the laser to the area, it cuts a precise thin layer of tissue and leaves the nearby tissues unaffected. The laser can be used to seal, cut, or vaporize tissue.
 

Is a laser dangerous to my pet?
The laser affects only the area it is directed, just as a scalpel blade only cuts the tissue it touches. In cases of surgeries of the head area, eye protection is provided for the patient.

What are the benefits of laser surgery?

Less Pain: The laser seals nerve endings as it cuts. As a result, the patient will experience less pain and be more comfortable in the post-operative period.

Less Swelling: Laser surgery allows a precise, clean cut. Because there is no crushing, tearing, or bruising of skin and tissues this results in less post-operative swelling.

Less Bleeding: The laser seals small blood vessels and thus results in less bleeding during surgery. Quick and precise control of bleeding helps to speed surgical time and thereby decreases time of patient under anesthesia.

What surgeries can be done with a laser?
- Declaw
- Any routine spay or neuter
- Oral/dental procedures
- Exotic animal surgery
- Mass removals
- Other specialized surgeries