Veterinary Laser Surgery

A laser is a device that generates an intense beam of light at a specific wavelength.

Our patients are treated with a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, the most widely used type of medical laser in the world. CO2 lasers produce an invisible beam that vaporizes the water normally found in the skin and other soft tissue. Because the laser beam can be precisely controlled, it removes or "cuts" only a thin layer of tissue at one time, leaving the surrounding areas unaffected. This level of control allows us to be extremely precise in every laser surgery procedure.

Why laser surgery?

Less Pain - The laser seals nerve endings as it "cuts", so your pet may require less anesthesia during the operation, reducing the risk of complications. Pain after surgery is also reduced.
Less Bleeding - The laser seals small blood vessels during surgery.
Less Swelling - Laser energy does not crush, tear or bruise because there is no physical contact with the tissue.

What does this mean for my pet?

Reduced Risk of Infection - The laser sterilizes as it removes diseased tissue, killing bacteria that cause infection.
Precision - The laser can remove unhealthy tissue without affecting or removing surrounding healthy tissue.
Quick Return to Normal Activities - Healing is rapid and there is less post-operative discomfort.

Laser procedures reduce the trauma to your pet, improve healing, and may shorten time spent in the veterinary hospital.

Are lasers new?

No. Laser technology has been proven to work for more than 20 years - medical doctors have used lasers to help many thousands of people.

We are pleased to be among the first veterinary practices to offer laser surgery specifically for animals.

What types of procedures can a laser perform?

A laser is ideal for a wide variety of surgical procedures for dogs, cats, birds and other animals. Laser surgery can correct many common conditions such as cysts, tumors, warts and infections that may occur around the eyes, ears, in the mouth, and anywhere on the skin. Specialized internal procedures are also possible. Your veterinarian at Providence Veterinary Hospital will be able to tell you if your pet's procedure can be performed with a laser.