Dr. Henry Croft, Jr. V.M.D.
Dr. Lynn Springer D.V.M.
ELECTIVE SURGERY USING THE CO 2 LASER
Concerned about the discomfort of surgery? We know how you feel. We have pets too. You're scheduling an elective procedure for your pet. While you know that the procedure needs to be done, you're having second thoughts because of the associated pain and discomfort. We understand that because we hear comments all day long from concerned pet owners just like you.

Did you know.... that most surgical procedures can now be performed with a laser? Yes! That same tool that is used in human medicine has been adapted for use on animals. We have always made great efforts to lesson the discomfort to pets undergoing surgery. However, with new technology we can do even better. Laser surgery makes it much better for several reasons:


Faster recovery! The usage of the CO 2 LASER for surgery will speed up the recovery of almost any surgical procedure. Pets undergoing laser surgery generally recover faster with fewer side effects. Less bleeding, less pain, and less swelling allow for this faster recovery. We are attempting to adapt laser technique to as many procedures as possible. To find out whether your pet's elective surgery can be done with laser, please inquire.

The cost of laser surgery? Yes, it does cost a little more. However, with the improvement in recovery time and the reduction of side effects, the overall expense may not be that much different. If you are interested in the laser option, please inquire. The laser option fees vary, depending on the surgical procedure. We'll gladly discuss your options and fees.

Gracie Humphrey, a 4 ¼ year old, spayed female, Boxer, presented to the clinic at the end of October with blood in her urine and evidence of a lower urinary tract infection.  When Gracie failed to respond to a course of antibiotics, a radiograph was taken to rule out the presence of a bladder stone.

 CASE STUDY (Gracie)

In the radiograph below, you can see part of Gracie’s lumbar spine, her pelvis, her femurs (the bones of the upper hind legs), her colon and a large bladder stone (surrounded by black arrows).  Given the pH of her urine and the presence of struvite crystals in her urine, it was determined that the stone was most likely of struvite composition.  Calcium oxalate stones are the other stone commonly seen in cats and dogs. While it is possible to dissolve a struvite stone with dietary changes, given the size of this stone and Gracie’s discomfort, the decision was made to immediately remove the stone surgically. 

Gracie returned to the clinic in November for her surgery.  The stone was removed from bladder at surgery.  No other abnormalities were noted at surgery and Gracie recovered well.

Bladder stones are a common cause of recurring lower urinary tract infections in cats and dogs.  Calcium oxalate stones must be removed surgically and dietary changes can help to prevent them in the future.  Struvite stones, which are often secondary to bacterial infections, can sometimes be dissolved with diet changes, but often require surgical intervention.  Gracie had a speedy recovery and is doing well today.  While some pets can have repeated infections without the presence of stones, it is critical to rule out stones using x-ray and ultrasound in cases like this.

For more concerning laser surgery, go to Pet Lasers.com