Clinical Benefits of Laser Surgery

Reduced Pain
The laser reduces the amount of pain the patient feels during and after surgery.

Reduced Bleeding
This laser energy controls bleeding and provides the surgeon with a bloodless surgical field in most procedures.

Reduced Swelling
There is no physical contact between the laser and the surgical region, eliminating the tearing and bruising of tissue associated with traditional surgical methods.

Reduced Infection
Laser energy acts as an antibacterial agent, effectively eliminating microorganisms.

Quicker Recovery
As a result of all of the above, laser surgery provides the benefit you will appreciate most: a quicker recovery for your pet.

Spay or Neuter: Patients admitted for spay or neuter are placed under general anesthesia for surgery and are hospitalized overnight. They are provided with adequate pain management and antibiotic therapy as well as the monitoring and treatments listed above.

Feline Declaw: All patients admitted for declaw receive general and local anesthesia. A Fentanyl Pain Patch is applied the day before surgery and will control pain for 5-7 days. Monitoring and fluid therapy is as listed above. Adequate pain and antibiotic medications are provided. Declaw patients are hospitalized for 2 days.

Mass Removal: A variety of growths/masses can be removed from skin, eyelids, lips, etc. as needed. Owners may opt to send samples for pathological diagnosis. Monitoring and fluid therapy is as listed above. Adequate pain and antibiotic medications are provided.

Exploratory Surgery: Should it be deemed necessary, we offer exploratory surgery for the purpose of biopsies, evaluation of internal organs, removal of certain cancers, and several other conditions. Monitoring and treatments are as listed above. Adequate pain and antibiotic medications are provided.

Orthopedic Surgery: We offer Femoral Head Osteotomy (FHO). Monitoring and treatments are as listed above. Adequate pain and antibiotic medications are provided.

Many people have questions about their pet's surgery. We hope this information will help. 

All patients are monitored for EKG, blood pressure, blood oxygenation, and respiration. Your pet may receive pain and antibiotic injections as necessary. A trained technician will remain with your pet until they are fully awake. You will be called after surgery and given an update.

We offer additional Elective Procedures including fluid therapy through an IV catheter as well as pre-anesthetic testing (CBC and chemistry panel).

Should my pet eat before surgery?

It is important that surgery be done on an empty stomach to reduce the risk of vomiting during and after anesthesia.  You need to withhold food for at least 8 to 10 hours before surgery.  Water can be given until the morning of surgery.

Will my pet have stitches?

For many surgeries, we use absorbable sutures underneath the skin.  These dissolve on their own and won’t need to be removed later.  Some surgeries do require skin stitches.  These will need to be removed in 10 - 14 days. You need to watch the incision for swelling or discharge regardless of which sutures are used.  Most dogs and cats won't lick or chew excessively at the incision but occasional it is an issue.  Please limit your pet's activity level for a while and no baths during the first 10 days.

Will my pet be in pain?

Anything that causes pain in people can be expected to cause pain in animals.  Pets may not show the same symptoms as people do; they usually don't whine or cry, but you can be sure they feel it.  The medication administered depends on the surgery performed. 

What other decisions do I need to make?

While your pet is under anesthesia, it is an ideal time to perform other minor procedures such as dentistry, ear cleaning, or implanting an identification microchip. 

If you would like an estimate for these extra services, please call ahead of time.

Plan to spend an extra 10 minutes during drop off and pick up of your pet. We need time to fill out paperwork, discuss options and make decisions before surgery and time to go over your pet's home care needs afterwards.

We will call you the day before your scheduled surgery appointment to confirm the drop off time and answer any questions you have.  In the meantime, please call us with any questions you have about your pet's health or surgery.