At Valley Animal Hospital, we perform a wide range of surgical procedures including, but not limited to:
- Ovariohysterectomy (spay) and neutering
- Tumor removals
- Gastrointestinal (digestive tract) surgery
- Knee surgeries including anterior cruciate repair and correction of patellar luxations
- Anal gland removal
- Urinary bladder surgery
- Ear surgery including hematoma repair and ear canal resections for chronic ear infections
In addition, we can arrange to have more complicated, non-urgent surgical procedures performed by a board certified surgical specialist here at Valley Animal Hospital.
All of our surgical patients are checked carefully before, during and after surgery. Each patient has their own sterilized pack of surgical instruments and the procedure is performed in our dedicated surgical suite under strict aseptic conditions to help prevent infection. Post-operative pain relief is provided for the majority of surgical procedures so that your pet does not experience unnecessary discomfort during their recovery.
Laser Surgery
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:
- Anal Gland surgery
- Ear surgery
- Oral/dental procedures
- Mass removals/dermatology
What Is a Laser?
A laser is a device that generates an intense beam of coherent light that can cut, seal or vaporize tissue.
Are Lasers New?
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. We have over a decade of experience in its use.
How Does a Laser Work?
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.
Why Laser Surgery?
- 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.