Aquia-Garrisonville Animal Hospital 878 Garrisonville Road P.O. Box 428 Stafford, Virginia  22554-3901 (540) 659-8140 Fax: (540) 659-0941

Laser Surgery

Lasers have been successfully used on humans for over 30 years. This knowledge gained in human medicine is beneficial for your pets. Your pet's health is as important to us as it is to you. Hundreds of veterinarians are offering laser surgery as an exciting new option for safer, more comfortable treatment. In many procedures, the laser can replace the scalpel and provide a better alternative to traditional surgery.

The use of the CO2 veterinary surgical laser improves our capabilities by allowing us to provide better pain management, less bleeding and a faster recovery time. All these add to the value added service that we provide to our clients, and the safety level we try to provide to the patient, their pet.

Why Laser Surgery?

• Less Pain - The laser seals nerve endings as it "cuts." As a result, your pet 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 pet 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 pet is an invisible beam of light, thereby reducing inflammatory responses and hastening healing.
• Quicker Recovery - decreased pain, bleeding and swelling mean that the patient can return to normal activity and the home environment sooner.

What does this mean for my pet?

• 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.

• Cat declaw, spays, neuters, amputations
• Oral/dental procedures
• Mass removals/dermatology
• Avian and exotic procedures

Lasers: Frequently Asked Questions

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 being adopted by veterinarians to provide better pet care.

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 CO2 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, and other animals. Some of these include the removal of cysts, tumors and warts, as well as specialized internal procedures.