Veterinarians like Dr. Karen Campbell, of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital, are finding other surgical uses for this high-energy source that vaporizes water molecules. Living cells are 70 percent to 80 percent water. The greatest benefit of the laser is that you can vaporize tumors that are difficult to treat with conventional surgery. The uncomfortable dog shook its head a lot. Instead of traditional surgery that would remove part of the ear, Dr. Campbell and the owner opted for CO2 laser surgery, which removed the tumor and left the ear intact.
Laser surgery has many benefits.
With the CO2 laser most superficial surgeries require only local anesthesia. Stitches usually are not necessary for incisions made with the laser because the incision site heals very quickly. There is less worry about pets chewing or licking the surgery site afterwards. With no stitches and quick healing, the surgery site often heals without scarring, which is one reason the CO2 laser is popular for human cosmetic surgery. Less blood means better visibility and faster surgery time.