Laser or not?

[lemonie]

With the growing number of questions at our clinic, I thought I would start an educational post on this. First off, I am not a vet by any means and do not consider myself an expert on this topic. However, my knowledge is growing and I wish to offer some guidance when you are faced with this decision.
Laser surgery is (usually) an option where the doctor uses a laser instead of a scaple which allows cauterizing (sp?) while cutting.
Benefits of laser:
less bleeding, less swelling, less pain, quicker recovery, faster surgery- less time your pet is under anesthesia, easier for the doctor to see whats going on with less blood, less stress on the animal, less chance of spreading cancer cells in cancerous growths
Cons of laser: costs (its and extra $70 at our clinic), stiches absolutely cannot be removed before the 14 days.
When it should be used: to remove several growths or large growths, de-claw and dew-claw removal, exploratory surgery, long surgeries, surgeries for older pets and any time your vet urges you too.
At times, your vet might make it mandatory and this usually saves you in the long run. For example, paying $70 for the laser is less expensive then all the pain medication, extra fluids, extra anesthesia and extra time that would cost you otherwise.
When you can go without: spay and neuter under 6mo old, removal of small lumps, dental, and ask your vet if you're on a budget if its an option.

Feel free to post any more info here.

[Dax]

I had Ariel spayed with a laser. Recovery time is 1/3rd which for an active puppy can be a god send. With high risk spays (in heat or with puppies) I would also opt for the extra $$.

I also had a growth lasered off. No bleeding, no bandage required. She was sedated but not put under because it happened so fast.

I'm a big fan of laser surgery anything to minimize risk and speed recovery.

[weezyNollie]

The only real laser surgery we do is declaws and sometimes mass removals.

However, our hospital does offer an OVE using a "Ligasure". It's a new piece of equipment that ligates, cauterizes, and cuts. It eliminates most or all of the bleeding.

Another option we are currently offering is laprascopic OVE/OHE. The dog/cat only has an incision about 1'' long, along with a couple of other punctures and that's it! The recovery is great, and it's minimally invasive.

[Dignity]

Denali was spayed with a laser. My decision was based on the whole pain factor - my thought was: I don't like to be in pain, why would my dog be any different?

There still was scabbing when she was spayed (I didn't know there would be and called the vet to check).