Laser surgery, where cutting is done with a carbon dioxide laser instead of a scalpel, is a growing option for veterinary surgeries such as neutering. Laser equipment is costly to purchase and maintain, so laser surgeries are usually more expensive than scalpel surgeries. Veterinarians who use lasers, however, feel they lead to a faster and cleaner surgery, less pain for the dog and fewer post-operative infections. Post-surgical care is similar to that of traditional neuters, but with lower risks of pain and infection.
-
The Incision
-
Because lasers cauterize nerve endings and blood vessels as they cut, incisions from laser surgeries are generally less painful and swollen than those from traditional surgeries. Check the incision regularly to ensure it is clean and dry, and keep your dog from licking his incision as much as possible. If your dog had a retained testicle, he will have two incisions rather than just one. You may need a special collar that prevents him from accessing the area if he won̵7;t leave it alone. Some vets will use dissolving stitches on the incision; if not, the stitches will need to be removed in 10 to 14 days.
Post-Operative Activity
-
Laser surgeries are generally less painful for the dog, but your vet may still give you pain medication for him. Minimal pain means the dog might try to return to normal activity before he has healed completely. A routine neuter usually heals within a week; however, if your dog had a retained testicle, which involves abdominal surgery, he may need up to two weeks to heal. Your vet will provide you with instructions on when and how to limit your dog̵7;s post-surgical activity.
Infection
-
Risk of an infection is minimized with laser surgery, because the laser operates at a high temperature which kills bacteria at the surgical site. Most vets will prescribe post-surgical antibiotics as a precautionary measure. Give the full course of antibiotics to prevent the bacteria from developing drug resistance.
Signs of a Problem
-
Minor swelling and redness at the incision site is not unusual, but those symptoms should not get worse or persist for more than a week. The site should also not have more than a few drops of bleeding or oozing after the first day or two. Your dog might be tired for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery, but if his lethargy persists longer he may have an underlying problem. Other signs to watch out for include a fever, refusal to eat or drink, vomiting or diarrhea and painful urination. If your dog shows one or more of these symptoms, call your vet.
-