Laser Surgery for Dogs
What is a laser and how does it work?
LASER is an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission radiation. It is a device that generates a beam of light energy at a specific wavelength. The first laser was developed in 1960, and its use in human surgery became widespread in the late 1980s.
The most commonly used veterinary surgical laser is the CO2 laser. The wavelength of the CO2 laser beam is absorbed by the water found in skin and other soft tissue, vaporizing the cells and thereby cutting the tissues.
The surgeon can control the extent to which the laser beam is absorbed into the surrounding tissue, allowing extreme surgical precision.
What are the benefits of laser surgery?
Laser surgery has major advantages when compared to traditional surgery using stainless steel surgical scalpels:
Decreased post-operative pain. The laser seals the nerve endings as it cuts, which reduces pain impulses from the surgery site in the immediate post-operative period. In addition, the decreased pain may allow the surgeon to remove small skin tumors using local anesthesia rather than having the pet undergo general anesthesia.
Reduced bleeding and blood loss. The laser vaporizes tissues as it cuts, cauterizing blood vessels and thereby reducing bleeding and blood loss.
Reduced risk of surgical infection. The laser superheats the tissues at the incision site, destroying any bacteria that are present at the time of surgery, thereby reducing the risk of infection.
Reduced inflammation. The laser beam is the only thing that encounters tissue, so there is less irritation, which results in minimal swelling.
Increased surgical precision. Laser surgery allows your veterinarian to be more precise and can reduce the length of the surgery.
What surgeries can be performed with the laser?
Almost any soft-tissue surgery may be performed with the CO2 laser. Routine procedures such as ovariohysterectomy (spay) and castration (neutering) are commonly done with the laser. The CO2 laser is also used for skin tumor removal, eyelid surgery such as correction of entropion or ectropion, and some mouth and throat procedures. Your veterinarian will discuss whether CO2 laser is appropriate for your pet's surgery.
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on May 1, 2025.