Dallas, Texas

Cryosurgery

Is your dog or cat dealing with irritating skin growths or cancerous tumors? If so, our veterinary team at Pet Trail Hospital may recommend cryosurgery. The safe, effective, and relatively painless alternative to surgery allows for a quick recovery with minimal to no side effects.

What Is Cryosurgery?

Cryosurgery, also known as cryotherapy, uses extreme cold temperatures to eliminate unwanted or abnormal tissue. During the procedure, a special device called a cryoprobe delivers freezing agents like liquid nitrogen to the targeted area. The intense cold causes the cells to freeze and form ice crystals, damaging and destroying the unwanted tissue. Over time, the body naturally removes the damaged cells. Cryosurgery is a precise and controlled technique that allows for the removal of unwanted tissue with minimal scarring and quick healing.

What Are the Applications of Cryosurgery?

Cryosurgery is often used to remove abnormal or diseased tissues, like skin tags, warts, infected or itchy lesions, and cysts. It can also resolve small tumors and certain cancerous or precancerous lesions. Your pet's eligibility for cryosurgery depends on various factors, including the location, size, and type of the abnormal tissues. Our veterinary team will evaluate your pet's unique needs and help you determine whether cryosurgery is the best option.

What Are the Advantages of Cryosurgery?

Cryosurgery offers many benefits, including the following:

  • Minimally Invasive: It is less invasive than traditional surgical methods, reducing pain, swelling, and post-operative recovery time for your furry companion.
  • Fewer Risks: Cryosurgery can often be performed with a local anesthetic or mild sedation, reducing the risks associated with general anesthesia, especially for pets with underlying health conditions.
  • Precise Tissue Targeting: The cryoprobe allows for precise targeting of specific areas, selectively destroying abnormal or unwanted tissue while keeping the surrounding healthy tissue intact.
  • Versatility: Cryosurgery serves numerous purposes, effectively removing skin tags, warts, small tumors, and certain types of cancerous or precancerous lesions from different areas of the body.
  • Outpatient Procedure: In most cases, cryosurgery can be performed on an outpatient basis, allowing pets to return home on the same day.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Cryosurgery can be a cost-effective option compared to more extensive surgical procedures.

How Effective is Cryosurgery?

In many cases, cryosurgery resolves small tumors, with some cancerous mouth and nasal tumors going into remission after just one treatment. Small tumors and warts rarely recur following treatment. Cryosurgery can also be used in conjunction with traditional surgical methods to target abnormal growths in difficult-to-reach areas, improving overall treatment results and reducing recovery time.

How Many Cryosurgery Sessions Will Your Pet Need?

The number of cryosurgery sessions your pet needs will depend on the size and location of the affected area and the individual response to treatment. In some cases, a single treatment may be sufficient to remove the targeted tissue. However, your pet may require several treatments for larger or more complex lesions. Our skilled veterinarians will evaluate your pet's specific condition and recommend the number of cryosurgery sessions needed for the best possible outcomes.

Recovery from Cryosurgery

Recovery after cryosurgery is typically smooth and relatively quick, with minimal pain or discomfort. Swelling and inflammation in the treated area are common but generally subside within a few days. Depending on your pet's unique needs, we may recommend pain management medication and instructions on wound care.

Here are some ways you can promote healing after cryosurgery:

  • Keep the treated area clean and dry.
  • Apply a bandage or use a cone to prevent your pet from licking or scratching the area.
  • Monitor the treated area for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pain.
  • Give your pet pain medication as prescribed by our veterinary team.

Take your pet to follow-up appointments as scheduled

Cryosurgery Near Me in Dallas, TX

If you'd like to learn more about cryosurgery, visit Trail Pet Hospital today. Our team is committed to providing the least invasive solutions to address skin abnormalities or remove tumors while minimizing discomfort or side effects. We invite you to call 972-629-9766 to schedule an appointment or request one online today!

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