01/20/05 Laser surgery

Laser Surgery Laser surgery has moved from humans to animals. I'm Jeff Keane and I'll be back with some details right after this. While lasers have been used for many years in human health care procedures, laser technology in veterinary medicine has only been used for about the last five years. Dr. Roy Smith, Garberville, California, says the reason lasers are being used more now is the fact the cost of the machines is more economical. The cost of a machine with enough power to work on animals up to the size of a horse is about $32,000. Dr. Scott Hendy, Roseberg, Oregon, thinks the laser equipment will cost less as they become more prevalent then more veterinary clinics will invest in them. Laser surgery is much easier on animals than traditional scalpel surgery with reduced pain, less bleeding, less swelling, and usually faster recovery time as a benefit to animal patients. One other major benefit for laser surgery is the fact the laser beam sterilizes as it cuts since the high heat kills bacteria and microorganisms. The laser also seals blood vessels and nerve endings, which minimizes the bleeding and pain for the animal. According to Dr. Hendy, the laser can be used on most surgeries but has greater benefits over other surgical methods dealing with skin tumors and oral procedures. With a laser, doctors can make the incision, perform the procedure, and coagulate with one tool. Sounds to me like surgery for animals is continuing to get better and better. I'm Jeff Keane. Capital Press 12/31/04