Co2 Laser surgery | Cutaneous Papillomas | Mocha the Bulldog
Name: Mocha | Age: 8 months | Breed: Bulldog
SYMPTOMS:
Mocha presented with multiple cutaneous papillomas. Papillomas is the medical term for warts, and are clusters of abnormal cells caused by the papillomas viruses. Cutaneous papillomas in dogs can be subdivided into viral papillomas and squamous papillomas and in this case Mocha’s were viral. Mocha presented for a surgical referral for removal of multiple papilloma lesions affecting the perineal region and anal sphincter. The dog was straining to defaecate and had significant discomfort.
PROCEDURE:
The surgical team were reluctant to remove these with scalpel excision because of the proximity to the anus and the risk of further spread of the viral infection. The dermatology team worked with the surgeons using surgical debulking and carbon dioxide laser and produced a permanent and very good cosmetic result. The laser sterilises the surgical site so there was no risk of spreading the virus.
POST PROCEDURE:
Treatment aftercare is quite minimal with symptomatic antimicrobial therapy, the use of Biohex wipes & commence 2% mupirocin (Bactroban) cream for 24 hours on the laser sites. Mocha’s owner said “I was completely thrilled with the outcome of the laser treatment. Mocha was in significant pain and discomfort and I was very concerned that he may suffer permanent incontinence with surgery. He has made a full recovery”
LASER is an abbreviation for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission Radiation. The carbon dioxide laser delivers an intense beam of infrared light, which sterilises the surgical site and targets the tissue making a precise incision.
WHY LASER TREATMENT MAY BE RECOMMENDED FOR DOGS & CATS
· Seals nerve endings as it cuts so there is less pain
· Seals small blood vessels during surgery and minimises blood loss
· No physical contact except the invisible laser beam
· Laser sterilises the surgical site as it cuts
· Less bleeding and swelling resulting in faster healing
· The beam’s precision means minimal side effects on surrounding healthy tissue
· Reduced hospitalisation time
WHAT CAN LASER THERAPY BE USED FOR?
· Swift, bloodless, less painful removal of all benign skin tumours
· Treatment of all stages of solar damage including precancerous actinic lesions
· Treatment for viral papilloma in young and old dogs
· Treatment of gingival hyperplasia in Boxers and other breeds
· Superior treatment of interdigital cysts