Research Article | Veterinary Surgery and Radiology

Standardization and Evaluation of Diode LASER for the Excision of Superficial Growths in Dogs

Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary an Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India

Abstract

This study standardized diode LASER on six adult canine cadavers for optimum power settings (6W to 12W at 980nm wavelength) required to make a 3 cm full thickness skin incision. Increasing the power setting reduced both the time required and the total energy absorbed by tissues. However, the low power setting (6W) was associated with more severe charring. Based on the gross and histological parameters, the power settings of 8W and 10W were assessed as optimum and used for the resection of superficial growths in 18 dogs. Growths<2cm (group I) and 2-5 cm (in group II) were excised using diode LASER at 8W; whereas, 10W was used in group III (5-10 cm). Growth size influenced the degree of charring, haemorrhage, total energy absorbed and time required for complete excision; however, degree of charring could not be correlated with the total energy absorbed. Presence of inflammation and oedema, quality of scar and cosmetic appearances were associated with the size of growth. Out of 18 cases, 3 showed wound dehiscence probably associated with the critical location of the lesions since the growths were near elbow and stifle joint and 2 cases (mast cell tumour and osteosarcoma) had local recurrence. Diode LASER (at 980 nm wavelength) is recommended as an alternative surgical modality at 8W and 10W for the excision of superficial growths in dogs sized<5 cm and 5-10 cm, respectively.

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