What is cryosurgery?
Cryosurgery is the controlled use of freezing agents such as liquid nitrogen to destroy diseased tissue. It is most commonly used in the treatment of skin tumours.
Why use cryosurgery?
The advantage of cryosurgery is there is minimal damage to the surrounding healthy tissue, and there is very little bleeding. Another benefit is it can be used in areas where the skin is too tight to suture, or in areas where it would be impossible to remove to tumor.
What does cryosurgery involve?
For your pet to have cryosurgery, he/she will require a general anesthetic. This is administered by intravenous injection, which may have necessitated clipping the hair from the forearm. In addition your pet may have receive a gas anesthetic via a tube inserted into the throat and down the windpipe. Sometimes this will cause throat irritation afterwards. This may be evident be a mild cough which usually settles within 24 hours. Animals vary in their reaction to anesthesia. Some will be bright and alert only hours post surgery, whilst others may take 2-3 days before they are completely back to normal.
What to expect following cryosurgery:
The area treated dies and usually goes a black colour. It may feel hard and inflexible and often remains for several weeks. Do not pull the scab off prematurely.
The hair may grow back white over the affected area. Other things to look for long term are the recurrence of any lesions, or failure of the area to heal completely – this may signal that there are still tumor cells present.
Is cryosurgery always successful?
The success of cryosurgery depends on the extent of the lesion. If a tumor has spread deep into the tissue layers there is a poorer chance of success using cryosurgery alone, as the effect of the freezing action doesn’t extend deep below the surface of the skin. Larger and more severe lesions often require several repeat treatments.
What aftercare is required?
Following the surgery do not let your pet rub the surgery site as this may cause it to bleed. It may be necessary to put an Elizabethan collar on your pet’s head in the early stages to prevent self-trauma. Do not apply any dressings or ointment unless specifically instructed to do so. If you are worried at all about the appearance or progression of the wound, or have any questions regarding this surgery, please don’t hesitate to contact the clinic.
Medication
Most pets are given a course of antibiotics. Please complete the course as directed.
