Cryosurgery: Remove those Ugly Lumps without “Surgery!”
Alternative Lump Removal for Dogs
So your dog has tiny bumps and lumps. The vet says you can leave them if they don’t bother your dog. Then the hairbrush clips one and it bleeds a little. But it stops and nothing changes. Then one grows on the paw and your dog licks at it. Then one grows on the top of your beloved’s head and your hand catches on it every time you put your dog on the head. Which is every day. Probably every waking hour that you are home. (What can I say? Our dogs are spoiled!)
Still you think, it is not worth another trip to the vet. You already had the lumps checked. They are “nothing.” or “adenoma-like” or papillomas or warts, or, something you don’t say out loud for fear of pronouncing it wrong. So what else can be done?
Cryoablation Surgery
If a lump is tiny. If it is not cancerous. If your dog will sit still for a minute or two. If the lump is on the skin and not under the skin, cryoablation may be a good option for you.
What is cryoablation surgery?
The quick answer: cryoablation is freezing the lesion to kill the cells. They slough off and the lump is gone in about 2 weeks. Or very nearly gone.
The bigger answer: cryoablation uses a proprietary, highly optimized formulation of refrigerated gases for your medical professional to use in an outpatient setting to freeze a lesion down to -70°C (-94°F). Basically, the veterinarian gives a lump frostbite. This can be done in a house call!
There are custom size directing cones and buds to apply the freeze that fit many different size dogs and lesions.
Who qualifies for cryoablation surgery?
Any dog with unwanted skin lump(s) that are noncancerous
Elderly dogs with higher than normal anesthesia risk
Families with a dog with lumps that do not want anesthesia, drugs, or scalpel or laser surgery
How long does cryoablation surgery take?
The freezing procedure takes 3-6 seconds. The unwanted skin lump or tag will continue to freeze for several minutes after application of the freezing gases.
What is cryoablation surgery recovery like?
The lesion(s) likely swell for a few days. Then they begin to ooze a little clear, odorless material. Then they form a crust (scab) that you must leave in place to form a biological bandage. The crust falls off in about 2 weeks.
How much do I need to budget for cryoablation surgery?
This is a medical procedure performed by a trained, licensed veterinarian in the comfort of your home. You must be a registered client, with a current physical examination so that the doctor can assess your dog’s suitability for cryoablation. The procedure itself generally costs $150 to get started with the first lesion. Additional lesions can be treated in the same day. For example, a recent patient had a house call, physical exam, cryoablation of 3 lesions and that cost under $500. (Surgery generally costs around $500 just for the anesthesia-related expenses.)
Call, text or email Dr Truli for an appointment!
Dr Sandra Truli Springer, VMD, CVA, CVFT, CVTP provides house call holistic services to the Tampa Bay Area. Please contact the doctor with your name, address, and request for your pet to discover scheduling availability. Dr Truli’s practice is 100% house calls. These consultations are thorough, reassuring and professional. Dr Truli will evaluate your dog and discuss cryoablation with you. If cryoablation surgery is a good choice for you, she will be prepared to perform the medical procedure in the initial consultation visit, with no need to reschedule. Email DrTruli@VetVMD.com or Text (877) Dr Truli | (877) 378-7854.
