Use of surgical lasers in small animal dermatology

In Pract. April 2023;45(3):144-154. 16 Refs

Jason Pieper¹

¹ Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, 1800 Christensen Dr, Ames, IA 50011, USA.

Author Abstract

Background: Use of lasers in veterinary medicine has significantly increased over the past decade. What was once a piece of equipment, almost exclusively used by veterinary specialists, has now become a common piece of equipment in general veterinary practices. It is imperative to know the appropriate situations and diseases for which lasers can be used.

Aim of the article: This article covers the basics of lasers, including discussion of both diode and CO₂ lasers. It also discusses several skin diseases and/or conditions in which lasers are commonly used.

Article Tools:

Email to me

Archives Highlights:

Association between highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks and weather conditions in Japan.
We found that higher average air temperatures two to three weeks prior, lower average wind speeds four weeks prior, and longer sunlight hours two and four weeks prior to outbreaks were significantly associated with increased risk of HPAI outbreaks in Japan. These results suggest that weather may influence environmental survival and transmission of the virus, as well as patterns of wild bird movement that could seed new outbreaks.

Owner survey suggests cats may be undertreated for pain compared to dogs after an elective ovariohysterectomy or orchiectomy.
Analgesics were prescribed for 19 of 162 (12%) pets: 14 of 88 (16%) dogs and 5 of 74 (6.7%) cats. There was no difference in the prescription of analgesics between dogs and cats after ovariohysterectomy or orchiectomy. 15 of 19 owners reported their compliance in administering analgesics at 78.9%. Owners' subjective assessments showed that 24 of 86 (28%) dogs and 12 of 68 (17%) cats appeared painful at home.

Investigating the Reasons behind Companion Animal Relinquishment: A Systematic Content Analysis of Shelter Records for Cats and Dogs, 2018-2023.
The most frequent reasons cited were Behavior Issues (28%), Housing/Moving (18%), Unable to Care (16%), Too Many Pets (10%), Financial (6%), and Owner Allergies (5%). The most common behavioral reasons reported were Aggression (32% of behavioral surrenders), Social Conflict (28%), and Soiling (13%).

Challenges and Outlook of Veterinary Education in Iran: A Survey of Veterinary Students at Urmia University During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Regarding future employment, 45.8% of participants wanted to start their own business or practice, whereas 54.2% preferred employment opportunities. A significant 81.6% of participants said they would consider emigrating to pursue better career prospects.

A public health campaign to increase awareness of the risk of dog bites in South Australia.
Over one third (36-37%) of dog owners and 25-29% of non-dog owners had been previously bitten by a dog, although most did not require medical attention. Approximately 70% of dog owners believed it was safe for strangers to approach their dog, 34-37% allowed children or other people to pat their dog without permission, and less than half separated their dog from visitors or delivery people. In contrast, few of the non-dog owners allowed their children to pat a dog without the owner's permission and only 2% allowed them to play with dogs without supervision.