This book is a state-of-the-art reference to using surgical lasers to treat animal patients. Encompassing theory and practice, it emphasizes procedures, techniques, and equipment, with specific recommendations for laser settings.   While most of the procedures emphasize surgeries on dogs and cats, this practical guide also dedicates chapters to equine, small mammal, avian, aquatic animal, and reptile surgeries, making it an excellent clinical reference for any busy veterinarian. 

The book begins with background information on the theory and science of laser surgery, then details specific surgical procedures with step-by-step instructions and accompanying photographs. The next section provides practical guidance for incorporating lasers into the veterinary practice, and the final section offers a look at the future of lasers in veterinary medicine and surgery. A companion website features video clips of surgery procedures. 

Presents a state-of-the-art guide to using laser surgery in veterinary practice, from theory and procedures to techniques and equipmentFocuses on dogs and cats, including specialties such as ophthalmic laser surgery, laser neurosurgery, and photodynamic therapy, with chapters on equine, small mammal, avian, aquatic animal, and reptile surgeriesDraws on the experience of more than 20 experts in various areasProvides practical advice for incorporating laser surgery into the veterinary practice, with the heart of the book devoted to specific surgical proceduresIncludes specific recommendations for laser settings and techniques for the procedures discussedOffers video clips demonstrating surgical techniques on a companion website 

Laser Surgery in Veterinary Medicineis an essential resource for anyone using surgical lasers in veterinary medicine, including veterinary students, practitioners, and specialists.

Dedication and Acknowledgments viii

About the Editor ix

Foreword x

Preface xii

List of Contributors xv

Disclaimer xvii

About the Companion Website xviii

Part I The Science of Laser Surgery 1

1 Laser Physics and Equipment 3
Peter Vitruk

2 Understanding and Utilizing Power Density 14
Noel Berger

3 Laser&Tissue Interaction: Selecting a Laser for Surgery 22
Christopher J. Winkler

4 The Ideal Laser Scalpel 32
Peter Vitruk

5 Combining Laser Surgery with Laser Therapy (Photobiomodulation) 42
David S. Bradley

6 Laser Safety in the Operating Theater 52
Christopher J. Winkler

Part II Laser Surgery in Canines and Felines 61

7 Elective Laser Surgery Procedures 63
Paul Sessa and Andrew Brockfield

8 Oral Laser Surgery Procedures 84
Jan Bellows

9 Laser Surgery Procedures of the Nose and Throat 99
Ray A. Arza

10 Laser Surgery Procedures of the Ear 106
Louis N. Gotthelf

11 Periorbital and Eyelid Laser Surgery Procedures 116
Daniel M. Core

12 Ophthalmic Lasers for the Treatment of Glaucoma 129
Noelle La Croix and Jay Wayne

13 Dermatologic Laser Surgery Procedures 141
David Duclos

14 Urogenital and Perianal Laser Surgery Procedures 164
William E. Schultz

15 Oncological Laser Surgery Procedures 198
Devin Cunningham and F. A. (Tony) Mann

16 Laser Photodynamic Therapy Procedures 206
Katalin Kovács

17 Surgical Lasers in Minimally Invasive and Endoscopic Small Animal Procedures 217
David S. Sobel

18 Laser Neurosurgical Procedures 239
Gaemia Tracy

Part III Laser Surgery in Equines 245

19 Equine Laser Surgery Procedures 247
Lloyd P. Tate and Kathryn B. Tate

Part IV Laser Surgery in Exotics Species 265

20 Laser Surgery Procedures in Small Exotic Animals (Small Mammals, Reptiles, and Avians) 267
Eva Hadzima, Maros Pazej, and Katherine Weston

21 Laser Surgery in Aquatic Animals (Sea Turtles) 292
Brooke M. Burkhalter and Terry M. Norton

Part V Integrating Surgical Lasers in Your Veterinary Practice 313

22 Tips and Tricks for Veterinary Laser Surgeons 315
Les \"Laser Les\" Lattin

23 Pain Management in Laser Surgery Procedures 320
Noel Berger

24 Laser Surgery in the Mobile Practice 324
Janine S. Dismukes

25 Economic Considerations for Laser Surgery 327
John C. Godbold, Jr

Part VI The Future of Lasers in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery 335

26 The Future of Lasers in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery 337
Christopher J. Winkler

Appendix A: Glossary 341

Appendix B: Certifying and Academic Laser Organizations 346

Appendix C: Tables of Laser Settings 347

Index 359