Cryosurgery

Removal of lumps, bumps, skin tags, & warts

At some point, most pets will get lumps, bumps, skin tags, or warts that you’ll want to have removed. Cryosurgery with Cool Renewal is a great alternative to scalpel removal or traditional liquid nitrogen methods for removing them. 

Cryosurgery means not only a shorter procedure time, but less anesthesia, if any. It can be a great alternative for pets who are not suitable candidates for an anesthetic procedure due to age or other medical reasons. 

Cryosurgery is convenient, non-invasive, minimizes pain, bleeding and complications that are commonly associated with scalpel removal. In most cases, the procedure takes less than one minute! 

What is Cryosurgery 

Cryosurgery is the application of cryogen to the skin to destroy unhealthy tissue. Think of it as controlled frostbite, with little or no discomfort. Once the skin tumor is frozen, the skin may blister or turn red within a few hours or days and will eventually scab and naturally slough off within 2-3 weeks. New, healthy tissue will regenerate underneath the frozen tissue, and should return to normal color within a few weeks to months after the dead tissue has sloughed. 

Commonly Treated Skin Lumps & Bumps 

• Papillomas (Warts): Canine Papilloma Virus, more commonly referred to as dog warts, is a common virus in dogs as well as other mammals, and are a variety of shapes and sizes. The disease is spread by contact with an infected dog, but is transmissible only to dogs and not to other humans or animals.  
• Skin Tags: Skin tags are thin and floppy at the base. The entire skin tag may have a flattened appearance, or it may be slightly rounded and have a tear drop shape. Skin tags tend to dangle from the skin and, unlike warts, you can move skin tags back and forth with your fingers. Skin tags are usually the same color as your dog's skin.  
• Sebaceous Adenomas: Present themselves as elevated, nodular masses that typically range in size between that of a pea and a large marble. These tumors are most prevalent in dogs that are over 7 years of age and often present little or no discomfort to the dog. However, in some cases they can be itchy and inflamed. 
• Distichia: Distichiasis is a condition where eyelashes emerge from the ducts of glands within the eyelid (Meibomian gland) which does not normally produce hairs. These "extra" eyelashes often rub on the surface of the eye and may cause irritation. Distichiasis is considered to be a breed-related problem in dogs, and is most commonly found in retrievers, spaniels, poodles, Shih Tzus and Weimeranas. 

Benefits of Cryosurgery with Cool Renewal® 

• No anesthetic required, great for older pets 
• Same day, out-patient procedure. Procedure lasts 2 minutes 
• Very minimal pain or discomfort. There is a slight sting during application, then numb from freezing. 
• Simple after-care and recovery. There are no sutures. 
• Quick healing time (2-3 weeks) 
• Affordable 

What to Expect After Cryosurgery 

• Most patients experience little or no pain with cryosurgery, but if your pet is showing signs of pain or discomfort, please consult with your veterinarian about medications that could be helpful.  
• If a large blister becomes present, your veterinarian may drain the blister to relieve pain or discomfort.  
• With a successful treatment, the treated area may blister, turn a dark brown or black, or form a crust/scab within a few hours or days. This is normal and part of the destruction and healing process.  
• If a scab or crust forms, it is recommended that you not let your pet scratch or irritate the scab, and let it slough naturally. This should take approximately 7-14 days, depending on the skin lesion size, location and your pet’s healing ability.  
• It’s ok to bathe your pet but try to keep the treated area as dry as possible.  
• No bandage is necessary but may be used to protect the healing lesion from injury or irritation. Try to leave the area open to air as often as possible to promote the crusting/ scabbing process. 
• Once the scab has sloughed, the new skin may be red, sensitive, or even itch as it is healing. Do not bandage, irritate, or apply medications after the scab falls off. Normal skin color should return over a few weeks or months.  

If you’d like to find out if your pet is a good candidate or have any questions or concerns, contact one of our veterinary clinics.