Cryosurgery is a surgical technique which utilizes liquid nitrogen or nitrous oxide to freeze unwanted tissue and consequently destroys it. Used in people as well as in dogs and cats, the treatment causes the tissue which is frozen to fall off or dissolve. This may take up to 4 weeks, and fortunately there is very little discomfort to the pet during this process.
Cryosurgery for pets is a safe treatment alternative to traditional surgery and has proven to be very successful for a variety of conditions. Any time a patient is reviewed for surgery, cryosurgery can be considered an option as long as the issue is on the outer layer of the skin. This makes it a good option for tumors, cysts, skin tags, and other skin disorders, including some forms of cancer. Because the technique freezes the offending tissue, there is very little discomfort after the procedure and usually there is no need for sutures.
