Specialty Procedures
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is an innovative technology that is successfully used to accelerate the healing process after surgery, alleviate joint pain, and treat degenerative diseases. It focuses infrared light on tissue at and below the surface of the skin, energizing cells and stimulating the production of collagen, which is used to repair tissue. This treatment also helps release the body’s own pain-relieving hormones.
We primarily use laser therapy to speed healing of incisions and soft-tissue trauma after surgery. However, laser therapy can also be effective in treating:
- Arthritis and degenerative joint disease
- Hip dysplasia
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Neuromuscular disease
- Tendon and ligament injuries
Laser therapy is often combined with other types of veterinary medicine including pharmaceutical regimens and alternative treatments.
Because it is non-invasive, painless, and has no side effects, laser therapy has become the preferred post-operative rehab method in veterinary medicine. As a progressive practice, all our veterinarians are skilled in laser surgery and utilize it whenever possible.
Want to know more about laser therapy and if it could benefit your pet? Just give us a call at (651) 423-3565.
Orthopedic Surgeries
It’s extremely common for dogs—especially older and overweight dogs—to rupture their cranial cruciate ligaments (CCL). This ligament is found in the knee and its human equivalent is the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL. When a dog ruptures this ligament, their knee joint becomes unstable, and they will limp on the affected limb. Because CCL tears cause such significant mobility issues for pets, it’s important to get these injuries treated as quickly as possible.
At Shamrock Animal Hospital, our surgeons perform orthopedic surgeries like cranial cruciate ligament repairs. We recommend a procedure called a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy or TPLO for dogs weighing more than twenty pounds. For smaller dogs and cats, we treat the torn CCL using a technique called extracapsular repair or lateral suture.
Our surgeons have experience in both procedures and will consult with you about the preferred method for your pet. The best surgical option for your dog will generally depend on the size and age of your dog.
