Cryosurgery

A Solution for Lumps, Bumps, Skin Tags, and Warts

Many pets develop lumps, bumps, skin tags, or warts that owners may wish to have removed. Cryosurgery can be an excellent alternative to traditional surgical removal.

This innovative technique offers a shorter procedure time, minimal or no anesthesia, and is particularly suitable for pets who may not be ideal candidates for anesthesia due to age or medical conditions.

Benefits of Cryosurgery

• Quick and convenient: most procedures take less than 5 minutes
• Minimally invasive: reduces pain, bleeding, and complications compared to scalpel removal
• No anesthesia needed: Ideal for older pets or those with health concerns
• Simple recovery: no sutures, easy aftercare, and fast healing in 2-3 weeks

How Cryosurgery Works

Cryosurgery involves applying a controlled cryogen to freeze and destroy unhealthy tissue. Think of it as precise frostbite, with minimal discomfort. Multiple treatments may be necessary depending on the size, location, breed, and number of treated areas.

After freezing:

• The skin may blister or turn red within hours or days
• A scab will form and slough off naturally within 2-3 weeks
• New, healthy tissue regenerates, with normal skin color returning over time

Common Conditions Treated

• Papillomas (Warts): Caused by the Canine Papilloma Virus, these growths vary in shape and size and are only transmissible between dogs.
• Skin Tags: Soft, floppy growths that often dangle from the skin and match your pet’s natural skin color.
• Sebaceous Adenomas: Nodular masses found in older dogs, usually painless but sometimes itchy or inflamed.
• Distichia: Extra eyelashes that grow from the eyelid gland, often irritating the eye. Common in breeds like retrievers, spaniels, and poodles.

What to Expect During Cryosurgery

• Preparation: Your pet will be comfortable and awake, as no sedation is typically required, but may be recommended depending on the area treated.
• Procedure: The application of cryogen lasts just a few seconds, freezing the targeted tissue.
• Post-Treatment: The treated area may form a blister or scab as it heals.

Aftercare 

• Healing Process: Treated areas may blister, darken, or scab. Let the scab slough off naturally in 7-14 days. 
• Prevent Irritation: Keep your pet from licking, chewing, or scratching the area; use a bandage or Elizabethan collar if necessary but allow for air exposure. 
• Bathing: Keep the area as dry as possible during healing. 
• Skin Recovery: After the scab falls off, the new skin may appear red or sensitive but will normalize over time. 

If pain or discomfort arises, consult your veterinarian for guidance. 

Why Choose Cryosurgery? 

• Outpatient procedure with minimal downtime. 
• Quick, painless, and affordable solution for skin growths. 

If you’re curious whether cryosurgery is right for your pet, or if you have questions, contact us at (317) 516-5921 to learn more. We’re here to help!