Ridings Equine Vets is equipped with a diode laser which we predominantly use to remove skin tumours such as sarcoids and melanomas. Laser stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation and the laser generates an intense beam of light that can be used to cut, seal and vaporise tissue.

The main benefits of laser surgery are:

• The risk of spreading tumour cells is minimised compared to standard surgical removal, which is especially important for removal of sarcoids to reduce recurrence.
• Reduction in bleeding as the laser seals vessels as it cuts.
• Reduced inflammation, swelling and post-operative infection.
• Recent studies have shown tumour remission rates post laser removal of greater than 90%.

Read more about Melanomas on our blog