Laser & Energy
Laser & Energy Procedures
What is laser & energy?
Laser and advanced energy procedures use focused light and energy devices to cut, seal and treat tissue with precision. At our Santa Monica practice, Dr. Antonio Pedraza applies CO₂ laser, vessel-sealing devices and related energy tools during minimally invasive and soft-tissue surgery for dogs and cats across Los Angeles. Because these tools can seal small blood vessels and nerve endings as they work, procedures often involve less bleeding, reduced swelling and less post-operative discomfort for the patient. They are selected case by case and frequently combined with laparoscopy or endoscopy. Outcomes depend on individual evaluation, the specific condition and overall health, and no procedure is risk-free. Dr. Pedraza explains the expected benefits and risks for each dog or cat before recommending a laser or energy approach.
Key facts
- Procedure
- Laser & Energy Procedures
- Typical use
- Soft-tissue surgery and steps needing precise cutting with reduced bleeding
- Access method
- Laser or energy device, often combined with minimally invasive surgery
- Anesthesia
- General or local depending on the procedure
- Recovery expectation
- Frequently faster than scalpel surgery; many cases discharge same-day
- Referral needed?
- Accepted; families and referring veterinarians may request a consultation
- When to call urgently
- Call urgently for incision bleeding, swelling, breathing trouble, collapse or severe pain
- Consultation
- Book a Consultation
Approach
Often smaller than traditional
Recovery
Usually faster than scalpel surgery
Anesthesia
General or local depending on procedure
Discharge
Frequently same-day
Los Angeles Laparoscopy Vet utilizes laser technology and advanced energy devices to perform a variety of surgical procedures with greater precision and less trauma. These tools allow us to cut or ablate tissue with minimal bleeding and pain compared to traditional methods.
What is Laser Surgery in Veterinary Medicine?
Laser surgery uses a focused beam of light (such as a CO₂ laser) as an alternative to a scalpel. The laser instantly seals small blood vessels and nerve endings as it cuts, leading to much less bleeding and reduced post-operative pain, with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
- Mass Removals & Skin Surgery: Removing tumors, cysts, or warts with little bleeding, often without stitches.
- Soft Palate & Oral Surgery: Trimming elongated soft palates in brachycephalic breeds and removing oral growths.
- Spays / Neuters and Routine Surgeries: Laser-assisted incisions when an open approach is needed.
- Dermatologic Procedures: Precise removal of small lumps on delicate areas like eyelids or ear tips.
Endoscopic Laser Treatments
- Nasal Tumor / Polyp Ablation: Laser ablation of abnormal nasal tissue via rhinoscope.
- Chronic Rhinitis & Fungal Infections: Endoscopic debridement of fungal plaques.
- Esophageal Stricture Dilation: Laser ablation of scar tissue combined with balloon dilation.
- Laser Lithotripsy: Cystoscopic laser fragmentation of bladder/urethral stones.
- Endoscopic Tumor Debulking: Palliative laser reduction of bladder or airway tumors.
- Ectopic Ureter Ablation: Endoscopic correction of congenital urinary incontinence.
Advanced Energy Devices & Surgical Technology
- Electrocautery & Radiosurgery: Instant vessel sealing during open and laparoscopic surgery.
- Vessel Sealing Devices: Tools like Ligasure to fuse larger vessels for clean, secure hemostasis.
- Harmonic Scalpel: Ultrasonic cutting with minimal heat for delicate, precise surgery.
- Coblation Technology: Radiofrequency in saline for soft palate or tonsillar sculpting with quick healing.
Benefits of Laser & Energy Procedures for Your Companion
- Less painful: Sealed nerve endings and minimized tissue damage.
- Low bleeding and swelling: Cleaner surgical sites and faster healing.
- Quick recovery: Especially with endoscopic laser procedures — often no external incision at all.
- High precision: Better outcomes on delicate or small structures.
- Modern standard of care: Advanced therapies that weren't widely available until recently.
Procedure recommendations depend on physical exam findings, diagnostics, anatomy, condition severity and anesthetic safety. Dr. Antonio Pedraza reviews each case individually.
Reviewed by Dr. Antonio Pedraza, DVM, MVM · Last updated May 28, 2026
Related procedures
Clinical imagery
Real cases from our Los Angeles operating room
Surgical and endoscopic imagery from Dr. Pedraza's recent cases. Some images show internal anatomy and clinical findings.
References
Clinical references and further reading
Educational links are provided for background context. Recommendations depend on individual veterinary evaluation.
- AAHA Anesthesia and Monitoring Guidelines for Dogs and CatsAAHA
- Anesthesia and Your Pet — what to expectAVMA
- Brachycephalic Syndrome (relevant to soft palate procedures)ACVS
- Small Animal Surgical Conditions — owner education libraryACVS
Reviewed by Dr. Antonio Pedraza, DVM, MVM
Last updated: May 28, 2026
This page is educational and does not replace an individual veterinary consultation.
Serving Greater Los Angeles
Care close to home for companion families across the Westside
Located at 2116 Main Street in Santa Monica, Los Angeles Laparoscopy Vet at Sevilla Veterinary Hospital serves companion animals, dogs and cats from Santa Monica, Los Angeles, West Los Angeles, Venice, Brentwood, Culver City, Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, Marina del Rey.
Los Angeles Laparoscopy Vet at Sevilla Veterinary Hospital
2116 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
By appointment · referrals welcome
Ready to schedule advanced care for your companion?
Speak with our team about whether a minimally invasive procedure is right for your dog or cat.