Minor Surgery & Cryotherapy
Mobile Cryotherapy and Minor Surgery in Richmond
Striving to provide thorough and comprehensive care in the comfort of our pet patients’ homes, Capital Home Veterinary Care’s mobile clinic is fully equipped with a small, fully functional surgical suite from which our experienced veterinarians can perform a variety of minor surgeries on-site and provide pets with non-invasive, anesthesia-free cryotherapy treatments.
Minor On-Site Veterinary Surgery
Our mobile clinic includes a small surgical suite, which is fully equipped to accommodate a wide variety of minor surgical procedures, such as:
- Removal of a mass or tumor
- Laceration repairs
- Professional dental cleanings
- Abscess resolution
- Tooth extraction
- Feline neuter
- Biopsies
If your cat or dog needs a more extensive surgical procedure which requires the capabilities of an entire animal hospital and staff, Capital Home Veterinary Care will refer your pet to one of several highly qualified local animal hospitals with which we are affiliated to ensure your beloved companion receives the treatment he or she needs.
For more serious surgery procedures, here are some of the local hospital’s we may refer you to, depending on your pet’s particular situation:
Commonwealth Animal Hospital
Woodlake Animal Hospital
Hanover Animal Hospital
On-Site Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy, sometimes referred to as cryosurgery, uses extreme cold to treat a variety of skin conditions and even cancer without the risks of surgery, anesthesia, incisions and lengthy recovery times.
How Does Cryotherapy Work?
Most cells in the body are comprised of about 70% water, and when water freezes, it crystalizes and expands. The application of extreme cold causes the water inside cells to expand, bursting cellular structures and killing the cells of targeted skin tissue. Since the extreme cold numbs sensory nerves in surrounding tissue, the procedure is naturally painless and does not require the use of anesthesia. This makes it a great treatment alternative for pets who are unable to be safely anesthetized.
Traditionally, cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze cells, but newer technology and tools have made the use of argon and more precise application possible.
What Does Cryotherapy Treat?
Cryotherapy treats external skin conditions, including:
- Skin tags
- Growths
- Tumors
- Cysts
- Certain cancers
How Many Treatments Are Required?
Cryotherapy treatment sessions typically take about five minutes. Depending on your pet’s specific condition or the size of the targeted area, your dog or cat might require several sessions to achieve the desired results. We recommend weekly cryotherapy sessions until the size of the targeted area has considerably diminished or until the growth disappears completely.
Preparing for Your Pet's Surgical Procedure
Before performing any surgical procedure on a cat or dog, our veterinarian must first confirm that your pet is healthy enough to safely undergo the procedure. If your pet will undergo general anesthesia, a blood test and physical evaluation will be performed prior to the procedure. In addition, our veterinarian will provide you with any instructions for preparing your pet for surgery, such as restricting food and water prior to surgery and limiting activity following the procedure.
For more information about preparing for your pet’s appointment or to learn more about the types of surgeries Capital Home Veterinary Care can provide for your pet on-site, contact our office today.
