Medical care has had many new innovations in recent years, and new products, techniques and procedures continue to improve the quality of life for people across the world. Pets are also benefiting from a number of innovations in the field of veterinary medicine, making more effective and more humane treatment of animals’ diseases and injuries possible. Here are just a few of the innovations that have allowed veterinarians to improve the lives of pets.
Intriguing Innovations in Modern Pet Medical Care
Laser Treatments
Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, or “laser,” has become a staple technique for doing a variety of different types of surgery. However, laser can also be used as a treatment for improving veterinary problems in both people and animals. Unlike lasers that are used to cut through tissue, “cold” lasers can be used on soft tissues to stimulate better healing. The lasers work by increasing endorphin production, improve blood flow, enhance lymphatic fluid production and accelerate cellular repair. It can be used to treat a variety of veterinary conditions.
Improved Pet Anesthesia
Veterinary anesthesia has come a long way from its early days as a method for allowing veterinarians to immobilize animals in order to work on them effectively. Today’s anesthesia machines are more precise and gentler on the organ systems of animals undergoing surgical procedures. The use of isoflurane has made it safer than ever before for animals to have exploratory and other surgeries that help them to live longer, more active lives. Some breeds reportedly have more problems with anesthetics, and individual differences between one individual animal and another can vary in regard to their reaction to a particular type. However, pre-anesthetic assessment and careful monitoring during the procedure can reduce the risk of reaction problems.
Hip Replacement Surgery in Dogs
In humans, advancements in orthopedic surgery have allowed millions of people to live more active, pain-free life. Similarly, joint replacement procedures are now available for dogs, as well, to restore mobility and function with inherited diseases or accidents cause severe damage to the hip joint. The procedures require thorough evaluation and a significant recovery time, but they have produced excellent results in reducing joint pain and problems with movement. If your pet is prone to joint issues, it’s worth investing in pet insurance – which according to recent research only 2% of Americans currently have.
Many of the medical innovations that have been developed for the human population have been adapted for veterinary care. These procedures have allowed vets to offer more options for treatment with less recovery time and better outcomes for their animal patients. Your veterinarian can offer more information about these procedures and how they can help in maintaining your pet’s health.
Dixie Somers is a freelance writer and blogger for business, home, and family niches. Dixie lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and is the proud mother of three beautiful girls and wife to a wonderful husband. Dixie recommends looking into anesthesia machines from a company like Keebovet.