ANNISTON -- Animal Medical Center in Anniston announces the immediate offering of laser surgery to pet owners in the area. The addition is part of Animal Medical Center’s continued investment in advanced technologies and progressive procedures in veterinary medicine.

Lasers have been used in human medicine for more than 30 years but are just beginning to appear in the veterinary field as doctors and animal lovers learn more about the benefits laser procedures can provide. Research indicates that pets are increasingly treated as members of the family, and maintaining quality of life for those pets is very important to Animal Medical Center.

Dr. Barry Nicholls, CEO of Animal Medical Centers in Anniston, Oxford, Lincoln, and Jacksonville, has seen the ongoing evolution of the human-animal bond. "More and more, our clients are demanding higher levels of care for their pets," states Dr. Nicholls. "Laser surgery provides us with an opportunity to meet the needs of our patients and offer the highest levels of care possible."

Laser surgery has several benefits over traditional scalpel surgery, including reduced pain, less bleeding and swelling, and generally faster recovery times. During surgery, the laser beam sterilizes as it cuts, and seals both blood vessels and nerve endings. It is this sealing process that minimizes the bleeding and pain for the animal.

While the laser can be used for most surgical procedures, feline declaws, skin tumor removals, and treatment of oral conditions in particular is where the laser proves its superiority over other surgical methods. The versatility of the laser allows a doctor to incise, ablate and coagulate with one tool, decreasing the time the surgery would take by traditional means. Additionally, the power of the laser can be adjusted to allow the doctor to perform very delicate surgeries removing a few cells or a single ingrown hair follicle at a time. Many animal lovers see the laser as the most humane surgical option available.

Dr. Nicholls summarizes, "We pride ourselves on staying on the leading edge of technology and medicine, and educating are clients on the various levels of care available. Laser surgery is the future of veterinary medicine, and we feel our clients deserve to have that option when choosing the best care for their pet."

For additional information about laser surgery, contact the staff at Animal Medical Center: 256-236-8387.