At Dermvet, we’ve seen first-hand how advances in laser and minimally invasive techniques are transforming the landscape of veterinary care for conditions that are regularly affecting both cats and dogs.
As a local Leicester vet specialising in skin conditions, we’re excited to share why so many in the profession are embracing these technologies and how this can benefit your pet’s journey to wellness.
The scope of skin and ear problems in dogs and cats
Skin and ear issues remain among the most common reasons for veterinary visits. For example, dogs frequently present with recalcitrant ear infections, chronic otitis or ear canal changes, while cats may suffer from persistent dermatitis or ear disease that proves resistant to standard treatments. These cases often go beyond superficial scratching or simple wax accumulation: they involve deep-seated inflammation, abnormal tissue growth or anatomical changes.
As a dog ear specialist and cat skin specialist, at Dermvet we appreciate the many different complexities that can come with these areas of the animal and are well trained in diagnosing and curing many of these ailments. Our role as a vet specialising in skin conditions is important because we can offer prompt, accurate diagnosis, combined with the right medical interventions, which can make all the difference to your animal’s welfare.
Why laser surgery is becoming the standard
Historically, many ear and skin conditions required more invasive surgery, substantial tissue disruption and prolonged healing times. With the invention of laser-assisted techniques, the landscape is changing. For example, our CO2 laser allows us to target abnormal tissue with remarkable accuracy, whilst preserving the surrounding healthy skin or ear structures. That means less disruption for your pet, resulting in faster recovery.
The CO2 laser’s heat seals blood vessels as it works, which means less bleeding during the procedure and less swelling afterwards. This is especially beneficial in tricky ear canal surgeries as the combination of video otoscopy and laser tools gives us an enhanced view and a more controlled environment. At our clinic, we combine video otoscopy with laser surgery to address complex cases and it is this precision that leads to shorter operative times and clearer assessments.
With less tissue trauma, pets often experience less pain and a faster return to eating, grooming and play. This means fewer hospital stays and less disruption for owners. The technology is also versatile across pet types. Whether dealing with a dog’s proliferative ear canal lesions or a cat’s chronic dermatitis with thickened skin, the laser approach can be tailored to the animal and condition. That makes it a valuable tool for any vet specialising in skin conditions or ear disease.
Why your pet benefits from specialistise and technology
When choosing care for your pet, experience matters. At our clinic we have only one veterinary dermatologist and one nurse; which means your pet receives continuity of care from a tightly focused and highly experienced team. In fact, our veterinary dermatologist is one of only two in England and Wales who can successfully operate the CO2 laser. That singular focus and pioneering expertise means we stay up to date with the latest techniques and can work to the highest standards of collaborationary care to treat your pet effectively.
Working closely with your primary vet, our role as a vet specialising in skin conditions is to provide second-opinion level care when standard approaches haven’t yielded results. We believe time and a passion for pet healthcare are key to working through the complex issues surrounding skin and ear disease.
Owners often ask us if laser surgery is necessary and the short answer is, for many cases, yes. The combination of accuracy, reduced trauma and enhanced recovery potential is hard to ignore. Of course, the decision always involves a discussion of costs, benefits and alternatives. Every patient is assessed individually, with treatment recommendations based on need and potential outcome.
Looking ahead to November and beyond
As we move into November, with darker nights and colder, wetter weather, we often see an increase in skin and ear issues for pets. Moisture trapped in ears or skin becoming irritated and more vulnerable, means now is the time to act before their discomfort becomes more serious. Whether you’re managing chronic ear infections in a dog or unexplained skin flare-ups in a cat, early intervention with the right technology can make all the difference.
We are proud to be one of the settings where advanced laser surgery is accessible for skin and ear conditions. We invite you to talk to us about how our experience as a vet specialising in skin conditions can help your pet. Our goal is simple: to reunite pets and owners with comfort, health and freedom from recurring disease.
If you’d like further details about our laser surgery options, diagnostic protocols or how referral works, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. At Dermvet, we’re here to deliver specialist care in a world where laser can change outcomes for the better.