Cryotherapy for Skin Lesions in Pets

Cryotherapy is a medical technique that involves applying extreme cold to treat benign skin conditions such as warts, skin tags, cysts, and other dermatologic issues affecting the skin or ears. At Crosslake Veterinary Hospital, we utilize a specialized tool known as a Cryoprobe, which delivers nitrous oxide to target and treat these types of skin lesions. 

Dogs and cats can develop various skin growths that may lead to discomfort, including symptoms such as itching, irritation, discharge, crusting, or even infection. These skin lesions not only cause distress to our pets but may also be visually unappealing. As a result, removal is often recommended. Traditionally, surgical removal of these lesions with a scalpel has been the standard approach, which typically requires heavy sedation or general anesthesia to keep pets comfortable during the procedure. However, in certain situations, such as with older animals or those with existing health conditions, sedation or anesthesia might not be the safest option, and it can be costly. Cryotherapy offers an excellent alternative in such cases. This treatment causes minimal discomfort and can usually be performed while the pet is awake, using local anesthesia or mild sedation when needed. 

Conditions Treated with Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy can effectively treat a variety of skin lesions in pets, including: 

  • Acral lick granulomas
  • Eosinophilic granuloma complex (in cats)
  • Epidermal or follicular cysts 
  • Histiocytomas
  • Meibomian gland adenomas
  • Sebaceous adenomas
  • Skin tags

Before proceeding with cryotherapy, further diagnostic tests such as fine needle aspiration or biopsy may be required to ensure an accurate diagnosis and to determine the best course of treatment based on the individual needs of the pet.

What to Expect During Treatment

Cryotherapy is generally well-tolerated, but there are some potential side effects, both short - and long-term, that pet owners should be aware of. These may include:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Changes in skin pigmentation
  • Hair loss or hair color changes at the treated site
  • Altered sensation in the treated area
  • Scarring
  • Risk of infection

After cryotherapy, the treated area will likely appear red for the first few days. This will be followed by necrosis (tissue death), scabbing, and eventually the lesion will fall off. It may take up to four sessions spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart to fully resolve the issue. 

While cryotherapy is effective for many conditions, it is not suitable for every patient. A full physical examination with your veterinarian will help determine if this treatment is the best option for your pet.

If you have any other questions, please give us a call at (218) 692-4400. You can also email us at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we are able. Don't forget to follow us on social media: Facebook and Instagram