What: Laser podoplasty is a surgical procedure for dogs that uses a CO2 laser to remove "false pad" tissue and interdigital cysts. It is often performed when these conditions cause chronic discomfort, typically healing through secondary intention (open healing) after the laser vaporises the targeted tissue.

Purpose: It is primarily used to treat false pad tissue (abnormal skin growth on the paw) and interdigital cysts, which can be caused by factors like atopic dermatitis or constant pressure on haired skin.

The Procedure: Performed under general anesthesia, the CO2 laser cuts and vaporises the unwanted tissue. Because the laser seals blood vessels and nerve endings as it cuts, it typically results in less bleeding, reduced pain, and less inflammation than traditional surgical excision.

Recovery: Stitches are rarely used. Wounds are often bandaged for a short period, then left to heal by "secondary intention" meaning they close naturally over the course of 3 to 4 weeks.

Wound cleaning & tractor bandaging # 1 by Vet Bobby Moseley & Nurse Georgia Butt at: Hillside Veterinary Centre, Dorset

Wound cleaning & camo bandaging # 2 by Vet Bobby Moseley & Nurse Georgia Butt at: Hillside Veterinary Centre, Dorset

Application of 100% Medical Grade Manuka Honey - reduces bacterial load & helps prevent infection.

Manuka honey is widely used in veterinary medicine, particularly for wound care, due to its high methylglyoxal (MGO) content which provides antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It treats wounds, burns, and skin infections by reducing edema, debriding tissues, and promoting a moist healing environment

Wound cleaning & bandaging # 3 & 4 at home ! Due to the non-stop heavy rain, inevitable Ripley's camo bandage got wet today (even with plastic wrapping whilst out on his 5 min walk..) FYI the marking on the white bandage on the photo is NOT water but rather wound secretion !.. so it was the first experiences of 'at home' bandage changing. There is certainly a reason why paying a vet to do this is so important, as it is very stressful... 

Hypergranulation tissue, or "proud flesh," is an excess growth of bright red, friable (easily bleeding) tissue that rises above the wound surface, stalling healing by creating a barrier to skin regeneration. Often caused by infection, friction, or excessive moisture. 

Impact on Healing: It blocks keratinocytes (skin cells) from migrating across the wound, which stops or slows down re-epithelialisation.

Our solution: 'Magic cream' = hydrocortisone + Chloramphenicol 1% combination.

What we were told regarding application: Improvement noted in the granulation tissue, the cream can be used until the wound is fully epithelialised (covered with skin) provided you are not seeing any regression or signs of infection.

Wound/Surgical Healing: Accelerates recovery from injuries, surgical incisions, and hot spots.

• Safe for Pets: It is a non-thermal, non-toxic, and non-invasive therapy

How to Administer Red Light Therapy

• Device Types: Use devices designed specifically for pets, including handheld lasers or therapy wraps/mats.
• Treatment Length: Standard practice is 3–5 minutes per body part.

Due to the way the paw heals post surgery the paw pads are NOT the same as pre-surgery - therefore for Ripley, for the rest of his life on walks (with the exception of soft grass) he was either in 'trainers' or we bandaged his paw. We do not regret the surgery as he was in pain prior but we want to make you aware that this may be the same situation for your dog. Its certainly no something we were forewarned of as being a possibility by either of the surgeons that carried out his paw surgeries....