Hi All, Our Kenya got her first sebaceous adenomas 4 years ago at 12 years old. Luckily, I was living close enough to UPenn Vet Training Hospital to get her into their Dermatology clinic. They did cryosurgery on the bumps. Not enough to necrotize them and cause a deep wound but enough to deaden the nerves so they would not itch. They used liquid nitrogen. Took less than 5 minutes per mass.

Our current vet is at Rancho San Diego Animal Hospital (RSDAH) and was trained in this relatively simple procedure but her hospital lacks the liquid nitrogen equipment.

Anybody know a local San Diego vet who has the equipment and the know-how to perform cryosurgery?

Alternatively, our vet said said that if we could provide the equipment, they would add the necessary protocols to their practice. I found a basic nitrogen rig online for about $475. Any interest in a group purchase? (See ebay link below)
Thanks, Marcus

http://cgi.ebay.com/N...

Hi Mark,

I have a couple of suggestions for you. Cote Animal Hospital in the UTC area advertises cryosurgery on their webpage ( coteanimalhospital.com ). I have never personally used this vet but maybe someone else might have.

One local vet I have used a lot for our rescue dogs is Rancho Mesa Animal Hospital on Miramar Rd ( ranchomesaanimalhospital.net ). Dr Volk and Dr McCroskey especially are very experienced vets. I don't know for sure they have the cryosurgery set-up but they do good work and are inexpensive and might be able to refer you to someone else if they cannot help you.

Third option is more pricey, but Veterinary Specialty Hospital of San Diego on Sorrento Valley Rd has almost everything. ( vshsd.com ). They are affiliated with UC Davis Vet school and have all the specialties. I know they have CO2 lasers and cryosurgery in their opthamalogy dept and they do have a dermatology dept as well. They are not cheap but they have state-of-art facilities.

Hope this helps,
Patty
SDSR Medical Coordinator

Thanks Patty!

I followed up on your recommendations and Kenya is scheduled for cryo-surgery for this coming Friday at the Vet Specialty Hospital. I looked for a vet who would do the surgery using only a local anesthetic and VSH agreed (after viewing her most recent senior blood chemistry work).

The price is right too. Five adenomas for $417 including post-op meds. Really looking forward to getting some relief from these itchy bumps for our girl!

Wish us luck! Kenya's a trooper so if she's up for it we'll see y'all Saturday!

Marcus, Rachna and Kenya the wonder-dog!

Success wishes to Kenya! Hope all is going well!

All paws crossed here for success tomorrow for Kenya!!

I have used VHS and the Vet Surgical Specialist in Kearney Mesa many times and they are great.

They both have a great dentist to Dr. Brooke Niemic, he works with the SD Zoo as well. He is fantastic.