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Our Phone Number (021) 463 4443
Our Email hello@skinvet.ie

Help your pet to walk & run again

We diagnose and treat many pets with feet and claw problems. These can include:

  • Interdigital cysts (chronic pododermatitis and interdigital furunculosis)
  • Itchy or sore feet
  • Pad problems
  • Broken or fragile claws
  • Claws falling out
  • …and more

As pet skincare experts, we deliver:

  • Longer appointment times
  • Advanced skin diagnostics with specialist dermatology equipment
  • The best evidence-based treatment advice
  • Access to specialist laboratories
  • Access to network of veterinary specialists
  • Individualised treatment plans
  • Follow-up care and advice

CO2 laser surgery for feet

Skinvet Ireland is proud to be the first veterinary clinic to offer CO2 laser surgery to Irish pets. CO2 laser surgery is the treatment of choice for pad overgrowths, pododermatitis, and interdigital cysts. There is less bleeding and pain, as well as faster recovery times compared to conventional surgical and medical treatments of these conditions.

FAQs – CO2 Podoplasty Procedure

What is a CO2 podoplasty procedure?

CO2 laser podoplasty is the removal of inflamed, diseased and overgrown interdigital skin with a surgical laser. It is the treatment of choice for chronic pododermatitis and interdigital furunculosis. The podoplasty procedure aims to restore normal footpad surface contact, and pain-free activity for your pet.

Does my pet need a general anaesthetic for CO2 Podoplasty?

Yes. Your pet will have a general anaesthetic for this procedure.

How much does the CO2 podoplasty procedure cost?

Approximately €700-€1500. The range in cost is dependent on the size of your pet, and the number of feet requiring podoplasty. Often more than one foot will be affected. You will receive a more accurate cost estimate prior surgery.

My dog is on steroid medication, should I stop these before surgery?

Yes. Please stop steroid medication 2 weeks before CO2 podoplasty surgery.

Will my dog have a bandage on its foot/feet after the procedure?

Yes. Bandages are worn for the first 72 hours (3 days). The wound surfaces will produce discharge, and strikethrough is expected (seepage). The bandages should be removed at home after 72 hours.
The bandages may be smelly when removed but this is completely normal. The bandages must not get wet – plastic covers must be used when outdoors. The bandages must not be licked – you will be supplied with a buster collar. Short walks are allowed and encouraged, but the bandages must not get wet.

What happens after I take the bandages off?

No bandage is required when indoors. A light boot should be worn when outdoors – we supply you with dog boots. The feet must not be licked – we have supplied a buster collar, or the boots can be used. Clean the wounds once daily with saline, and apply Flamazine cream to the surface of the wounds following cleaning until healing is complete.

When can I take my dog for walks again after CO2 podoplasty?

Normal activity levels can resume as soon as the dog is happy to do so.

Does my pet need antibiotics after this procedure?

No. Antibiotics are not required, and should not be prescribed without consulting Skinvet.

How long does a podoplasty take to heal?

Complete healing is expected in 4-6 weeks.

Does my pet need a recheck appointment after the procedure?

Send photos by Whatsapp to Skinvet as often as possible after you take the bandages off. We will phone you for an update after 24 hours and after 7 days. A recheck appointment is required after 6-8 weeks.



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