Principles of Cryotherapy for Skin Tumors
Mammalian cells are destroyed at -20°C (-4°F) due to ice crystal formation, leading to cell membrane rupture and dehydration. Rapid freezing causes significant intracellular ice, and slow thawing results in recrystallization, which increases cell damage. Effective cryotherapy involves 3-4 freeze/thaw cycles, with liquid nitrogen being the most commonly used./p>
Equine sarcoids are the most frequently treated tumors, with success rates of 60%-100%. Cryotherapy's success improves with experienced veterinarians and multiple treatments. Cryotherapy can also treat other skin conditions like Squamous Cell Carcinoma often without general anesthesia, making it suitable for outpatient procedures. At DCLAH, we use the Brymill Veterinary Cryogenic System./p>
Source: Equine Surgery, Auer & Stick, 4th ed., Chapter 14, pp. 161-165
