FAQ
Our FAQ's
Most frequently asked questions
What can Vet Freeze™ be used for, and which animals can be treated?
VetFreeze™ is an effective tool for treating a variety of skin tumors and disorders across different animals. It’s ideal for:
- Common conditions: Warts, skin tags, sarcoids and various cell tumors.
- Specialized cases: Distichia, and other eye, dental, or skin-related issues.
Suitable Animals: Whether you’re treating small pets, large animals, or anything in between, VetFreeze™ offers a reliable solution for skin-related concerns using advanced cryosurgery.
How do I use VetFreeze™, and how often should treatments be applied?
- Preparation:
After diagnosing the patient, prepare the treatment area. Shaving the area may be necessary, depending on the lesion. - Anesthesia:
VetFreeze™ can be used on patients with or without anesthesia, depending on the case. - Treatment Frequency:
If the lesion shows partial regression but hasn’t disappeared entirely after the initial treatment, a second application can be performed after 7 days. For stubborn lesions, you may apply VetFreeze™ repeatably, ensuring sufficient time between treatments to monitor response and healing. - Application Technique:
- Hold the spray 1-2 cm from the lesion for best results.
- Use circular motions, targeting the lesion
- Apply in 15-second bursts – up to five times per treatment:
- Spray for 15 seconds.
- Wait for the ice to thaw.
- Repeat this freeze/thaw cycle up to five times
- Completion:
Once the final freeze cycle is complete, the treatment is done.
Should I adjust the spray duration depending on the lesion type and location?
- Guidelines for application duration: The recommended maximum application is 5×15- second bursts; however, it’s ultimately at the veterinarian’s discretion to adjust based on the lesion type and location:
- Delicate or sensitive areas (e.g., near the eyes or on thin skin): Generally, these areas should be treated with greater sensitivity and shorter bursts, using fewer seconds of spray as appropriate.
- Thicker or larger lesions: A full 5×15-second application may be beneficial for achieving the best results, though veterinarians should assess each case individually.
- Veterinarian judgment:
As always, the veterinarian’s judgment is key in determining the appropriate spray duration and ensuring optimal results with minimal discomfort.
What does a successful treatment look like?
- A successful VetFreeze™ treatment results in the gradual disappearance of the lesion over the course of days to weeks. Here’s what to expect:
- Immediately after treatment: The treated area appears red and swollen, with a possible blister forming quickly. The center of the lesion may look pale or white due to the freezing.
- The following days: A blister fully forms and may be tender, gradually drying out and beginning to crust over. Swelling and redness around the area start to decrease.
- Over time: The blister becomes a scab as the skin heals, with new, healthy tissue replacing the treated area. The scab eventually falls off, leaving fresh skin underneath
- Treatment Outcome:
If the lesion shows partial regression but hasn’t disappeared entirely after the initial treatment, a second application can be performed after 7 days. For stubborn lesions, you may apply VetFreeze™ repeatably, ensuring sufficient time between treatments to monitor response and healing.
Do other veterinarians use VetFreeze™?
Yes, veterinarians trust VetFreeze™ for treating skin lesions and other related conditions.
Customer Feedback:
We truly value our customers that have embraced our innovative design. Rikke (DVM, CSAVP Derm), one of our pioneers, provided the following statement:
“VetFreeze™ has become an indispensable tool in my practice. I find that I can perform precise and effective treatments for skin lesions, and the best part is that VetFreeze™ is easy to use. My patients recover quickly and without significant discomfort, and the results consistently meet expectations. I feel confident using it and am happy to recommend a more gentle treatment option for both the owner and the patient. VetFreeze™ is especially relevant for patients where either I or the owner prefer not to use anesthesia.”Additional Testimonials:
Remaining expert statements can be found here.
Other frequently asked questions
Who are we?
- About BIBAWO Medical A/S: We are a family-owned Danish company dedicated to delivering innovative solutions for veterinarians worldwide. With a focus on creating simple, effective tools like VetFreeze™, we aim to enhance both veterinary practice and patient care.
- Commitment: Our commitment is long-term: we’re here to stay, continuously developing products that improve outcomes for patients while streamlining processes for veterinarians.
How many treatments do I get from one VetFreeze™ canister?
- VetFreeze™ comes in two sizes:
- 150 ml VetFreezeTM fine: Designed for precise application on smaller or delicate lesions.
- 200 ml VetFreezeTM MAX: Ideal for larger lesions or more extensive areas.
- Treatment Capacity:
Each canister delivers up to 25 treatments, depending on the size and complexity of the lesions being treated. The “VetFreeze™ Fine” ensures efficient use of gas, providing consistent results and approximately the same number of treatments as the MAX version.
What product versions are available for VetFreeze™?
- We offer two versions of VetFreeze™ to suit different treatment needs:
- VetFreeze™ fine (150 ml): Designed for precise and delicate applications, this version is ideal for treating smaller lesions or working in sensitive areas that require extra care.
- VetFreeze™ MAX (200 ml): This version is designed for larger lesions or more extensive areas, offering adjustable spray delivery for more coverage and flexibility in treatment.
- Treatment Consistency:
Both versions deliver the same number of treatments (up to 25 per canister), allowing you to choose the right option based on your clinic’s needs and patient cases.
What do pet owners think of VetFreeze™?
Feedback from Pet Owners:
For many pet owners, skin conditions are a frustrating issue. Traditional treatment options often involve anesthesia, which can be invasive and costly. VetFreeze™ offers a less invasive, more affordable alternative that owners appreciate.Testimonial:
Here’s what one pet owner shared:Additional Testimonials:
Want to read more testimonials from pet owners? Click here.
What do patients think of VetFreeze™?
- Patient Reactions: Reactions to VetFreeze™ vary. Some patients remain calm and comfortable during the procedure, while others may be more sensitive to the cold or the sound of the spray.
- Comfort and Outcome: In most cases, patients experience little to no discomfort during or after the treatment. This makes VetFreeze™ a gentle and effective option for addressing skin lesions without causing significant distress.
What is VetFreeze™ and how does it work?
- Cryosurgery Technique:
VetFreeze™ uses cryosurgery, a safe and effective method that has been used to treat skin lesions for over 100 years. The technique involves freezing targeted cells, leading to their destruction without harming surrounding tissue.
- Gas and Mechanism:
We use Norflurane (134a), a safe gas that is harmless on its own. The magic happens because of its extremely cold temperature. Here’s how it works:- Application: The spray rapidly cools the affected area.
- Freezing: Ice crystals form in the cells’ water.
- Cell Rupture: As the ice expands, it causes the cell membranes to rupture.
- Cell Death: The damaged cells die, and the lesion is gradually removed.
- Treatment Summary:
VetFreeze™ offers a precise, non-invasive solution to treat skin lesions with minimal discomfort for your patients.
Where can I ask questions about VetFreeze™?
- Contact Information:
If you have any questions about VetFreezeTM, we’re here to help! You can reach us via:- Email: info@vetfreeze.com
- Phone: +45 2242 4370
- Support:
We’re happy to assist with any inquiries about the product or how it can benefit your practice.
How much VetFreeze™ do I need for a successful outcome?
- Typical Treatment Needs:
If the lesion shows partial regression but hasn’t disappeared entirely after the initial treatment, a second application can be performed after 7 days. For stubborn lesions, you may apply VetFreeze™ repeatably, ensuring sufficient time between treatments to monitor response and healing.
What can I charge for a VetFreeze™ procedure?
- Pricing Recommendations:
- Single Treatment: Charge your standard consultation fee, which typically ranges from EUR 70-120, depending on your clinic.
- Follow-Up Treatments: If additional treatments are necessary, you may consider offering a reduced fee for follow-ups, especially if the patient requires multiple visits. For instance, some veterinarians provide a 20-30% discount on subsequent treatments to encourage repeat visits and build client loyalty.
- Premium Service:
VetFreeze™ offers a high-value service—anesthesia-free, non-invasive, and quick procedures with minimal recovery time. These factors make it a premium service that clients are often willing to pay for.
What types of patients can VetFreeze™ be used for?
- Versatility:
VetFreeze™ is highly versatile and can be used on a wide range of animals, including dogs, cats, and horses. It’s especially beneficial for patients where anesthesia may not be ideal or possible, such as:- Older animals or those with underlying health conditions.
- Nervous or anxious patients, who may benefit from a non-invasive, anesthesia-free option.
- Routine cases like skin lesions, warts, or sarcoids, which can be treated quickly and effectively.
- Patient Comfort:
With VetFreeze, you can treat a wide variety of cases with minimal discomfort for your patients.
How many patients typically have these types of disorders?
- Prevalence of Dermatological Issues:
Skin lesions and related disorders are common in veterinary practices, especially in dogs, cats, and horses. Studies show that dermatological issues account for a significant portion of veterinary visits.
Is VetFreeze™ safe?
Safety Assurance:
Yes, VetFreeze™ is completely safe. It uses Norflurane (134a), the same gas found in asthma inhalers that has been safely used for decades. While the gas itself is harmless, its effectiveness comes from its extreme cold temperature, which is what makes the treatment work.Design Focus:
VetFreeze™ is designed with both safety and efficacy in mind, ensuring minimal risk for your patients and easy handling for your clinic.
Will there be any side effects?
- Possible Side Effects:
Side effects from using VetFreeze™ are uncommon and generally mild. In rare cases, patients may experience:- Temporary sensitivity at the treatment site
- Persistent hair loss (alopecia)
- Changes in skin or hair color (leukoderma, leukotrichia, or hyperpigmentation)
- Nature of Side Effects:
These side effects are typically cosmetic and don’t impact the overall health of the patient.
Do you have use cases available?
- User Case Availability: Yes, veterinarians in various countries have tested and achieved excellent results using VetFreeze™. We currently have 30+ user cases available, showcasing successful treatments across a wide range of animals and conditions.
- Examples:
- Small Animal Practice: VetFreeze™ Fine has been used by many satisfied veterinarians to treat small lesions on dogs and cats with precision, achieving quick recovery times and high owner satisfaction.
- Equine Care: VetFreeze™ MAX has proven effective for larger applications, like sarcoids in horses, where veterinarians have seen excellent results.
- Anesthesia-Free Cases: In situations where anesthesia isn’t ideal, such as with older or sensitive patients, VetFreeze™ has provided a safe, effective treatment option with minimal stress for the patient.
- Further Information: With over 30 documented cases, you can explore a variety of real-world applications and outcomes. To see pictures and details of these cases, please click here.
Are there videos available to see VetFreeze™ in action?
- Video Resources:
Yes! We have a variety of videos showing VetFreeze™ in action, including treatment demonstrations and real-life cases across different animal types. These videos give you a firsthand look at the application process, patient reactions, and the results you can expect from using VetFreeze™. - Watch and Learn:
To watch these videos and explore how VetFreeze™ can work in your practice, please click here.
What should I do if a lesion doesn’t fully respond to the first treatment?
- Follow-Up Treatment:
If the lesion shows partial regression but hasn’t disappeared entirely after the initial treatment, a second application can be performed after 7 days. For stubborn lesions, you may apply VetFreeze™ repeatably, ensuring sufficient time between treatments to monitor response and healing.
Can I use VetFreeze™ on sensitive or delicate areas?
- Treatment in Delicate Areas:
Yes, VetFreeze™ is designed with precision in mind and can be safely used on delicate areas such as near the eyes, ears, or other sensitive parts, especially with the VetFreeze™ Fine version. However, exercise caution and evaluate each case individually, particularly around areas with thin skin.
How does VetFreeze™ compare to surgical removal?
- Non-Invasive Alternative:
While surgical removal requires anesthesia and sutures, VetFreeze™ offers a non- invasive alternative that can achieve similar outcomes for many types of skin lesions without needing anesthesia or extensive recovery time. This can be more comfortable for the patient and less costly for the owner.
Are there any special storage requirements and what is the shelf life for VetFreeze™?
- Storage Guidelines: VetFreeze™ should be stored in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight. Ensure the canister is kept upright and not exposed to extreme temperatures to maintain the effectiveness and safety of the gas.
- VetFreeze™ has a shelf life of 3 years from date of production
Is training required to use VetFreeze™ effectively?
- Ease of Use: VetFreeze™ is designed for ease of use, even without extensive training. However, a brief orientation to the technique and application methods can enhance results and ensure veterinarians and their staff feel confident using it.
- Training Support: We offer video resources and customer support to assist with any questions about using VetFreeze™ optimally.
How do I explain VetFreeze™ to pet owners who may be unfamiliar with cryotherapy?
- Explanation for Pet Owners:
You can explain that VetFreeze™ uses cold to treat growths in a way that avoids surgery and anesthesia, which can make it gentler and quicker for their pet. Many pet owners appreciate that this technique often allows their pets to go home without recovery restrictions or sedation.
Are there contraindications or cases where VetFreeze™ should not be used?
- Infectious Lesions:
Avoid using cryotherapy on lesions with active infections, as freezing can worsen the condition or spread bacteria. - Compromised Immune System:
For animals with immune deficiencies or systemic infections, avoid VetFreeze™ or consult additional treatment plans, as healing may not occur as expected.
Deep or Embedded Lesions:
VetFreeze™ is less effective for deeply embedded lesions that may require surgical removal to ensure complete excision.Suspected Malignancies:
For any lesion suspected of being cancerous, confirm the diagnosis and consider whether cryotherapy is appropriate or if surgical excision is more suitable.
What post-treatment care and recommendations should pet owners follow?
- Observe for Swelling and Redness: Mild swelling or redness is common and should subside within a few days. If swelling persists, the pet owner should contact the clinic.
- Avoid Excessive Touching or Licking: Advise pet owners to prevent their animals from licking or scratching the treated area. Using an e-collar may be helpful for pets who tend to groom excessively.
- Monitor for Infection: In rare cases, infection may occur. Signs of infection include oozing, foul odor, or increased redness. Recommend contacting the clinic if these signs appear.
- Follow-Up Appointment: A follow-up visit in 7–10 days may be necessary, especially for large or complex lesions. In some cases, a second treatment might be required.
What are the guidelines for disposing of VetFreeze™ canisters?
- Check Local Regulations: Some areas have specific disposal requirements for pressurized containers. Verify local guidelines for proper disposal.
- Dispose as regular trash You can dispose the empty canister in regular trash. If desired, you can take off the top part and dispose as plastic.
What FAQs can veterinarians share with pet owners about VetFreeze™?
What is VetFreeze™, and how does it work?
VetFreeze™ is a safe, gentle way to treat skin growths and lesions on pets by freezing and eliminating unwanted cells without surgery. This means most pets can go home immediately after treatment without needing anesthesia.Is it safe for my pet?
Yes, VetFreeze™ has been carefully designed to be safe and effective for pets. It’s used by veterinarians worldwide and is especially suitable for pets where anesthesia may not be ideal.Will my pet feel any pain?
Pets might feel a brief cold sensation, but most tolerate it well. Your veterinarian can let you know if anesthesia might be necessary, but often it isn’t needed.How quickly will my pet heal?
The healing process can take a few days to weeks, depending on the lesion. The area may look red and swollen at first, then gradually form a scab as new skin develops.What do I need to do after the treatment?
Simply monitor the treated area and keep it clean. Discourage your pet from scratching or licking it, as this can delay healing.