Breaking New Ground in Arthritis Care for Dogs: Hunter’s Story

At VSOS, we believe that no pet should suffer unnecessarily and that every diagnosis deserves not only compassion, but the unwavering commitment to explore every possible path forward. That’s why we’re proud to share the story of Hunter, a beautiful Siberian Husky with crippling arthritis. 

Hunter’s family had already tried medications, supplements and surgery, with limited relief. They were running out of options - until VSOS introduced a breakthrough never before performed on dogs in Australia: Transarterial embolisation (TAE) for bilateral elbow arthritis.

Watch Hunter’s Journey and see how this world-first treatment gave Hunter a new lease on life.

Arterial embolisation, a minimally invasive procedure used successfully in human medicine, is now offering new hope for pets struggling with severe arthritis. This advanced technique targets the tiny blood vessels that feed inflammation in the joints, reducing pain, improving mobility and helping pets reclaim a better quality of life.

For dogs like Hunter, who had already tried medications, supplements and surgery with limited relief, this was a game-changer.

Hunter’s procedure, performed at our Sydney hospital by VSOS internal medicine specialist and owner Dr Karina Graham in collaboration with interventional radiologist Dr David Benz, marked a global veterinary milestone. It’s believed to be the first time arterial embolisation has been used in this way in a dog.

The treatment itself is precise and gentle. Using advanced imaging guidance, a catheter is placed into the affected arteries, and microscopic particles are injected to block blood flow to the inflamed synovial tissue, easing pain right at the source. Most patients, like Hunter, can go home the same day.

Three weeks after surgery, Hunter’s owner reported something truly heartwarming: a gallop on the beach.

This is exactly what drives us at VSOS. Not just delivering cutting-edge treatments, but seeing the difference they make in the lives of pets and the people who love them.

Arterial embolisation is more than just an exciting headline. It represents the future of pain management in veterinary care, a future that’s:

• Minimally invasive
• Backed by science
•  Focused on improving comfort, not just masking pain
• Offering real options when others have run out

And it’s all happening right here in Sydney, at an independent, specialist-led hospital driven by compassion, Veterinary Specialists of Sydney (VSOS).

At VSOS, we’re not just delivering specialist care. We’re redefining what’s possible. From world-first procedures to collaborative care with local vets, our team is dedicated to finding new answers for tough cases and giving pets like Hunter the chance to live more comfortable, joyful lives.

Whether it's world-first surgeries, minimally invasive solutions, or just a few more pain-free trots on the beach, we’re here for it all.

Could your pet benefit from this treatment?
Speak to your local vet about a referral to VSOS, or contact us directly at info@vsos.com.au.