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At VSOS, our interventional radiology (IR) service offers advanced, minimally invasive procedures that help pets recover faster, avoid major surgery, and experience less pain, often with same-day discharge. It’s a powerful option for pets with complex conditions, including cancers, urinary disorders, and chronic pain.
Interventional Radiology
Minimally invasive. Maximum comfort. Advanced treatment with less recovery time.
What is Interventional Radiology?
Interventional radiology (IR) is a specialised medical field that uses imaging guidance, like fluoroscopy, contrast dye, and miniature cameras - to diagnose and treat conditions inside the body without the need for open surgery. Instead of large incisions, we use natural pathways like blood vessels, the urinary tract, or airways to access internal organs and deliver targeted treatments.
This means fewer complications, faster healing, and in many cases, a significant improvement in quality of life, especially for pets who aren’t good candidates for traditional surgery.
What conditions can be treated with Interventional Radiology?
Interventional radiology is used across many body systems. Here are just some of the conditions we can help treat:
Urinary tract disorders
- Ectopic ureters (a cause of urinary incontinence in young dogs)
- Bladder or kidney stones (especially if lodged in ureters)
- Urethral obstructions or strictures
These cases often involve laser surgery or the placement of tiny stents, all performed via the urethra with minimal discomfort.
Interventional oncology (minimally invasive cancer treatment)
- Liver tumours (particularly inoperable ones)
- Prostate cancer
- Bladder cancers (e.g. urothelial carcinoma)
- Nasal tumours (removed via rhinoscopy)
- Airway obstructions (stents can be placed to restore breathing)
These procedures can offer meaningful time and quality of life to pets with otherwise poor surgical options.
Advanced pain management
- Arterial embolisation for severe arthritis
For example, we recently performed the world-first elbow embolisation for a dog crippled by arthritis. Within hours, he was walking again — and weeks later, enjoying gentle beach runs.
What to expect when your pet is referred to us
Most patients are referred to our IR team by their primary veterinarian. Depending on the case, you may be scheduled for a consultation only, or a same-day consultation and procedure.
Here’s what a typical journey looks like:
Consultation
You and your pet will meet with one of our specialists in a purpose-designed consult room that keeps your pet calm and comfortable. We’ll explain the condition, walk you through the procedure, discuss risks and benefits, and answer all your questions.
Preparation
If your pet is ready and the procedure is booked for the same day, they’ll be admitted after fasting, have a catheter placed, and be monitored closely by our specialist anaesthesia team.
Procedure
Using state-of-the-art imaging and miniature instruments, we carry out the procedure through tiny incisions (less than 1cm) or via natural pathways in the body.
Recovery
Most pets go home the same day, with little or no need for wound care, pain medications, or extended rest.
What makes our interventional radiology service different?
- Minimally invasive by design - No large incisions, minimal trauma, and faster recovery.
- Same-day discharge - Most patients go home the same day, with no need for stitches, cones, or major downtime.
- Compassion-first care - We understand the emotional burden of complex diagnoses. Our goal is to offer hope, comfort, and options where others may not.
- Unmatched expertise - Our interventional radiology team includes leaders in the field, working alongside human interventional radiologists for cutting-edge procedures.
- World-class equipment - Advanced imaging (fluoroscopy, endoscopy, contrast) lets us see inside the body in real time and perform procedures with pinpoint precision.
- Pioneering cases - We are proud to offer procedures that are first-of-their-kind in Australia and beyond.
Real stories of hope
Max’s story
Max was rushed in after a tumour ruptured in his abdomen. Surgery couldn’t stop the bleeding, and euthanasia was recommended. But our team performed a minimally invasive procedure to stop the internal bleeding. Max went home, and enjoyed another three beautiful, pain-free months with his family.
Hunter’s story
Hunter suffered from crippling elbow arthritis. We performed a world-first arterial embolisation procedure — and just hours later, he was walking comfortably. Three weeks later, he was enjoying life at the beach again.
Refer a patient or book a consult
If your pet has been diagnosed with a complex condition, or you’re a vet seeking less invasive options for your patients - interventional radiology may offer a gentler path forward.
Call us on (02) 8376 8767
Or email info@vsos.com.au to learn more or request a referral
Let us help you explore every possibility, with less pain, less downtime, and more precious time with the ones you love.
