VSC’s Internal Medicine team offers the following diagnostic procedures:
Ultrasound
- Used to examine internal structures, including abdominal organs and the thyroid gland
Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspirates
- Ultrasound assists in visualizing lesions while a needle is inserted to obtain samples for analysis
CT scan
- Also known as a CAT scan, provides detailed 3D images of internal organs for diagnostic purposes
Gastrointestinal endoscopy
- A scope with a camera and light is used to examine the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and colon
- Helps diagnose causes of regurgitation, vomiting, and diarrhea
Tracheoscopy and bronchoscopy
- Endoscopic examination of the trachea and bronchi to assess lesions and collect samples
- Used to determine the cause of coughing and respiratory difficulties
Rhinoscopy
- Endoscopic evaluation of the nasal cavity and pharyngeal region
- Helps diagnose causes of nasal discharge and nosebleeds
Cystoscopy
- Endoscopic examination of the urinary bladder, urethra, and vestibule
- Used to investigate chronic urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, and blood in the urine
Fluoroscopy
- Real-time X-ray imaging used to assess internal structures
- Commonly used for diagnosing tracheal collapse, bronchial collapse, esophageal strictures, dysmotility, and ureteral or urethral obstructions
Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
- Used to diagnose causes of abnormal blood cell counts
- Helps detect conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, immune-mediated anemia, pure red cell aplasia, and immune-mediated neutropenia
Joint fluid sampling and analysis
- Collecting joint fluid to determine the cause of swelling or fluid accumulation
- Helps diagnose conditions such as immune-mediated polyarthritis and septic arthritis
VSC’s Internal Medicine team offers the following minimally-invasive treatments:
Bladder stone removal
- Cystoscopic (scope-guided) removal of bladder stones without incisions
- Laser lithotripsy for breaking down urethral and bladder stones too large for scope removal
- Percutaneous cystolithotomy for small breed male dogs and male cats, using a minimally invasive approach to remove bladder stones
Urinary incontinence therapy
- Urethral collagen injections to improve urinary control in conditions like urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence and urethral hypoplasia
Ectopic ureter laser ablation
- Cystoscopic laser ablation to correct intramural ectopic ureters and resolve urinary incontinence
Urethral and ureteral stent placement
- Stents used to relieve obstructions caused by urethral strictures, tumors, granulomatous urethritis, and ureteral blockages from stones, tumors, or blood clots
Renal sclerotherapy for idiopathic hematuria
- Treatment for kidney bleeding using a sclerosing agent, performed with scope guidance and fluoroscopy
- Temporary ureteral stent placement to prevent complications during recovery
Balloon dilation for strictures and stenosis
- High-pressure balloon dilation to restore normal flow in narrowed areas of the esophagus, colon, and other tubular structures
Tracheal stent placement
- Stent placement for severe tracheal collapse, restoring airflow and improving respiratory function
Nasopharyngeal stenosis treatment
- Balloon dilation and, in severe cases, temporary stent placement to treat obstructions in the nasopharynx
Percutaneous gastric feeding tube placement
- Scope-assisted placement of feeding tubes for patients with esophageal disease and swallowing disorders, avoiding the need for abdominal surgery