Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty (AVES)

Why is this beneficial for your pet?

• Minimally invasive – small or no incisions are made to perform interventions

• Diagnosis and treatment can be performed at the same time

• Decreased pain

• Shorter hospitalization times

• Decreased anesthesia times

• Decreased recovery time

• Repeatable

• May provide options for otherwise untreatable diseases

A key focus of the AVES IR/IE service is the treatment and prevention of urinary tract disorders including Obstructions, Stones, Infections, Incontinence, Cancer, Excessive Bleeding and Other Congenital Abnormalities.

Some of the frequently treated diseases include:

• Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections: repeated and persistent infections of the urinary system. Cystoscopic-guided sampling can result in a more accurate and complete diagnosis.

• Urinary Tract Stones: stones within the urinary tract may cause discomfort, propagate infections, or cause an obstruction, ultimately preventing urine flow from the kidneys into the bladder or from the bladder to outside of the body. Cystoscopic-guided stone retrieval, laser lithotripsy, and stent placement allow for removal of stones or bypass of obstructions without surgery.

• Urinary incontinence: a condition that may occur when there is a weakening of urethral sphincter strength and tone, leading to involuntary urine leakage. Cystoscopic-guided urethral bulking provides a minimally invasive method for control of leaking, often mitigating the need for medications.

• Ectopic Ureters: a condition arising when the ureter develops in an abnormal location within the bladder or directly into the urethra, resulting in severe incontinence. Cystoscopic-guided laser ablation allows for non-surgical correction.

• Urine Protein Loss: indicates the abnormal excretion of proteins into the urine, which can be indicative of underlying health issues. Percutaneous renal biopsy mitigates the need for open surgical biopsies.

• Urinary Tract Hemorrhage: the presence of bleeding within the urinary system. Fluoroscopic-guided sclerotherapy can be used for treatment of severe bleeding.

• Urinary Tract Tumors: abnormal growths that can occur in various parts of the urinary system. Cystoscopic-guided laser ablation and/or stent placement allows for non-surgical debulking and relief of obstructions.

The AVES IR/IE Service also treats respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions:

• Respiratory interventions

• Tracheal stenting for tracheal collapse

• Bronchial stenting for bronchial collapse

• Nasopharyngeal stenting or ballooning for nasopharyngeal stenosis

• Gastrointestinal interventions

• Balloon esophagostomy tube placement for esophageal strictures

• Polypectomy for gastric or rectal polyp removal