Interventional Medicine Service

Interventional radiology and interventional cardiology enable the treatment of various pathologies in different types of patients (cats, dogs, horses, exotic animals, etc.) using advanced technologies such as endoscopy, laparoscopy, or fluoroscopy. These devices allow for minimally invasive procedures, often without the need for incisions. Interventions are performed through the patient’s natural pathways or, when necessary, through small incisions of a few millimeters. This approach ensures that the animal experiences minimal or no pain and can often be discharged on the same day. Interventional medicine also provides unique opportunities to treat conditions where other medical or surgical options have not succeeded.

The Centre of excellence in interventional medicine

Urinary System

  • Cystoscopy (indications: recurrent urinary infections, incontinence, bladder masses, hematuria, micturition problems)
  • Lithotripsy and cystolithotomy (PCCL) (indications: urethral and bladder stones)
  • Laser (indications: correction of ectopic ureters, vaginal strictures, bladder tumors)
  • Urethral stent (indications: obstructive tumors of the urethra, prostate, and bladder)
  • Ureteral stent and bypass (sub) (indications: ureteral obstruction due to stones, strictures, neoplasms)
  • Sclerotherapy for renal hematuria

Gastrointestinal / Vascular System

  • Vascular stent (indication: endovascular correction of intrahepatic shunt)
  • Esophageal / colonic stent (indications: strictures, neoplasms)
  • Polyp removal, laser treatment of vascular lesions (bleeding mass, telangiectasia)

Respiratory System

  • Tracheal/bronchial stent (indications: refractory tracheal collapse)
  • Nasal/nasopharyngeal stent (indication: nasopharyngeal stenosis)
  • Turbinectomy (brachycephalic dogs)
  • Laser removal of nasal masses

The new interventional medicine suite at CHUV includes a fluoroscopy table equipped with a C-Arm for instant high-resolution image acquisition, a system of monitors for procedure monitoring, an integrated anesthesia system, and a column system for endoscopy devices.

Medication renewals at our pharmacy:

By phone: 450-778-8111 ext. 8322, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm

Online

Please don’t wait until the last moment to request medication renewals. Some medications are on special order (approximately one-week delay). Requests made after regular hours or on weekends will incur emergency fees (external prescriptions included).

First interventional medicine consultation

Ask your veterinarian to refer your pet online.

We will then contact you.

The usual course of the first consultation

  • Consultation with the Interventional Medicine team:  an internist, a resident, an intern and graduating students on internship. Laboratory, imaging tests and procedures can be performed.
  • The CHUV is a teaching establishment. Please allow ½ to 1 day for an initial consultation. If hospitalization is confirmed, you will be asked to leave a deposit of 50% of the estimated cost and will then be able to leave.
    * If a procedure under anesthesia is scheduled, it will usually be done the following day. Your pet will have to spend the night in the hospital.
  • After the consultation, a detailed report will be sent to your e-mail address and to your regular veterinarian (if you have added one to your file). This may take up to 1 month. Please contact us if your veterinarian requires it sooner.

Preparing for the first consultation

  • Make sure that all veterinary records have been sent to us.
  • For patients with urinary disorders: make an appointment with your veterinarian 10 to 12 days before your consultation with us for a urine culture to be taken by cystocentesis. An explanatory e-mail will be sent to you when you book your appointment.
  • Your pet must fast (no food )12 hours before your appointment. He may drink water at any time. He must receive his medication as usual. Please bring them with you.
    *If your animal is diabetic, see below.
  • Fasting is required, as sedation and/or certain examinations may be recommended.
  • An abdominal ultrasound by a radiologist will be performed in most new cases. Your pet will be shaved over a large part of its belly.
  • Sedation (injectable tranquilizer) will be administered. This is not a general anesthetic. An intravenous catheter may be placed in the leg.
  • Is your pet insured? Inform the front desk as soon as you arrive so that the insurance form can be printed and completed.
  • What to bring:
    • Medication, food (if desired), collar and pet carrier.
    • Toys and blankets are not recommended. We are not responsible for their loss. We provide blankets for your pet’s comfort.

 

*The diabetic patient must also fast. Please take a blood glucose reading.

If above 7 mmol/L: Administer ½ dose of insulin on the morning of the appointment.

If below 7mmol/L or unable to take blood glucose: No insulin on the morning of the appointment.  Bring your insulin (with icepack if required).

Interventional Medicine follow-up

  • Your pet must fast (no food) 12 hours before the appointment. He may drink water at all times. He must receive his medication as usual. Please bring them to the visit, or a detailed list of what he/she is taking (doses and frequency).  If your dog is less than 6 months old and weighs less than 5kg, consult us to determine the length of the fast to avoid hypoglycemia.
    *if your animal is diabetic, see below.
  • Fasting is required, as sedation and/or certain tests may be recommended.
  • In some cases, your pet may be asked to strictly fast (no kibble at all) for cholesterol and triglyceride tests.
  • Please make sure we have a copy of your veterinarian’s visits since your last follow-up with us.
  • Allow at least 3 hours on site (sometimes the whole day), depending on the plan that will be established.
  • Is your pet insured? Inform the front desk as soon as you arrive so that the insurance form can be printed and completed.
  • If an abdominal ultrasound is performed by the radiologist, a large part of the belly will be shaved.
    Sedation (injectable tranquilizer) will be administered. This is not a general anesthesia. An intravenous catheter may be placed in his leg.
  • Items to bring with you if your pet is hospitalized:
    • Medication, food (if desired), collar, identified pet carrier.
    • Toys and blankets are not recommended. We are not responsible for their loss. We provide blankets for your pet’s comfort.
  • You will be asked to leave a deposit of 50% of the estimated cost, after which you may leave.

 

* If a procedure under anesthesia is scheduled, it will usually be done the following day. Your pet will have to spend the night in the hospital. *

*The diabetic patient must also fast. Please take a blood glucose reading.

If above 7 mmol/L: Administer ½ dose of insulin on the morning of the appointment.

If below 7mmol/L or unable to take blood glucose: No insulin on the morning of the appointment.  Bring your insulin (with icepack if required).

Contact us

You can reach us Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 450-778-8111 for questions or to book an appointment (ideally 2 to 3 months in advance).

Appointment cancellation policy

  • Please cancel your appointment as soon as possible, 72 hours in advance please.
  • Appointment cancellation fee of $40.00:
    • If you fail to show up at your appointment without notifying the front desk staff;
    • If you cancel an appointment for a 3rd time.

Watch our videos (french only) on subcutaneous injections, taking blood pressure, administering tablets and much more!

Professor
  • Dr. Marilyn Dunn
Teaching clinician
  • Dr. Catherine Vachon

 

Residents
  • Dr. Charlotte Petit
  • Dr. Isabelle Mérindol
  • Dr. Geoffrey Neumann
  • Dr. Corentin Treich
Interventionnal Medicine specialized Intern
  • Dr. Gregor Boot
Veterinary Technicians
  • Ania-Claude Lemaire
  • Martine Lamarre
  • Kim Selby