The Animal Medical Center Will Offer World-Class Interventional Radiology and Interventional Endoscopy Program, Beginning September 1

The AMC Remains at the Cutting Edge of Technology As It Gets Ready to Enter Second Millennium of Care

New York, NY --- The Animal Medical Center (AMC), New York City’s largest facility for comprehensive veterinary care, research and education, announced that it will feature a world class Interventional Radiology (IR) and Interventional Endoscopy (IE) program, beginning September 1.

“The program will provide state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic options currently unavailable to companion animals living in the New York metropolitan region, significantly enhance The AMC’s teaching and research programs, and contribute to its reputation as one of the leading academic health centers in the nation,” said Gleniss Schonholz, Interim CEO at The AMC. “This dedicated Interventional Radiology and Endoscopy program is the first of its kind and is just one example of the cutting-edge technologies offered by The AMC as it moves into its second millennium of providing premium veterinary care in the New York metropolitan area.”

The addition of the Interventional Radiology/Endoscopy program to The AMC was funded through the generosity of donors who contributed more than $3 million to the Center for this purpose. The completion of this project will enable human and veterinary doctors to collaborate at a level never before possible in order to provide human-level care to veterinary patients.

Interventional Radiology is a sub-specialty of radiology that combines minimally-invasive surgery with contemporary imaging techniques such as video x-rays or endoscopy to assist the veterinarian in guiding tiny instruments (such as needles, catheters and stents) to a designated area. IR/IE is used to treat cancer, diagnose and treat blood vessel abnormalities, open blocked urinary tracts, drain fluid from body cavities, and remove urinary stones. Both canine and feline patients benefit from IR because of smaller incisions, faster recovery times, and new options that were not previously available.

Drs. Chick Weisse and Allyson Berent, leading experts in veterinary IR/IE at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, are poised to introduce the program to The AMC, bringing with them a large referral practice with IR/IE cases coming as far away as California and Europe.

About The Animal Medical Center

The Animal Medical Center was founded in 1910 and is New York City's largest facility for veterinary care, research and education. With nearly 90 veterinarians practicing in 18 different specialties, The AMC is uniquely qualified to handle more than 40,000 patient visits each year. The AMC is the only independent non-profit animal hospital in the United States, and serves the tri-state area with routine, specialty and emergency care for companion animals 24 hours a day, 365 day a year. A variety of free or subsidized Community Funds are available to those in need including the Frank V.D. Lloyd Fund for Guide Dogs, Seniors' Animal Veterinary Effort, and Patient Assistance Fund. For more information, please visit www.amcny.org.