We are
proud to offer our pa tients
this safe and minimally invasive procedure as an alternative to
some surgeries. Endoscopy allows the veterinarian to visualize
the inside surfaces of certain organs, collect biopsy samples,
or retrieve foreign objects (bones, toys, rocks, coins,
hairballs, etc.) without an incision. With an endoscope, the
nasal cavity, stomach, esophagus, upper intestines, large bowel,
and rectum can be seen. The obvious benefit to endoscopy is the
fact that it is not surgical.
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very little recovery or healing time, because there is no
cutting. You pet will still undergo anesthesia, and we use the
same anesthesia protocols that we do with surgical patients.
Once under anesthesia, a small fiber optic instrument is placed
in the area to be examined. We have the availability of both a
rigid and flexible endoscope. Both endoscopes have several tiny
channels within them for light, air, water, suction, and the
passing of instruments to collect tissue biopsies or foreign
bodies. Endoscopy doesn’t replace all surgeries, but it can be a
safe choice for some, and in some cases, surgery may still be
necessary after endoscopy has been performed. |
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What if
everything looks normal on an endoscopic exam?
If your pet has clinical symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea,
and the endoscope doesn’t reveal any abnormalities, biopsies can
be taken to aid in a diagnosis. Examining the cells that make up
a suspect organ or tissue can provide us with a lot of helpful
information. Biopsy samples are typically sent to an outside
laboratory to be analyzed by a veterinary pathologist.
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How
should I prepare my pet for endoscopy?
We recommend that you withhold food from your pet for at least
12 hours prior to your appointment. It is important for the
stomach to be essentially empty. Enemas may also be needed if
your pet’s colon is to be examined.
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Does
my pet need to have anesthesia?
Yes. In order to pass the endoscope into your pet’s stomach or
rectum, he/she must be under anesthesia.
The procedure would otherwise be dangerous to your pet, as well
as our equipment! Typically, endoscopy is not very time
consuming, so short-acting anesthesia can be used.
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When
will I get my pet’s results?
The veterinarian will be able to tell you immediately what was
found on the endoscopic exam. If biopsy samples were taken, you
can usually expect results within one week. We will call you as
soon as we receive your results. |
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