Endoscopy

We are proud to offer our patients 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.  There is 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. 

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.

 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.

 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. 

 When will I find out about 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.