Endoscopy is the use of a specialized video camera which allows veterinarians to see inside areas of a pet’s body, and if necessary, take biopsies in a minimally invasive manner. This procedure is commonly used to examine the inside of the ears, nose, esophagus, colon, bladder, stomach, and other internal organs. Endoscopy is particularly common in retrieving swallowed items from pets.
To perform this procedure, the veterinarian inserts the endoscope, which is a long tube with a camera at one end, into the area to be examined. In some cases incisions may be required; however, the incisions used for this procedure are much smaller than those used in traditional surgery, meaning a quicker recovery for your pet.
Endoscopy does require that your pet be placed under general anesthesia or heavy sedation, therefore a pre-anesthetic evaluation is recommended which may include blood work or a urinalysis. As with any procedures we perform, we follow strict protocols and continuously monitor your pet’s vital signs to help ensure his or her safety.
If you have any questions about our endoscopy service or what to expect during your pet’s procedure, please don’t hesitate to ask.
