What is an endscope?
An endoscope is a piece of medical equipment used to visually examine a dog or cat's internal organs and structures. A long, flexible tube with a light and camera attached to one end allows the veterinarian to capture real-time images of your pet's gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, or other areas being examined. It is typically inserted through the mouth or rectum.
An endoscopy is the name of the procedure your veterinarian performs with this instrument, to diagnose and address a specific problem. The operation can be performed for dogs and cats after they've undergone an initial assessment.
How can endoscopy be used to diagnose and treat digestive issues in dogs and cats?
With an endoscope, a veterinarian is able to see the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine or colon in full color. They can use the images they capture to identify conditions such as abnormal swelling or inflammatory bowel disease. They'll usually also be able to see foreign bodies, such as coins, rocks, bones, sticks or hairballs.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Pets with inflammatory bowel disease (OBD) are afflicted by chronic gastrointestinal disorders caused by inflammation in the digestive tract. Both dogs and cats can experience symptoms like poor appetite, diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss.
Veterinarians can use an endoscopy to view the inflamed area and collect tissue samples for further examination. This procedure helps determine how severe the disease is, which can inform treatment planning. Your pet's treatment plan may include medication, dietary changes or both.
Abnormal Abdominal Swelling
An excessively large or bloated abdomen that cannot be attributed to pregnancy or normal weight gain indicates abnormal abdominal swelling. Fluid accumulation, organ enlargement, intestinal blockages or tumors can cause the abdomen to swell, leading to a veterinary emergency.
An endoscopy allows a veterinarian to visually examine the abdomen's internal organs and tissues to find out what's causing the swelling and accurately diagnose the problem, so effective treatment can be provided.
Gastrointestinal Foreign Bodies
Pets can eat things that can become lodged in their digestive tract. These can include items like toys, bones, fabric, coins, buttons, and a multitude of others. An endoscopy can help by allowing veterinarians to see and remove the foreign body without the need for invasive surgery.
In some cases, however, if the foreign body is too large or has caused severe damage, surgery may be necessary to ensure the pet's safety and well-being.
How can I prepare for my pet's endoscopy?
Talk to your veterinarian for specific instructions. Different pets may have different requirements. Your dog or cat may need to fast, for example, before the endoscopy to ensure the results are accurate.
Before the endoscopy, it’s also a good idea to discuss any medications or allergies your pet may have. These allergies can cause inflammation or irritation in the gastrointestinal tract, affecting the appearance and interpretation of endoscopic results.
Will my pet need anesthesia?
Yes, they will. Passing an endoscope into a conscious pet’s stomach or colon safely is almost impossible. Most pets only need a short-acting anesthesia and can go home shortly after we complete the procedure.
When will I know the results?
Since the organs are viewed in real time, we should immediately know the results based on what we see. However, the study of the tissue samples and biopsies usually determines the final diagnosis. Depending on the individual circumstances, this may take up to a week.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.