When pets face health issues, especially with digestion or breathing, quick solutions are crucial. Endoscopy offers a minimally invasive solution to help diagnose and treat these issues. Here, we explore the uses and what to expect with endoscopy for dogs and cats, along with how it can help your furry friend.

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What is Endoscopy?

Endoscopy is a method for veterinarians to examine your dog or cat’s body using a thin, flexible tube equipped with a small camera and light at the end. This tool, known as an endoscope, allows them to view areas such as the stomach, intestines, colon, or even the airways without needing to make any surgical incisions.

The endoscope is gently passed through a natural opening like your pet's mouth, nose or anus, depending on what needs to be checked. In some cases, an incision may be used, although this is not common. The camera sends live images to a screen, allowing the veterinary team to spot problems like inflammation, bleeding, blockages, or even growths. If needed, small tools can be used to collect tissue samples (called biopsies) during the same procedure.

It’s a simple and useful way to get answers while keeping your pet as comfortable as possible.

Why might my veterinarian recommend endoscopy?

Endoscopy is often recommended when a pet has ongoing symptoms that aren’t improving with regular care or if other tests have not provided clear answers. Some common reasons include:

• Long-term vomiting or diarrhea
• Trouble swallowing or unexplained weight loss
• Suspected foreign objects (like a toy or string that’s been swallowed)
• Coughing that doesn’t go away
• Blood in vomit or stool
• Possible inflammation, ulcers, or tumours

Endoscopy provides the veterinary team with a clear view of what’s happening inside and is also useful for obtaining targeted biopsies to assist in making an accurate diagnosis.

What to Expect: Before, During & After the Endoscopy Procedure

As a pet parent, knowing what to expect during the endoscopy procedure can go a long way in helping to put your mind at ease. Let's go over what you can expect before, during and after your cat or dog's appointment.

Before the Procedure

Prior to scheduling an endoscopy, your primary care veterinarian or a veterinary specialist will typically conduct a full physical examination, review your animal companion’s health history, and may recommend blood work or imaging (such as X-rays or ultrasound) to determine whether endoscopy is the most appropriate next step.

If endoscopy is recommended, you will be given instructions to prepare your animal companion for the procedure. This often includes:

• Fasting for 12 to 24 hours beforehand to ensure the stomach and intestines are empty, improving visibility during the procedure.
• Withholding water for a few hours before the appointment (in some cases).

It's important to follow these instructions carefully to avoid complications or the need to reschedule.

During the Procedure

Endoscopy is performed under general anesthesia to ensure your pet remains completely still and pain-free. Your pet's veterinary anesthesiologist will take any underlying health issues into consideration while administering anesthesia.

Once your pet is safely anesthetized:

1. The endoscope is gently inserted through the appropriate opening depending on the area being examined.
2. Images are viewed in real-time, and any concerning findings, such as inflammation, ulcers, foreign objects, or tumours, can be closely evaluated.
3. Biopsies may be taken during the procedure using small instruments passed through the scope. These samples are then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

After the Procedure

Following the endoscopy, your animal companion will be closely monitored as they wake up from anesthesia. Most pets are alert and able to go home the same day, although some may need to stay for additional observation, especially if they have other medical conditions.

Aftercare typically includes:

• Restricting food and water for a short time after the procedure.
• Watching for signs of discomfort or adverse reactions, such as vomiting, coughing, or lethargy.
• Administering any prescribed medications.

Your veterinary team will provide tailored aftercare instructions based on what was found during the endoscopy and whether biopsies were taken.

Benefits of Endoscopy Procedures

There are many reasons why endoscopy can be beneficial. Since it doesn’t involve large incisions or stitches, the recovery time may be quicker for some pets compared to traditional surgery. Additionally, there may be less pain and a lower risk of complications.

Endoscopy provides real-time visuals and lets the veterinarian take small samples from exactly the right spot, which helps with faster and more accurate diagnoses. In some cases, it may even prevent the need for surgery altogether, such as if your pet has swallowed something that can be safely removed with the scope.

At Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital, we understand how worrying it can be when your furry friend isn’t feeling well. That’s why our team uses tools like endoscopy to help find answers quickly and gently, with your pet’s comfort always top of mind.

If your primary care veterinarian has recommended endoscopy, or if your dog or cat is dealing with ongoing digestive or breathing problems, we’re here to help.

Note: The advice and/or information 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 or for the most up-to-date information, please make an appointment with your veterinarian. 

Is your dog or cat experiencing sudden and severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, excessive vomiting, or trouble swallowing? Bring them to Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital right away for emergency care. We are available 24/7.