Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows a veterinarian to look inside parts of your pet’s body using a small camera attached to a flexible scope. It is commonly used to evaluate the gastrointestinal tract and can be both diagnostic and therapeutic, meaning we can often treat the problem at the same time we identify it.

What the Procedure Involves

Endoscopy is performed under general anesthesia to ensure your pet remains still and comfortable.

During the procedure, a small flexible camera is passed through the mouth or rectum (depending on the area being examined), allowing us to visualize the esophagus, stomach, intestines, or colon.

Foreign Body Retrieval

If a foreign object (such as a toy, sock, bone, or other swallowed item) is identified and can be safely removed, specialized instruments can be passed through the scope to retrieve the object without surgery.

Endoscopic foreign body removal often results in:

  • Faster recovery
  • Less pain
  • Lower complication risk compared to abdominal surgery

Not all foreign bodies are suitable for endoscopic removal. In some cases, surgery may still be required.

Biopsy Collection

Endoscopy also allows us to collect biopsy samples from the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.

  • Biopsies are small tissue samples
  • They are sent to a pathologist for microscopic evaluation
  • Biopsies help diagnose conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), infections, or cancer

Biopsy collection does not involve external incisions and does not add significant discomfort.

  • Minimally invasive
  • No external incisions
  • Shorter recovery time
  • Ability to diagnose and treat in the same procedure
  • Reduced discomfort compared to surgery

Contact a veterinarian if you notice:

  • Persistent vomiting or regurgitation
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Lethargy or loss of appetite
  • Abdominal pain or bloating

Our goal with endoscopy is to safely diagnose and treat gastrointestinal conditions while minimizing discomfort and recovery time for your pet. If you have questions about whether endoscopy is appropriate for your pet, or what to expect from the procedure, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help.