Endoscopy is a safe, minimally invasive procedure used
to evaluate the interior surfaces of an organ. Through the scope, we are
able to see lesions, take small biopsies and retrieve some foreign
objects.
If we feel your pet may have an intestinal problem, we
may recommend a procedure called endoscopy. During this procedure your
pet is placed under anesthesia and a small fiberoptic camera is passed
down the esophagus, into the stomach and into a portion of the small
intestine (gastroduodenoscopy).
With
this camera we are able to visualize the surface of these organs and
look for abnormalities. We are also able to obtain biopsies of these
areas. These biopsies are sent to a pathologist for evaluation to
determine if there is an underlying intestinal problem.
If your doctor feels that your pet is showing symptoms
of a problem in the large intestine, they may recommend colonoscopy.
This procedure is similar to the gastroduodenoscopy but the endoscope is
used to examine the colon.
Endoscopic
procedures are painless and are usually only associated with mild
discomfort. Depending on how your pet does during anesthesia or how late
in the day the procedure occurs, your pet may need to stay in the
hospital overnight.
Typically,
we receive biopsy results within 2-4 days.
At that time, we will discuss the diagnosis and treatment
options.
Complications
are rare but may include perforation of the stomach or intestine with
the endoscope or biopsy instrument. If this occurs, surgery is required
to repair the defect.
Endoscopic
equipment can also be used to visualize and collect specimens from the
lower respiratory tract (bronchoscopy), the nose (rhinoscopy) or the
urinary tract (cystoscopy).
Although these procedures are easier on the patient
than surgery, the trade-off is that the biopsy samples are smaller. In
some instances, your doctor may feel there is more going on than the
biopsies revealed and suggest further diagnostics. Rest assured that
your specialist will assist you in the selection of diagnostics that
will maximize the chances of obtaining a correct diagnosis with minimum
risk to your pet.
