At Countryside Veterinary Clinic, we utilize the most up-to-date equipment, which allows us to offer a very high level of care to all of the animals we treat. Canine endoscopy uses a tiny video camera at the end of a very narrow scope, called an endoscope, which is inserted either into the stomach through the mouth or the colon via the rectum. This allows a veterinarian to view a dog's gastrointestinal tract or other areas of concern throughout his or her body. Because a gastrointestinal examination for dogs is minimally invasive, it requires relatively little recovery time. If a dog is experiencing digestive issues, we may perform a canine endoscopy to look inside the stomach and intestinal tract to check for any foreign objects, blockages, or even detect ulcers and other stomach illnesses.

What Problems Can Be Diagnosed By Gastrointestinal Endoscopy?

Endoscopy for dogs can be used to diagnose various illnesses, diseases, and conditions. A dog endoscopy can detect many ailments including:

  • Certain forms of cancer
  • Ulcers
  • Abscesses
  • Foreign objects
  • Internal trauma
  • Blockages

What If Abnormalities Are Found?

During an endoscopy, a veterinarian is able to look into the gastrointestinal tract to view any abnormalities that might be present. If the veterinarian sees an abnormal lesion or suspicious-looking area, he or she can then biopsy the area to reach a diagnosis.

The endoscope has a tiny channel through which a biopsy instrument can be passed. Precise biopsy samples can be taken of any abnormal areas. The biopsy instrument can cut a small sample piece of tissue from the organ's lining. These tissue samples, called "pinch biopsies," are then submitted to the veterinary pathologist for microscopic evaluation. Once the pathologist completes a biological evaluation of the biopsied tissue, the full results of the gastrointestinal exam will aid our veterinarian in reaching a diagnosis.

Will General Anesthesia Be Necessary During The Endoscopy?

General anesthesia is required to perform a gastrointestinal examination for dogs.