Endoscopy in dogs and cats: modern diagnostics in veterinary medicine

Endoscopy in dogs and cats: modern diagnostics in veterinary medicine

Endoscopy is a diagnostic technique that is becoming increasingly popular in veterinary medicine. It allows the inside of an animal’s body to be examined in detail without the need for complex, invasive surgery.  At Zviropolis Veterinary Clinic, endoscopic examinations are carried out by qualified veterinarians!

What does an endoscopic examination involve?

1. Inserting the endoscope: the endoscope is introduced through the animal’s natural openings, such as the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, intestines or nose.  In some cases it may also be inserted through small incisions in the skin.
2. Diagnosis: during endoscopy the veterinarian can diagnose a range of conditions, such as:
   • Diseases of the digestive system (e.g. ulcers, polyps, tumours).
   • Breathing problems (e.g. lung disease, changes in the airways).
   • Injuries or abnormalities in the abdominal cavity.
3. Taking samples: the endoscope also makes it possible to take biopsies (tissue samples) for further histopathological examination, which is extremely useful in diagnosing tumours and other serious conditions.
4. Treatment: in some cases endoscopy can also be used to perform simple procedures, such as removing foreign bodies from the digestive tract or treating polyps and ulcers.

5. Anaesthesia: the procedure usually requires general anaesthesia, which keeps the animal still and minimises its discomfort during the examination. 

How to prepare your pet for the procedure

Preparing your animal for endoscopy is a key step that ensures the procedure is safe and effective. 

1. Consultation with a veterinarian: see a vet, who will assess your animal’s health and decide whether endoscopy is necessary

2. Fasting: because general anaesthesia is part of the procedure, animals are usually advised not to eat for 12–24 hours beforehand. It is important not to give any food or treats during this time.

3. Proper hydration: make sure your animal has access to water before fasting begins, but limit the amount for a few hours before arriving at the clinic, as advised by the vet.

4. Observation: watch for any changes in your animal’s behaviour in the run-up to the procedure. This information may prove useful during the consultation with the vet. 

5. Additional tests: at Zviropolis Veterinary Clinic we are committed to providing the highest standard of care, which is why we carry out comprehensive blood tests and, where necessary, echocardiography. This minimises the risk of complications and ensures optimal conditions for the procedure. These tests allow us to assess your pet’s health accurately and choose the appropriate anaesthesia protocol

When is endoscopy indicated?

• Recurrent vomiting or diarrhoea of unknown cause
• Difficulty swallowing or discomfort in the mouth
• Unusual changes in appetite and body weight
• Suspected foreign body in the digestive tract
• Signs of recurrent respiratory infections

The decision to perform endoscopy is always made by the veterinarian on the basis of a thorough clinical examination and analysis of the signs!!!

What are the benefits of an endoscopic examination?

• Less invasive: endoscopy is less invasive than traditional surgery, which means a lower risk of complications and a faster recovery.
• Accuracy: it allows organs and tissues to be examined precisely and, where necessary, samples to be taken directly.
• Faster diagnosis: it helps establish the cause of health problems quickly, which means treatment can start sooner.

Summary

Endoscopy is a valuable tool for diagnosing and treating health problems in dogs and cats. This modern veterinary approach makes it possible to establish the cause of an animal’s complaints quickly and effectively, which can greatly improve our pets’ quality of life. Proper preparation of the animal for the procedure is essential, so it is worth consulting a veterinarian for the key information and advice. Let’s look after the health of our four-legged friends together at Zviropolis Veterinary Clinic!