Veterinary endoscopy is an advanced diagnostic procedure that enables veterinarians to internally explore the bodies of animals without the need for invasive surgeries. This technique employs an endoscope, a flexible device equipped with a high-resolution camera at its tip, enabling operators to capture detailed images of body cavities. The application of this technology is particularly beneficial for in-depth examination of organs such as the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and respiratory pathways, facilitating the detection of potential pathologies or anatomical anomalies.
A key advantage of veterinary endoscopy is its minimally invasive nature, reducing discomfort for the animal and accelerating recovery times. Additionally, endoscopy allows operators to perform real-time diagnostic procedures and conduct biopsies or sample collections for subsequent analysis, thereby enhancing diagnostic precision. This approach proves particularly effective in detecting conditions such as foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal tract and complex pathologies like neoplasms or inflammations.
Overall, veterinary endoscopy represents a significant advancement in veterinary practice, enabling more precise and timely diagnosis of animal medical conditions. The application of this technology in animal care highlights the ongoing commitment of veterinary professionals to provide high-quality and minimally invasive care to improve the health and well-being of our four-legged companions.
Diagnostic and Interventional Endoscopy of the Gastrointestinal Tract
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, often referred to as "endoscopy," "gastroscopy," or "esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy," is a procedure that allows the Veterinarian to directly examine the lining of the upper gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum).
It is performed to interpret specific clinical signs and attempt to identify/exclude the causes of persistent regurgitation, acute and chronic vomiting, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), blood in vomit (hematemesis), diarrhea, and weight loss.
Lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, often referred to as "ileoscopy and colonoscopy," is a procedure that allows the Veterinarian to directly examine the lining of the lower gastrointestinal tract, including the last part of the small intestine (distal jejunum/ileum) and the colon, including the cecum (similar to the appendix in humans) and rectum.
It is performed to evaluate specific clinical signs and attempt to identify/exclude the causes of persistent diarrhea, weight loss, low levels of vitamin B12, excessive mucus, difficulty defecating, and blood in feces (hematochezia).
OTOSCOPY
Otoendoscopy (video-otoscopy) is a procedure that allows the Veterinarian to directly examine the ears. An otoscope is a small rigid endoscope equipped with a camera and a light source. The otoscope is inserted into the ear canal with the conscious patient as a "dry" procedure or, more commonly, under general anesthesia with the assistance of liquid irrigation to examine the ear canal and the eardrum.
It is performed to assess signs and attempt to identify/exclude the causes of persistent ear infections, polyps, ruptured eardrum, head tilt, unsteady gait, nystagmus (abnormal eye movement from side to side), and Horner's syndrome (drooping eyelids, small pupil, dry eye). It is an excellent minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery to investigate and treat many ear pathologies.
Laryngoscopy and Tracheobronchoscopy
Laryngoscopy and tracheobronchoscopy (lower airway endoscopy) are procedures that allow the veterinarian to directly examine the respiratory airways. A bronchoscope is an endoscope equipped with a camera and a light source.
Laryngoscopy and tracheobronchoscopy are often performed together to assess signs and attempt to identify/exclude the causes of persistent cough (with or without sputum and blood), respiratory noises from the upper and lower airways (stridor), and dysphonia (voice change). They are excellent minimally invasive alternatives to traditional surgery to investigate the cause of many laryngeal and pulmonary diseases.
Urethrocystoscopy and Vaginoscopy
Urethrocystoscopy is a procedure that allows the veterinarian to directly examine the urethra, bladder, and ureteral openings. An urethrocystoscope is an endoscope equipped with a camera and a light source.
Urethrocystoscopy is performed to assess signs and attempt to identify/exclude the causes of persistent blood in the urine, difficulty urinating, chronic urinary tract infections, and urinary incontinence. Urethrocystoscopy complements abdominal imaging (e.g., radiography, computed tomography (CT), and ultrasound) to detect both structural and functional diseases of the urinary tract.
