Endoscopy is a procedure which includes using a small, narrow “camera” to look inside your pets’ body. There are many different endoscopes which can be used with different heads to allow visual investigation of different areas of the body, including the oral cavity, stomach, intestines, colon amongst others. It is minimally invasive and is commonly used to look at the inside surfaces of the body. It may be done alongside other imaging techniques such as ultrasound, radiography, MRI or CT scanning.
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How does it work?
The endoscope may be flexible or rigid; but basically consists of a tube that is passed into the pet, a camera and light source (which stay on the outside!). There are some endoscopes that don’t have a camera, and the vet just looks down the tube; but these are fairly rarely used in pets. The tube contains a fibre-optic bundle that carries the light into the pet’s body (it’s dark in there and we need to be able to see). And it then carries the image back to the camera, which projects it onto a screen.
Other support equipment would usually include saline for flushing (think of it as like the screen wash for your car), and possible suction pumps. And even ultra-narrow surgical instruments that can be passed along a channel in the scope.
What is it used for?
Endoscopy allows visualisation of foreign bodies, inflammation, masses, abnormal cells or narrowing of internal passages amongst many other things. It is a great technique for visualising the inside of body passages which other imaging techniques are not able to do. The camera and screen provide high quality, live images in full colour as the endoscope is passed through the affected area. This gives a better picture compared to a grainy black and white x-ray, for example. Still images can be saved allowing your veterinary professionals to use this technique to monitor any changes seen in future endoscopies.
So, if your greedy Labrador has eaten something they shouldn’t and is suffering for it, or if your feline friend is struggling to keep food down, maybe an endoscopy could find the cause.
What will happen if my pet needs and endoscopy?
During an endoscopy, the pet will be sedated or put under a general anaesthetic. This is to restrict their movement and give the veterinary professionals more control without causing any pain or distress. Without this, it would be too unsafe to perform. The vet will look at the area of interest. And, if anything they observe needs sampling or reporting, they will take further steps to do so. Further tests following an endoscopy include biopsy, swabs for culturing, histology or cytology. Your veterinary professional will advise on which tests they feel are of highest benefit given the case scenario. And they will discuss the risks and outcomes in detail with you.
Which vets have it?
Historically, this service was often only offered by veterinary hospitals or very well equipped general practices. However, while referral hospitals often have much more up to date equipment allowing better visualisation and therefore diagnostic quality, many general practices now have endoscopes. It is becoming increasingly common to find them even in relatively small practices. Despite the expense of the equipment, they are invaluable in diagnosing a wide range of conditions, from ear, nose and throat problems to intestinal or respiratory disorders. The endoscope adds another level: being able to actually see the problem with your own eyes.
That said, veterinary professionals must be specially trained and feel confident using and interpreting what they see. It is important to have the option to use endoscopy. But all vets have the option to refer their patient to another practice which may have the equipment regardless of whether they have the equipment. Travelling with a very sick animal is not recommended. Therefore having this service in-house at a local vets would be of benefit. Having in-house endoscopy equipment may mean your veterinary professional uses this diagnostic method sooner in a medical workup compared to if it meant transporting your pet elsewhere for it.
Costs of endoscopy
Having pet insurance is vital if you are unlikely to be able to afford a large lump sum of money for such procedures on your pet, as a thorough diagnostic work up may be needed if your animal gets sick. Performing an endoscopy involves sedating your pet using drugs and they will be continuously monitored, which all comes at a cost. An estimated price will be given to you prior to the procedure taking place. The cost can be high and will vary depending on where you have this procedure performed. So getting estimates from different places may be advisable to ensure you are receiving a good deal but also receiving a high level of care.
Is it safe?
Whilst endoscopy is minimally invasive, there are always safety precautions that need to be undertaken. Prior to your pet receiving endoscopy, you will need to give consent to a sedation or general anaesthetic. You will be asked to sign a series of documents explaining the risks in detail. You will be updated about the findings from the endoscopy following the procedure. Specific diets may be recommended throughout the recovery period, depending on the findings; especially if narrowing or inflammation of small passageways have been identified.
So how important is it in a practice?
Having the ability to offer endoscopy service is special. Although it is not the most important service a veterinary practice can offer. Not all animals will undergo endoscopy throughout their lives. So you should not choose your veterinary practice solely based upon whether or not they are able to offer endoscopy service. More important factors in choosing which local veterinary practice you use are location and quality of care provided. Practical considerations to take into account are the ability to get to your registered practice quickly in case of an emergency; and that their offered consult times are convenient for you to be able to attend easily.
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