Reasons Why Your Pet May Need an Endoscopy

One of the most frustrating aspects of being a pet owner is not knowing what health issue is plaguing your beloved companion. You can tell something’s wrong because your pet is exhibiting obvious symptoms, but pinning down the specific problem can be difficult. Thankfully, advancements in veterinary medicine have improved the diagnostic process. Here at Apex Animal Hospital, we can help pet owners in Langley, BC, better understand what’s going on with the help of endoscopy.

Are you unfamiliar with endoscopy and its benefits? If so, you can continue reading below to understand how it can help the veterinarian near you.

What Is an Endoscopy?

During an endoscopy at our animal hospital, the vet will take a small camera attached to a tube and insert it into your pet’s mouth. The endoscope provides a clear look at the inside of your pet’s organs. By looking inside those organs, veterinarians can find blockages, growths, and other issues that may be responsible for your pet’s symptoms.

Our vet can use the information provided by the endoscope to determine what type of treatment your pet needs. An endoscopy can confirm whether or not pet surgery is required or uncover the need for another type of treatment.

Thanks to advancements in medical technology, endoscopy is no longer limited to examining hollow organs. Because smaller cameras can now be mounted on needles, veterinarians can also use this diagnostic technique in more ways. Needle scopes can be performed after making small incisions.

What Can You Expect during Your Pet’s Endoscopy?

Before you visit our animal clinic for an endoscopy, our vet may ask you to withhold food from your pet. Fasting may be required for 12 to 18 hours before the procedure to ensure your pet’s organs are clear. Your pet may also be given an enema at the animal hospital.

As the endoscopy begins, your pet will be put under anesthesia. Although this isn’t pet surgery, anesthesia is still administered to ensure your furry friend stays in place. From there, the veterinarian will insert the endoscope into your pet’s body. The number and size of cameras used will differ depending on your pet’s suspected condition.

Schedule Your Pet’s Endoscopy Today

Find out what’s wrong with your pet by scheduling an endoscopy with us at Apex Animal Hospital. Call us or visit our location in Langley, BC, to set your pet’s appointment.