Endoscopies are routinely used by modern veterinary clinics to diagnose pet health issues, providing pet owners with much needed peace of mind about the condition of their cat or dog.

This can include problems stemming from foreign bodies in the oesophagus or stomach, or more serious underlying health issues.

Today, we’ll outline the most common reasons that a veterinarian may recommend an endoscopy for your pet, as well as providing you with information about just what the procedure will entail.

What is an Endoscopy?

This procedure is useful for visualising, identifying and removing foreign bodies in the oesophagus and stomach, and also allow for biopsies in the gastrointestinal tract.

Endoscopies are performed under a general anaesthetic and provide us with a detailed examination of your pets upper gastrointestinal tract, as well as parts of the respiratory tract, without performing major surgery.

The endoscope consists of a long, flexible insertion tube, with an end that can be manipulated via a headpiece to change view. As well as a light source at the end of the insertion scope to allow the camera to obtain an image, there are also channels allowing suction of internal fluids and also air and water to be passed through the endoscope to clear the viewing area of mucous or to expand the site.

When is an Endoscopy Recommended by Vets?

The most common reason for veterinarians to recommend an endoscopic procedure would be if your pet is experiencing:

  • Ongoing vomiting
  • Blood in faeces
  • Suspected foreign body in the oesophagus or stomach
  • Sneezing/coughing/wheezing

Endoscopies are particularly useful for the identification and subsequent removal of foreign bodies in the oesophagus and stomach. They also provide a non-invasive method of taking biopsies of some parts of the gastrointestinal tract.

Sydney’s Specialist Veterinarians

Eastside Veterinary Emergency and Specialists have all the equipment necessary to perform services such as endoscopies for your pet.

The Eastside clinic has full endoscopy facilities, allowing vets to take detailed examination of your pet’s upper gastrointestinal tract and the respiratory tract. Experienced and qualified veterinary staff are on site 24 hours a day, to offer assistance.

If your pet requires emergency care, be sure to seek professional veterinarian assistance immediately. No appointment is needed for an emergency – simply bring in your pet any time of day or night and we will attend to it. However, if time allows please call ahead and provide a brief description of your problem and estimated time of arrival so our staff can prepare in advance.