Endoscopy is an important technical tool in the diagnosis and treatment of pet diseases. An endoscope is a tubular instrument with a small camera and lighting equipment at one end, which can be inserted into the body through natural orifices or small incisions. It is primarily used in both the diagnosis and treatment of pet diseases.
In terms of diagnosis, endoscopy can be used to examine diseases of organs such as the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and certain types of cancer like gastrointestinal lymphoma. Additionally, it can also be used to inspect the nasal cavity, ear canal, bladder, urethra, and other areas, as well as perform biopsies.
For treatment, endoscopy can be used to manage various diseases. For example, it can be used to remove foreign objects from the digestive tract or assist in feeding for geriatric nutritional metabolic diseases. It can also guide the installation of tracheal stents for moderate to severe tracheal collapse. Furthermore, endoscopy can be combined with electrocoagulation and electrocision techniques for surgical procedures.
The advantages of endoscopic technology include minimal invasion, reduced bleeding, mild pain, and rapid recovery. The entire examination and treatment process is typically performed under painless conditions and takes only 20-30 minutes. After treatment, pets usually only need to rest for 5-10 minutes to recover to their normal state.
During an endoscopy procedure, a veterinarian will insert the endoscope into the pet’s mouth and then guide it through the esophagus into the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine called the duodenum. Due to the length and tortuosity of the small intestine, the endoscope cannot examine the entire gastrointestinal tract. The veterinarian will use small biopsy forceps through the endoscope channel to obtain tissue samples from the stomach and small intestine for biopsy. These samples will be submitted for histopathological or microscopic analysis to confirm the diagnosis of the disease.
Overall, endoscopy is a safe and effective diagnostic and treatment modality for pets, helping veterinarians to accurately diagnose diseases and formulate appropriate treatment plans. However, as with any medical procedure, there are risks involved, and whether endoscopy is suitable needs to be judged based on the specific condition and physical status of the pet.
