Endoscopy In Dogs
Endoscopy is a simple test that allows you to observe and diagnose changes in the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, in order to prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Although it is a minimally invasive procedure, it requires the patient to be under anesthesia to avoid any discomfort or accidental injury. We’ll talk more about endoscopy in dogs and its recommendations below.
What is an endoscopy?
As we can see, it is an exam of the digestive and respiratory tract that should only be done by a doctor or specialized health professional. In this procedure, a long, very thin and very flexible tube is used, which has a small camera at its tip. This device, called an endoscope, is the protagonist and what guarantees the success of endoscopy.
Inside the endoscope there is a small channel that allows the introduction of a wide variety of medical instruments. It is precisely for this reason that endoscopy can be used to diagnose and treat numerous respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders.
The technique has many benefits for the dog, its owner and the professional. It is simple, painless, minimally invasive, reasonably priced and allows for quick patient recovery. Furthermore, it requires little care before and after the operation, which makes it easier for everyone involved.
How endoscopy is performed in dogs
The veterinarian must first ensure that the dog is capable of undergoing surgery. Thus, endoscopy is simple and safe, but it involves general anesthesia and a minimally invasive procedure.
With medical authorization, the dog must be admitted to the veterinary clinic or hospital. He will then receive general anesthesia which usually kicks in almost immediately. When the patient is adequately sedated, an endotracheal tube is inserted to allow adequate breathing.
The veterinarian carefully inserts the endoscope through the dog’s mouth. The tip of the device is usually lubricated to allow better access to the digestive tract. Then the professional guide the endoscope camera to observe all the walls of the gastrointestinal and respiratory system.
It is often necessary to inject a good amount of air through the dog’s mouth to allow better visualization. In case a foreign body is found, the professional may opt for a surgical incision and remove it immediately.
Keep in mind that dogs often ingest non-digestible objects that can become trapped in the respiratory tract or stomach.
Once the procedure is finished, the practitioner will suck the excess air from the gastrointestinal cavity. You will then carefully remove the endoscope through the dog’s mouth. And then just wait for the test result, which can take three to seven days. Endoscopy can take between one and three hours. Anesthesia should work for at least 30 minutes longer.
When endoscopy in dogs is recommended
Endoscopy generally does not appear as a routine study for dogs or humans. The medical recommendation is almost always derived from some abnormal observation in blood tests, urine, ultrasound or X-rays.
What is the purpose of performing an endoscopy in dogs? The procedure is usually performed with the intention of confirming or ruling out a possible diagnosis already suspected by the physician.
In principle, the veterinarian can order an endoscopy to check for any abnormalities in the dog’s digestive or respiratory system. The study allows us to observe the mucous membranes, in addition to collecting samples or abnormal masses for subsequent biopsy.
Furthermore, endoscopy is generally applied as an immediate treatment or even to avoid complications of certain pathologies. This is the case with gastric torsion and gastropexy. The procedure can also be applied for the following purposes:
- Placement of intestinal or gastric tubes (enteral feeding).
- Partial resection of the pancreas and abdomen.
- Removal of foreign bodies or anomalous masses.
Dog recovery after an endoscopy
Recovery after an endoscopy is very simple. Normally, the animal will wake up a little disoriented, so we shouldn’t make any sudden movements. Although we really want to hug or caress him, the ideal is to expect him to fully regain his spatiotemporal awareness.
We should not feed or water the animal right after it wakes up. The throat, esophagus, stomach and intestines will be sensitive for a few hours.
Because of this special sensitivity, it is important to offer our friend water in small amounts 30 minutes after he regains consciousness. Food can be offered after three or four hours, also in small portions.
