Endoscopy is an alternative to surgery.
An endoscope is basically a flexible tube with a light and a camera attached to it. This camera can be connected to a monitor. This allows the user to aim the camera and ‘drive’ the endoscope in real time to explore the patient’s digestive tract.
Endoscopy is very useful when we need to investigate a possible foreign body or attempt a non-surgical removal of said foreign body. It can also be used to investigate a large variety of potential conditions in the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, or colon. It is also useful for taking biopsies of these areas without having to use a surgical approach.
The scope may also be useful for visualizing other hard-to-reach areas. The endoscope is a great tool to have available in a general small animal practice, and we hare very fortunate to have it here at Hunters Glen Veterinary Hospital.