What is an Endoscopy?

Gastrointestinal endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a flexible video endoscope to directly visualize the inside of accessible portions of the gastrointestinal tract. Unlike radiographs, ultrasound, and CT, which provide information about the GI tract and surrounding structures, endoscopy allows direct evaluation of the mucosal surface. This can help identify abnormalities that may be difficult to fully characterize with imaging alone. Endoscopy also allows our team to obtain targeted mucosal biopsies for histopathology. When indicated, biopsy samples may support additional diagnostic testing, such as immunohistochemistry or clonality testing. In selected cases, endoscopy can also be therapeutic, including retrieval of certain esophageal and gastric foreign bodies. Endoscopy may be performed as a stand-alone diagnostic procedure or combined with advanced imaging when additional information is needed to answer the clinical question.

Common reasons for an Endoscopy

Endoscopy may be recommended when a patient has persistent or unexplained gastrointestinal signs or when direct evaluation and tissue sampling may provide additional diagnostic information.

 

Common indications include:

• Chronic or recurrent vomiting
• Chronic or recurrent diarrhea
• Suspected chronic enteropathy or inflammatory gastrointestinal disease
• Persistent gastrointestinal signs despite appropriate initial diagnostic evaluation and dietary trials
• Suspected mucosal disease
• Gastrointestinal erosions or ulceration
• Mucosal thickening or other abnormalities identified on imaging
• Suspected infiltrative or neoplastic disease
• Accessible gastrointestinal masses or polyps
• Need for targeted mucosal biopsies
• Suspected esophageal or gastric foreign body
• Selected foreign bodies that may be appropriate for endoscopic retrieval

 

Seeing the lesion is only half the answer.

When imaging identifies an abnormality but the underlying cause remains uncertain, endoscopy can provide another important piece of the diagnostic puzzle.

 

Endoscopy → Biopsy → Histopathology → Diagnosis → Treatment Plan

 

Targeted biopsies allow direct assessment of mucosal tissue and can help characterize inflammatory, infiltrative, ulcerative, neoplastic, and other gastrointestinal abnormalities.

What to Expect

All endoscopy procedures are performed under general anesthesia so the patient can remain comfortable and still throughout the examination.

Prior to the procedure, an Animal Imaging veterinarian will review the patient’s history and clinical findings and determine the appropriate diagnostic approach. Depending on the clinical question, endoscopy may be performed alone or in conjunction with other diagnostic imaging.

During the procedure, a flexible video endoscope is used to examine accessible portions of the gastrointestinal tract. The endoscope provides real-time visualization of the mucosal surface and allows the veterinarian to identify abnormalities that may not be fully characterized through imaging alone.

Biopsy

When indicated, targeted mucosal biopsies can be obtained during the procedure. These samples are submitted for histopathology to help determine the underlying cause of the patient’s gastrointestinal disease.

Additional testing may be recommended based on the histopathology findings and clinical suspicion.

Foreign Body Retrieval

In selected cases, an endoscope can be used to retrieve an esophageal or gastric foreign body. Endoscopic retrieval may provide a less invasive alternative to surgery when the location, type, and condition of the foreign body make the procedure appropriate.

When a GI foreign body can’t wait, neither should your referral.

Same-day referral may be available for appropriate foreign-body cases. Please contact Animal Imaging to discuss urgent cases and determine whether endoscopic retrieval is appropriate.