Bath-Brunswick Veterinary Associates Article

The word "endoscopy," denotes the use of fiberoptic instruments to investigate and possibly biopsy certain body cavities. It is a "noninvasive," procedure which means no surgical incisions are required. For the patient, this means a short anesthetic period with a rapid recovery. All endoscopies in small animals require full anesthesia, and therefore may require pre-anesthetic evaluations such as blood tests, radiographs (xrays), and/or ultrasound. Endoscopies are usually considered among the low-risk procedures in veterinary medicine.

Gastroscopy	Bronchoscopy
Gastroscopy allows the internist to closely examine an animal's esophagus, stomach, and the first portion of the small intestine. The health of these tissues can be assessed, biopsies harvested, and sometimes foreign objects can be retrieved. The pet is fasted at least 12 hours prior to the procedure, and is often released in the same day. Common reasons this technique is employed are weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia.	Bronchoscopy is fiberoptic examination of the respiratory system. This includes the larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), and bronchial tree. This is a short, day procedure that allows the internist to take samples and bacterial cultures of the airways. It may be preceded by chest radiographs (xrays), and certain blood tests. Animals requiring this test usually are sent because of a chronic cough, suspected pneumonia, allergy, or cancer.
Colonoscopy	Rhinoscopy
Colonoscopy allows the doctor to evaluate disease processes of the large intestine (colon), and rectum. Patients requiring this technique are usually admitted to the hospital the day prior to the scheduled procedure, to allow for medical evacuation of the bowel. This facilitates a visual exam of the tissues and harvesting of a biopsy. This process is recommended for animals that have chronic diarrhea, straining to defecate, and/or blood in their stools.	Rhinoscopy is the use of fiberoptics to investigate the nasal cavity. It can be used for dogs over 20 lbs., and is a short day procedure. It is usually accompanied by skull and nasal radiographs, and biopsy. Chronic sneezing, snorting, "reverse sneezing," chronic nasal discharge, or nasal bleeding would be indications for rhinoscopy.
Patient Preparation
All pets admitted for these procedures are first evaluated by a veterinarian who will examine your pet, the medical history, the feasibility of endoscopy, and carefully determine any ancillary tests that will be required. At that time, a written estimate can be given, and questions or concerns you may have can be discussed in detail. Pets are generally required to be admitted to the hospital for the day (2 days for colonoscopy). Please fast your pet (no food; water OK) for at least 12 hours prior to the admission time.

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