Endoscopy

OAH offers both upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy.  Upper GI endoscopy can be used to remove gastric foreign bodies, to evaluate the esophagus, stomach, and in most cases, the upper part of the small intestine.  It can be used to obtain a diagnosis for symptoms such as chronic vomiting, GI bleeding, and anorexia/weight loss.  Lower GI endoscopy (or colonoscopy) can be used to evaluate the colon.  It can be used when trying to diagnose the reasons behind a pet’s chronic diarrhea, difficulty defecating, or blood in the stool.  Colonoscopy can be used to evaluate the colon if a mass is found on a digital rectal exam.  With both upper and lower GI endoscopy, biopsy samples can be taken to facilitate diagnosis without the need for a surgical procedure, which means less pain and less risk of complications for your pet.

Finally, we offer rhinoscopy, which allows us to evaluate your pet’s nasal/sinus passages.  This can be very useful if your pet has chronic nasal discharge or sneezing, nasal obstruction, reverse sneezing, or if an abnormality is found on a radiograph of your pet’s sinuses.  Several of our veterinarians have had specialized training with endoscopy, and they will be happy to discuss endoscopy with you in detail if it is determined that your pet would benefit from one of these procedures.