At WTVS, our internal medicine specialists perform endoscopy—a minimally invasive procedure that allows us to look inside your pet’s body using a small, flexible camera called an endoscope. This advanced technique helps diagnose and sometimes treat conditions affecting the stomach, intestines, esophagus, airway, urinary tract, or nasal passages—without the need for traditional surgery.
What to Expect:
Endoscopy is performed under general anesthesia to keep your pet comfortable and still. Depending on the area being examined, the scope is gently inserted through a natural opening (such as the mouth, nose, or urethra) to capture real-time images of internal structures. When necessary, small instruments can be passed through the endoscope to collect biopsy samples or remove foreign material safely and precisely.
Why It’s Important:
Endoscopy provides a clear view of tissues that cannot be seen on X-rays or ultrasound alone. It allows our specialists to identify problems like inflammation, ulcers, tumors, foreign bodies, or structural abnormalities while minimizing discomfort and recovery time. Because no surgical incisions are required, most pets recover quickly and go home the same day.
Referral Procedure:
Endoscopy requires specialized equipment and advanced training, so it is typically performed by a board-certified internal medicine specialist. General practice veterinarians often refer pets to our team for endoscopic evaluation when a deeper diagnostic approach is needed.
After the Procedure:
Your pet is carefully monitored during recovery, and your veterinarian will review the findings and biopsy results with you once they are available. Our specialist will work closely with your primary veterinarian to develop a personalized treatment plan based on the results.