Cat and Dog Endoscopy in Altadena: A less Invasive Alternative to Surgery
Cat and dog endoscopy allows us to examine internal structures and diagnose issues without resorting to invasive exploratory surgery. It also enables us to see inside various organs to check for problems and make a more accurate assessment of your pet's condition. Our primary concern is causing minimal discomfort and stress to your pet, and endoscopy gives us that ability.
How an Endoscope is Used
An endoscope is a narrow, flexible tube that helps us see inside different parts of the body:
- Colon
- Esophagus
- Stomach
- Nasal passages
- Intestines
The endoscope has a tiny camera and light mounted on the end to allow for clear visibility. We can check for signs of inflammation, scarring, lumps and other abnormalities. In addition, we can remove foreign objects from the intestines and/or stomach and collect tissue samples for biopsy. Our endoscope is essentially a multi-purpose tool that can be applied to a variety of medical situations.
What to Expect
Veterinary endoscopy must always be performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. Therefore, we can safely place the endoscope for viewing, collecting samples or removing a foreign object as needed.
We may recommend an endoscopic procedure for your pet if they are experiencing chronic vomiting and/or diarrhea. Additionally, if we suspect a mass or observe unusual bleeding from the nose, mouth or anus, endoscopy might be the next best step. As with any procedure requiring general anesthesia, we will examine your pet carefully and run diagnostic tests before going further. Safety is always our foremost concern.
If your pet is showing any signs of illness or abnormal behavior, please give us a call today at (626) 798-0738 so we can help.
