Veterinary endoscopes are invaluable tools in the world of animal medicine. These slender, flexible tubes with a light and camera attached to the end allow veterinarians to view areas of an animal’s body that would otherwise be impossible to see. By using endoscopic procedures, veterinary medical professionals can diagnose quickly and accurately without resorting to more invasive methods.
The endoscope provides clear images inside the patient’s body, which the veterinarian can use for diagnosis or treatment planning. Endoscopy also allows vets to perform minimally invasive surgeries, reducing their patients’ recovery time and stress levels.
How Are Endoscopes Different From Gastroscopes?
An endoscope is a more general term for any instrument used to examine the inside of an animal’s body. Conversely, a gastroscope is designed to explore the digestive system and diagnose or treat gastrointestinal issues such as ulcers or intestinal blockages.
Rigid Vs. Flexible Endoscopes
Rigid endoscopes are rigid, straight tubes requiring a larger incision. Because of their design and size, they provide higher image quality and can be used for deeper examinations. However, the significant insertion point may cause more discomfort to the patient and is unsuitable for all endoscopic procedures.
Flexible endoscopes are more miniature, making them easier to insert and maneuver. They are also more comfortable for patients and can provide adequate imaging quality – depending on the endoscope type – while providing a less invasive option than rigid endoscopes.
What Are Standard Procedures And Diagnoses Associated With Endoscopy?
Endoscopy diagnoses and treat various conditions in animals. Some standard endoscopic procedures include biopsies, foreign body removal, endoscopic surgeries, endoscopic cystourethrography (to examine the bladder and ureters), endoscopic tracheobronchoscopy (for reading the upper respiratory tract), endoscopic sphincterotomy (for treating gallstones) and endoscopic gastrostomy (to insert a feeding tube).
Biopsies
Biopsies are endoscopic procedures that collect tissue samples from the animal’s body for laboratory testing. Tissue samples may diagnose a condition or monitor changes in the patient’s health over time. Foreign body removal is performed when an animal has swallowed or inhaled a foreign object that must be removed endoscopically. Endoscopic surgeries treat conditions such as strictures, ulcers, or bleeding without making a large incision, leaving the patient with a long recovery time.
Other Crucial Diagnoses
Endoscopic cystourethrography is an endoscopy of the ureters and bladder. The procedure identifies clinical signs of urinary tract infections, bladder stones, narrowing of the ureters, or tumors.
In contrast, endoscopic tracheobronchoscopy is an endoscopy of the upper respiratory tract. It diagnoses bronchitis and other conditions such as pneumonia or foreign bodies stuck in the airways.
Endoscopic sphincterotomy diagnoses and treats gallstones. Finally, an endoscopic gastrostomy is an endoscopy of the stomach that can be used to insert a feeding tube so that animals unable to eat on their own can receive nutrition.
Remove Foreign Objects From Animal Bodies With National Veterinary Equipment
National Veterinary Equipment wants to provide the best tools for large and small animal internal medicine. We work with the top brands to help you identify the best diagnostic procedures for your patients.
To find out more about safe tube placement, please out to us today. Examine any animal’s gastrointestinal tract with endoscopes from National Veterinary.