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Category: Canine,Equine,Feline
Endoscopy, gastrointestinal endoscopy
Endoscopy, gastrointestinal endoscopy, GI scoping
AffectedAnimals:
Patients with disorders of the esophagus, stomach, or intestines may be candidates for endoscopy.
Overview:
The term endoscopy refers to evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract for the presence of a wide variety of esophageal, stomach, and intestinal disorders. An endoscopy requires specialized equipment, and the veterinarian performing it must have training and expertise in the procedure.
In addition to its use as a diagnostic tool, endoscopy also has therapeutic applications. The procedure can be used to remove foreign objects from the esophagus and the stomach, to place feeding tubes into the stomach without the need for surgery, and to correct strictures, which are narrowed areas in the esophagus or colon resulting from scar tissue formation.
Endoscopy does require general anesthesia. Complications related to endoscopy are uncommon, and the procedure is non-invasive.
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