A Closer Look Without the Need for Surgery
What is Endoscopy?
Endoscopy is a minimally invasive technique that uses a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and specialized tools to examine the inside of your pet’s body. In emergency medicine, it’s most commonly used to evaluate the esophagus, stomach, and upper intestines (duodenum), and in many cases, remove objects that don’t belong there.
Because no large incisions are required, endoscopy can reduce recovery time and discomfort compared to traditional surgery. Whenever possible, we’ll use endoscopy to retrieve an object instead of putting a pet through surgery.
When Endoscopy Can Help with Ingested Objects
When Would My Pet Need Emergency Endoscopy?
Pets are naturally curious, and sometimes that curiosity leads to swallowing something unsafe. Endoscopy can be a safe, effective alternative to surgery for certain types of ingested items, including:
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Needle and thread
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Soft toys or fabric pieces
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Plastic fragments
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Hair ties
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Coins
Not all objects can be retrieved this way. If the item is too large, sharp, or lodged in a dangerous location, our team may recommend surgical removal instead. Your pet’s emergency veterinarian will carefully evaluate the situation and discuss the safest, most effective treatment option.
Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Biopsies for Cats & Dogs
In addition to foreign object removal, endoscopy allows our Hershey veterinarians to obtain upper gastrointestinal biopsies, which are small tissue samples from the esophagus, stomach, or upper intestines, for diagnostic purposes. These biopsies are minimally invasive and can help identify conditions such as inflammation, infections, ulcers, or cancer that may not be visible on X-rays or ultrasounds.
By using endoscopy for biopsies, we can gather important information quickly and safely, often avoiding more invasive surgical procedures. Once collected, the tissue samples are sent to a pathologist for analysis, and your veterinarian will discuss the results with you and recommend the best treatment plan for your pet.