Minimally Invasive Procedures: The Benefits of Veterinary Endoscopy

Just like other advanced imaging modalities—such as veterinary CT systems, fluoroscopy, and more—endoscopy is becoming more common for use by general practitioners.

Is an endoscope a good value to add to a veterinary practice? How is it used, and how does it improve patient care? 

In the next few articles, we’ll cover common uses and purchasing questions when it comes to veterinary endoscopy.

What Is an Endoscope?

An endoscope is a rigid or flexible tube that is used for imaging, diagnostic testing, and/or certain surgeries and procedures on veterinary patients. 

The scope provides light and visibility (which may include high-resolution video on some models) to help the veterinarian better assess the patient’s anatomy and look for abnormalities. This veterinary equipment is typically hollow to allow the passage of tools and accessories—such as biopsy and retrieval forceps—to the area of interest.

Uses for Endoscopy in Veterinary Medicine

Standard uses may include non-invasively assessing anatomy, obtaining biopsy samples, and removing foreign objects. 

A very common use of endoscopy in veterinary medicine is the evaluation of the GI tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and proximal duodenum. The scope would be inserted through the mouth and passed through the esophagus to visualize the inner portions of these organs without the need to perform surgery. 

While evaluating the GI tract, a veterinarian might take note of abnormalities like inflammation, wounds or bleeding (examples: esophageal trauma or gastric ulcers), masses, strictures, foreign bodies, or other issues. 

This visual exam can help with diagnosis, but biopsies are usually needed for a definitive diagnosis of many conditions, including inflammatory or neoplastic conditions. These biopsies can typically be obtained via the scope, so long as a full-thickness surgical biopsy isn’t required. 

Tools or attachments can be used to retrieve and remove many types of foreign bodies. For a stricture, endoscopy can help facilitate balloon dilation therapy. It’s even possible to provide hemostasis with some scope accessories.

The colon, cecum, and parts of the ileum may also be evaluated via a colonoscopy. In addition to the GI tract, endoscopes may be used to evaluate other body systems such as the respiratory tract (examples: rhinoscopy or bronchoscopy) or urinary tract. 

Similar to the upper GI tract, uses of the scope include visual assessment, biopsies, and minor procedures. For example, the tool can assist with traction and removal of nasopharyngeal polyps, or with biopsies of the bladder without the need to perform a cystostomy.

Additionally, laparoscopic-assisted surgery may be performed, especially for routine procedures like spays or even gastropexy. Scopes may also assist with feeding tube placements.

For exotic species like birds or reptiles, veterinary endoscopy can aid with gender determination, in addition to helping with diagnostic and minor surgical procedures.

Should a Veterinarian Refer to a Specialist for Endoscopy?

It’s probably never “wrong” to offer clients a referral—both for the best interest of the patient when indicated, as well as for liability purposes. If a general practitioner doesn’t have the right equipment or feels confident using the equipment, a referral is usually best.

However, it’s also true that endoscopy isn’t strictly limited to specialists like surgeons or internists anymore. It’s possible for general practitioners to gain experience using this modality and expand their offerings to their own patients.

That being said, a general practitioner shouldn’t simply order an endoscope and set up shop immediately. It’s important to research the equipment prior to purchase and then to gain lots of knowledge and hands-on experience on how to safely and effectively use it.

Consulting with a veterinary specialist who frequently uses endoscopy can be helpful. They can guide you on which types of scopes (there are many options out there) might be the best investment for your budget, for the widest range of uses on the types/sizes of patients your practice sees.

Then, pursue hands-on, guided instruction in the use of the new equipment. Some endoscopy systems include training, which is nice because it’s geared toward the specific model your practice purchased. There are also in-depth courses—many with guided, in-person instruction from a knowledgeable teacher—available at conferences, universities, or other continuing education venues.

With some due diligence and training, adding veterinary endoscopy can potentially be exciting and profitable to a practice that wants to provide a high level of care to its patients.

 Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM