Gastroscopy
We understand the importance of ensuring your pet’s health and well-being. That’s why we offer state-of-the-art gastroscopy services tailored specifically for your furry companion.
Conditions Diagnosed & Treated with Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a flexible endoscope equipped with a tiny camera and light source into your pet’s mouth and down into the gastrointestinal tract. This allows our experienced veterinarians to visualise the lining of the oesophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine in real time, identifying any abnormalities or issues that may be affecting your pet’s health.
Gastric Ulcers
Gastric ulcers are erosions or sores that develop in the lining of the stomach. Gastroscopy allows us to visualise and assess the severity of gastric ulcers in pets, which can be caused by factors such as stress, medications, or bacterial infections.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Gastroscopy can help identify the source of gastrointestinal bleeding in pets, which may present as dark or bloody vomit, melena (tarry stools), or hematochezia (fresh blood in the stool). Causes of gastrointestinal bleeding in pets include ulcers, tumours, inflammatory bowel disease, or ingestion of foreign objects.
Chronic Vomiting or Regurgitation
Persistent vomiting or regurgitation in pets may be indicative of underlying gastrointestinal issues such as gastritis, oesophagitis, motility disorders, or obstruction. Gastroscopy allows for direct visualisation of the oesophagus and stomach to identify the cause of these symptoms.
Foreign Body Ingestion
Pets, especially dogs, are prone to ingesting foreign objects such as toys, bones, or fabric. Gastroscopy enables us to locate and retrieve foreign bodies lodged in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum before they cause intestinal obstruction or perforation.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of chronic gastrointestinal disorders characterised by inflammation of the intestinal lining. Gastroscopy with biopsy allows for the evaluation of intestinal inflammation and helps differentiate between various types of IBD in pets, such as lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis or eosinophilic gastroenteritis.
Tumours & Masses
Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of chronic gastrointestinal disorders characterised by inflammation of the intestinal lining. Gastroscopy with biopsy allows for the evaluation of intestinal inflammation and helps differentiate between various types of IBD in pets, such as lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis or eosinophilic gastroenteritis.
Reflux Oesophagitis
Reflux oesophagitis occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing irritation and inflammation of the esophageal lining. Gastroscopy allows veterinarians to assess the extent of esophageal inflammation and identify contributing factors such as hiatal hernias or esophageal strictures.
Gastroscopy Procedure
The procedure for performing gastroscopy on pets involves several steps and requires specialised equipment. Here’s an overview of the typical procedure.
Pre-procedure Preparation
We will provide instructions on how to prepare your pet. This may include fasting for a specific period before the procedure to ensure the stomach is empty, allowing for better visualisation during the examination. It’s essential to follow these instructions carefully to ensure the success of the procedure.
Anaesthesia or Sedation
Most pet gastroscopies require the animal to be sedated or placed under general anesthesia to keep them comfortable and still during the procedure. We will determine the appropriate anaesthesia protocol based on your pet’s health status, age, and temperament.
Gastroscopy Procedure
Once your pet is sedated or anaesthetised, we will gently insert a flexible endoscope into the mouth and down the oesophagus. The endoscope is equipped with a small camera and light source at its tip, allowing for visualisation of the gastrointestinal tract.
As the endoscope is advanced through the esophagus and into the stomach, we will carefully examine the lining of the gastrointestinal tract in real-time. The live video feed from the endoscope allows for close inspection of the mucosal surfaces, identifying any abnormalities such as inflammation, ulcers, tumours, or foreign objects.
If suspicious lesions or abnormalities are identified during the gastroscopy, we may obtain biopsy samples using specialised instruments passed through the endoscope. Biopsy samples allow for further evaluation of the tissue under a microscope to determine the nature and severity of any underlying conditions.
In some cases, therapeutic interventions may be performed during the gastroscopy procedure. This could include removing foreign objects lodged in the gastrointestinal tract, obtaining samples for bacterial cultures or cytology, or delivering medications directly to affected areas.
Post-Procedure Care
After the gastroscopy is completed, your pet will be monitored closely as they recover from anaesthesia or sedation. We will provide post-procedure care instructions, including any dietary restrictions or medications that may be necessary.
Gastroscopy Benefits in Pets
Overall, gastroscopy offers numerous benefits for pets by providing a safe, accurate, and minimally invasive means of diagnosing and managing a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions. If your pet is experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, or abdominal discomfort, consult with us to determine if gastroscopy may be beneficial for diagnosing the underlying cause of their gastrointestinal distress.
Accurate Diagnosis
Allows direct visualisation of the stomach and oesophagus to identify ulcers, inflammation, tumours, or foreign bodies.
Minimally Invasive
Avoids the need for open surgery, reducing recovery time and stress for pets.
Foreign Body Removal
Safely retrieves ingested items without requiring surgical intervention.
Targeted Sampling
Enables precise collection of biopsies for diagnosing gastrointestinal issues.
Early Detection
Identifies problems like gastritis or cancer at an earlier stage for timely treatment.
Therapeutic Interventions
Assists in addressing issues such as bleeding or strictures directly.