Endoscopy is an imaging technique that uses a fiber optic system and a camera to view the interior of different organs on a screen: digestive tract, nostrils, trachea, bronchi, bladder, etc.
Depending on the organ explored, the endoscope can be flexible or rigid.
Depending on the organ explored, the endoscope can be flexible or rigid.
This examination takes place under general anesthesia in dogs and cats.
Endoscopy of nasal cavities and auditory canal:
Endoscopy is a very useful exploration technique in ENT. It makes it possible to explore the canal from the ear to the eardrum, or even the middle ear, the nasal cavities (rhinoscopy) or the throat (laryngoscopy).
Endoscopy is used for diagnostic but also therapeutic purposes (interventional endoscopy). It makes it possible to take a sample, clean the ear canal during otitis, biopsies or nasal curettage, remove foreign bodies from the ear or nose.
Endoscopy of the trachea and bronchi:
This examination is indicated during chronic cough. It can be accompanied by broncho-alveolar lavage for analysis (bacteriology, search for parasites) or biopsies for histological examination.
Digestive endoscopy:
It allows the exploration of the esophagus, the stomach, the proximal part of the
duodenum, colon.
There are many indications for digestive endoscopy: foreign body in the esophagus
or in the stomach (hook, bone, toy...), tumor research, exploration of
vomiting or chronic diarrhea.
Biopsies are frequently performed during endoscopy to clarify the
diagnosis in chronic or recurrent digestive pathology.
Urinary endoscopy:
There are endoscopes of different sizes. Depending on the size of the animal, it is sometimes
possible to perform endoscopy of the urethra and bladder for biopsies
or even to extract urinary stones. In the male dog, the presence of a penile bone is a
limiting factor to this technique.
