When your dog or cat has a sudden health crisis, quick and accurate diagnosis is essential. One tool that can make a big difference is endoscopy—a minimally invasive procedure that allows veterinarians to see inside your pet’s body without major surgery.

What Is Endoscopy?

Endoscopy uses a thin, flexible tube equipped with a tiny camera and light at the tip. This tool, called an endoscope, is inserted through a natural opening such as the mouth or nose, or through a small incision. The camera sends real-time images to a monitor, allowing the veterinary team to examine internal areas with precision.

In emergency medicine and internal medicine, endoscopy is often used to:

• Locate and remove swallowed objects

• Examine the gastrointestinal tract, nasal passages, or airways

• Take tissue samples (biopsies) for testing

• Identify causes of bleeding, vomiting, or difficulty breathing

Benefits of Endoscopy in Emergencies

Endoscopy offers several important advantages over traditional exploratory surgery:

1. Minimally Invasive

• No large incisions are needed, which reduces pain and recovery time.

2. Faster Diagnosis

• Images appear instantly on the monitor, helping the veterinary team make quick decisions when time matters most.

3. Reduced Recovery Time

• Most pets recover more quickly from endoscopy compared to surgery, often going home the same day.

4. Effective Foreign Object Removal

• If your pet swallows something they shouldn’t—like a toy, bone, or string—endoscopy can often remove it without surgery.

5. Lower Risk

• Less invasive procedures mean fewer complications and lower risk of infection.

When Might Your Pet Need Emergency Endoscopy?

Endoscopy may be recommended in emergencies if your pet is showing symptoms such as:

• Persistent vomiting or retching

• Difficulty breathing or nasal discharge

• Sudden loss of appetite

• Coughing or gagging

• Signs of abdominal discomfort

• Suspected ingestion of a foreign object

In these cases, endoscopy can help identify and address the problem quickly, improving your pet’s chances for a safe recovery.

Why Choose Mountainside Animal Emergency & Specialty

At Mountainside Animal Emergency & Specialty, our emergency and specialty team has the advanced equipment and training to perform endoscopy when every minute counts. We work quickly to diagnose and treat urgent conditions, keeping your companion’s comfort and safety as our top priorities.

If you think your pet may need emergency endoscopy—or if they are showing sudden signs of illness—contact us immediately. Prompt action can make all the difference.

Mountainside Animal Emergency & Specialty 2580 Capilano Road, North Vancouver, BC, V7R 4H2 Phone: (604) 973-1247