Pet Endoscopy
Pet Endoscopy in Westwood, NJ
Making sure our pets have food, water, toys, and love is easy. And pet owners always strive to create a happy home for their beloved pets. However, you must turn to veterinarians to help if something is wrong with your pet’s health. Whether you have a cat, a dog, or any other pet, the team at Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital in Westwood, NJ, is here to help give them the care they deserve. We provide a variety of critical veterinary services, including a veterinary endoscopy and other diagnostic care services to help figure out what is wrong and the best course of action for each patient.
What Is a Pet Endoscopy?
Endoscopies are nonsurgical procedures that veterinarians typically use to help examine the digestive tract of their patients. These procedures involve using a device called an endoscope to examine areas that would otherwise be difficult to reach. The endoscope is a tube that can bend and flex to move around inside the animal, and it features a light and a camera on the end. This allows doctors to watch in real-time on a monitor as the endoscope moves through the digestive tract, examining each area to determine the cause of any problems.
While most endoscopies are done simply for diagnostic purposes, some veterinarians may use them to perform surgeries or remove tissue for inspection. To do this, the endoscope will have a small surgical tool attached to the end.
How Is a Pet Endoscopy Performed?
While the procedure isn’t typically surgical, it is minimally invasive. This will require your pet to be sedated with an anesthetic to prevent stress or complications. After the pet is relaxed, the endoscope will be inserted. Depending on the suspected area of the problem, the endoscope may enter through the mouth or the rectum.
The endoscope will enter through the mouth and will move down through the esophagus, allowing veterinarians to look for any abnormalities. It will then enter the stomach. Depending on the size of the animal and the length of the endoscope, veterinarians may be able to reach the upper part of the small intestine by going through the mouth.
How Does a Pet Endoscopy Help?
Like other diagnostic services, pet endoscopies help determine what is wrong with your pet. They are frequently recommended if any of the following signs or symptoms apply:
- Trouble swallowing
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Noticeable weight loss
- Labored breathing
- Congestion in the nose
- Unusual lumps
- Gagging after coughing
The procedure can also be performed if your pet has accidentally ingested something they shouldn’t, including clothing, toys, plastic, and more. Some foreign objects can safely make their way through the animal’s digestive tract, but others will require removal via an endoscopy.
At Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital, our veterinarians will likely look to endoscopies as an alternative to surgery. This will make things easier for you and your pet. It will also eliminate the need for your pet to stay overnight. Because endoscopies are nonsurgical, there won’t be a healing process.
The last, and perhaps most significant, reason to consider an endoscopy is that they are an easy way to help detect cancers inside your pet’s body. If an endoscopy reveals an unexpected mass, your veterinarian will likely opt for a biopsy. Catching these kinds of diseases early can make a big difference and allow your pet to live a long, healthy life.
Look To Our Experienced Veterinary Team
If you think something may be wrong with your pet, it’s best not to wait. Bring them to Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital in Westwood, NJ, and let our team take a look. We can provide a pet endoscopy and other diagnostic care services to get to the root of the problem. Our team treats every pet with kindness and compassion, so you know they’re in good hands.
We have the latest technology and tools to help us identify problems in animals big and small, including ultrasounds, digital radiography, intestinal parasite evaluation, and cytology testing. If your pet needs to stay overnight, we have experienced technicians watching over them. If you are interested in making an appointment or have any further questions about endoscopies, contact us today.
Service Available At:
Westwood
- 346 Kinderkamack Rd.
Westwood, NJ 07675 - 201-885-5040
- Monday to Sunday: 9 AM to 10 PM