Veterinary Endoscopy Services in Traverse City, MI
Endoscopy allows our veterinary team to see inside your pet’s body without major surgery. At Omnivet in Traverse City, MI, we use this minimally invasive technology to diagnose digestive and respiratory problems, collect biopsies, and retrieve swallowed objects with greater precision and less discomfort for your pet.
What Is Endoscopy?
Endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a small camera and light on the end. Passed through the mouth or nose, the endoscope lets our veterinarians view the esophagus, stomach, upper intestines, colon, airways, and nasal passages on a monitor in real time. Specialized instruments passed through the scope can collect tissue samples or grasp and remove foreign objects.
How Endoscopy Helps Your Pet
Endoscopy can help identify the cause of:
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Difficulty swallowing or regurgitation
- Chronic digestive problems and suspected inflammatory bowel disease
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
- Blood in the stool or vomit
- Chronic coughing, sneezing, or nasal discharge
Foreign Object Retrieval
Dogs and cats often swallow items like socks, toys, bones, hair ties, and fish hooks. When an object is still in the esophagus or stomach, endoscopy can often remove it without surgery, which means no abdominal incision, less pain, and a faster recovery. If your pet swallowed something, call Omnivet at (231) 244-4860 right away. Objects that have moved into the intestines, or that can’t be safely removed with the scope, may require surgery.
Biopsies and Advanced Diagnosis
Endoscopy lets us collect tissue samples from the lining of the digestive tract without major surgery. These biopsies help diagnose inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, infections, and tumors. Endoscopy is often part of a complete medical workup and is closely tied to our internal medicine service.
What to Expect
Endoscopy is performed under general anesthesia so your pet stays still and comfortable. Before the procedure, we recommend pre-anesthetic bloodwork and may use X-rays to locate a foreign object. Most pets need to fast beforehand, and we will give you specific instructions. Your pet is monitored continuously during the procedure, and most go home the same day. Biopsy results are typically available within several days, and your veterinarian will review them with you.
Schedule an Endoscopy Consultation
Call Omnivet at (231) 244-4860 to discuss whether endoscopy is right for your pet. We are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 7pm and Saturday from 10am to 6pm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Veterinary Endoscopy
What is veterinary endoscopy?
Endoscopy uses a thin, flexible camera to examine the digestive tract, airways, or nasal passages without major surgery.
Can endoscopy remove a swallowed object?
Often, yes, if the object is in the esophagus or stomach. Objects in the intestines may require surgery.
Is my pet under anesthesia for endoscopy?
Yes. General anesthesia keeps your pet still and comfortable, and they are monitored continuously throughout.
Does my pet need to fast before endoscopy?
Yes. Most pets need to fast before the procedure. We will give you specific instructions ahead of time.
How long does recovery take?
Most pets go home the same day and recover quickly, since there is no surgical incision.
When will biopsy results be ready?
Biopsy results are typically available within several days. Your veterinarian will call you to discuss them.
Is endoscopy better than surgery?
When appropriate, endoscopy is less invasive with a faster recovery. Your veterinarian will recommend the safest option for your pet.