Endoscopy Services
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Endoscopy Services at Tell Tail Veterinary Urgent Care: Minimally Invasive Care for Your Pet
At Tell Tail Veterinary Urgent Care, we are committed to offering advanced, minimally invasive procedures that ensure the best outcomes for your pet. One of these cutting-edge services is endoscopy, a non-surgical option for diagnosing and treating various gastrointestinal issues, particularly for the removal of foreign bodies or obtaining biopsies. Endoscopy allows us to provide a faster, less invasive solution for pets with digestive issues, reducing recovery time and avoiding more complex surgical procedures.
What is an Endoscopy?
An endoscopy is a procedure that uses a specialized, flexible tube with a camera attached to visualize and examine the inside of your pet’s digestive system. This allows our skilled veterinarians to:
- Remove foreign bodies from the esophagus or stomach without the need for invasive surgery.
- Visualize the stomach and upper gastrointestinal tract to check for abnormalities, inflammation, or other concerns.
- Collect biopsies from the stomach or small intestine for diagnostic purposes.
The procedure is performed under anesthesia to ensure your pet remains comfortable throughout.
When Is an Endoscopy Necessary for Your Pet?
Endoscopy can be a highly effective tool for both diagnosis and treatment in the following situations:
- Foreign Body Removal: Pets, particularly dogs, sometimes swallow objects they shouldn’t—whether it’s a toy, bone, or household item. If the object is lodged in the esophagus or stomach, endoscopy allows us to quickly and safely remove it, avoiding the need for more invasive surgery. This reduces recovery time and minimizes discomfort for your pet.
- Gastric or Esophageal Evaluation: If your pet is experiencing vomiting, abdominal pain, or chronic digestive issues, endoscopy provides an excellent way to visualize the stomach lining and check for ulcers, tumors, or inflammation. This is a vital diagnostic tool for identifying underlying causes of gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Biopsy Collection: Endoscopy allows us to collect stomach biopsies for diagnostic evaluation, which can help identify conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cancer, or chronic gastritis. For biopsies of the small intestine, we coordinate with a specialist, though the procedure can still be performed on-site at Tell Tail Veterinary Urgent Care.
Benefits of Endoscopy at Tell Tail Veterinary Urgent Care
- Non-Surgical Foreign Body Removal: One of the greatest advantages of endoscopy is its ability to safely remove objects from your pet’s esophagus or stomach without the need for surgery. This leads to faster recovery times, fewer complications, and less stress for your pet.
- Less Invasive Diagnostic Tool: Endoscopy provides real-time visualization of your pet’s gastrointestinal tract, allowing for early detection of disease or abnormalities without the need for exploratory surgery.
- Rapid Biopsy Collection: If biopsies are needed, they can be obtained during the procedure, providing quick answers to ongoing health issues such as chronic vomiting or diarrhea.
- No Specialist Required: Unlike many other veterinary facilities that may require the involvement of a specialist, our skilled urgent care veterinarians can perform endoscopy right here at Tell Tail Veterinary Urgent Care. This allows for faster diagnosis and treatment, saving you both time and money.
- Collaboration with Specialists: For more complex cases, such as small intestinal biopsies, we work closely with specialists to ensure your pet receives the best possible care. These procedures can still be performed on-site, giving your pet access to advanced diagnostics without needing to travel to another facility.
Why Choose Tell Tail Veterinary Urgent Care for Your Pet’s Endoscopy?
- Expertise and Convenience: Our urgent care doctors are highly trained and experienced in performing endoscopy procedures. This service is readily available at our facility, without needing to book with a specialist.
- Faster Recovery: Endoscopy is minimally invasive, leading to shorter recovery times and less discomfort for your pet compared to traditional surgery.
- Accessible Care: Many veterinary practices refer endoscopy cases to specialists, but at Tell Tail Veterinary Urgent Care, we can perform this procedure in-house. This means your pet receives prompt care, and you avoid the long waits that can sometimes accompany specialist appointments.
- Affordable: Because we can perform endoscopy on-site without needing a referral, our prices are often more affordable than specialist practices, allowing you to access advanced diagnostics at a lower cost.
When to Seek Endoscopy for Your Pet
Endoscopy may be recommended for your pet if they exhibit symptoms such as:
- Chronic vomiting or regurgitation
- Difficulty swallowing
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Foreign body ingestion (toys, bones, clothing, etc.)
- Chronic diarrhea or digestive issues
- Weight loss with no clear cause
If your pet is showing any of these signs, endoscopy may be the best tool to quickly diagnose the problem and provide a treatment plan.
What to Expect During Your Pet’s Endoscopy
- Pre-Procedure Assessment: Before the endoscopy, our veterinarians will perform a full physical exam and may run diagnostic blood work to ensure your pet is healthy enough for the procedure.
- Sedation/Anesthesia: Endoscopy is usually performed under sedation or light anesthesia to ensure your pet remains still and comfortable throughout the procedure.
- Procedure: Using a flexible camera, the veterinarian will carefully guide the endoscope into your pet’s esophagus or stomach, allowing them to visualize any abnormalities or remove foreign objects. Biopsies can also be taken during this time if necessary.
- Post-Procedure Recovery: After the endoscopy, your pet will recover from sedation, and you’ll be able to take them home the same day. We will provide aftercare instructions and review any findings with you, including recommendations for follow-up care or treatment.
Schedule an Endoscopy at Tell Tail Veterinary Urgent Care
If your pet is experiencing digestive issues, has ingested a foreign object, or requires further investigation into gastrointestinal health, an endoscopy may be the best solution. At Tell Tail Veterinary Urgent Care, we’re equipped to provide fast, expert endoscopic care without the need for a specialist referral.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit telltailvet.com or call us directly.