Atascadero Pet Center_Endoscopy Ultrasound and Digital Xray

Endoscopy is a visual examination of the gastrointestinal tract using a lighted, flexible fiber optic scope. Gastroscopy is when the instrument is inserted through the mouth and passed into the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the intestine (duodenum). Colonscopy is the procedure whereby the scope is passed through the anus to examine the rectum and colon. Bronchoscopy is when the scope is passed down the trachea (windpipe) into the bronchi of the lungs. Rhinoscopy is the scoping of the nasal passage.

Endoscopy is a relatively noninvasive way to diagnose tumors, strictures, ulcers, and to take tissue samples. Some foreign bodies (such as fish hooks) can be removed with endoscopy, saving the pet a major abdominal surgery. Endoscopy can be performed on both dogs and cats, under general anesthesia.

A partial list of indications for endoscopy includes:

Gastroscopy: regurgitation, abnormal swallowing, increased salivation, nausea,

vomiting, bloody stool, inappetence.

Colonscopy: diarrhea, weight loss, fecal mucus, straining to defecate.

Bronchoscopy: coughing, trachea collapse, abnormal breathing pattern, foreign body.

Rhinoscopy: nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, chronic sneezing, facial distortion.

Ultrasound is the same as “sonography” which is routinely performed on pregnant women. Ultrasound is a noninvasive (without surgery) way of obtaining an image of internal organs. High frequency sound waves are emitted from a probe, which then receives reflected sound waves as they echo off the internal organs. The images are viewed “real time”, and the images can be saved as photographs. The pet’s abdomen is usually shaved of fur, so the ultrasound probe can make better contact with the skin, resulting in a better image. Ultrasound requires no x-ray radiation, and has no adverse side effects.

Ultrasound is very important in diagnosing certain cancers, understanding the pathology of internal organs, diagnosing pregnancy, tapping fluid from the abdomen or chest, and obtaining urine samples from dogs and cats. Several veterinarians at the Atascadero Pet Center have sought advanced training in ultrasound procedures.

Digital (Computerized) x-ray imaging has revolutionized diagnostic radiology. Many radiologists hail it as “The New Modality”, and the most significant breakthrough in x-ray imaging in the last 25 years. Despite this, digital x-rays are rarely seen outside the university setting. Atascadero Pet Center is the only animal hospital in the area to use a digital x-ray machine. The x-rays are taken in the standard fashion, and the image is saved to a computer. On the computer, the x-ray image can be magnified, the contrast can be altered to enhance a lesion, and the x-ray images can be emailed to specialists for consultation. In many situations, the digital x-ray gives our veterinarians’ improved diagnostic confidence.