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Veterinary endoscopy uses a thin, flexible camera to look inside your pet's stomach, intestines, or nose without a surgical incision. We offer endoscopy for dogs and cats at Encino Pet Hospital & Emergency, and after an exam our team will set up the right next step for your pet.
An endoscope is a slender tube with a light and camera at the tip. Guided through the mouth or nose, it lets your veterinarian see the lining of the esophagus, stomach, upper intestine, or nasal passages on a screen in real time.
Tiny instruments pass through the scope, so the same procedure can often retrieve a swallowed object or collect small tissue samples. In many cases that means your pet avoids an abdominal incision, heals faster, and feels like themselves sooner. When endoscopy isn't the right fit, for example if an object has moved too far down the intestine, our surgery team can step in.
Endoscopy usually follows an exam, lab work, and imaging such as an abdominal ultrasound or X-rays. If your pet has had vomiting or diarrhea that keeps coming back, or a nosebleed with no clear cause, scoping may be the step that finally explains it. Pets with low energy and stomach trouble deserve a closer look, too.
Call right away if you saw your pet swallow something, or if they are retching without bringing anything up, vomiting again and again, or have a painful, swollen belly. These can signal a blockage. Once we close at 7:30 PM, go to the nearest 24-hour emergency hospital if it cannot wait, or call us as soon as we open.
Endoscopy is done under general anesthesia so your pet stays still, comfortable, and safe while the scope is in place.
Before the procedure, your veterinarian will review bloodwork and your pet's history to plan anesthesia carefully. You'll receive fasting instructions ahead of time, since an empty stomach gives a clear view and lowers risk. Please follow them closely, and let us know about any medications your pet takes.
Throughout the procedure, our team monitors breathing, heart rate, and temperature. In many cases, pets recover the same day and go home with simple instructions. Biopsy results take a little longer, and we'll call you to go over them and talk about treatment.
The cost of endoscopy depends on the area being scoped, whether biopsies or object removal are needed, and your pet's anesthesia plan. After an exam and assessment, we'll go over the plan and costs with you before the procedure.
Families from Encino and all over the San Fernando Valley visit us, and so do pet parents from Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Lancaster, and Ventura. Because endoscopy needs fasting and planning, please call before you head our way. We can go over prior records, time the fast around your drive, and have everything ready when you arrive.
Call us and we'll get your pet seen, then explain whether endoscopy is the right next step.
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