Gastroscopy Adelaide

Gastroscopy for Dogs and Cats

Gastroscopy and gastroduodenoscopy are vital diagnostic procedures that allow for the direct visual examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract in dogs and cats.

This minimally invasive procedure aids in identifying and treating conditions such as gastric ulcers, inflammation, neoplasia, and foreign bodies. During an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, a flexible endoscope is carefully manoeuvred through the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum, providing high-resolution images and enabling precise biopsy collection. This technique is essential for accurate diagnosis and formulation of targeted therapeutic strategies, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.

Gastroscopy procedure for a dog or cat in Adelaide

Related procedures

Further endoscopic procedures we offer

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is a useful diagnostic procedure to examine the lower gastrointestinal tract including the rectum, colon, caecum (appendix) and ileum. This minimally invasive procedure allows for direct visualisation of the colon and rectum, aiding in the diagnosis and management of conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, neoplasia and polyps.

By employing a flexible endoscope, veterinarians can obtain high-quality images and perform targeted biopsies. The endoscope can also be used to guide placement of a balloon dilation device for treatment of strictures, or a snare to remove polyps. Colonoscopy facilitates an accurate diagnosis which is important for treatment planning and improving patient outcomes.

Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure that is utilised for examination of the airways (trachea and bronchi) in dogs and cats. This procedure involves the use of a flexible bronchoscope, allowing direct visualisation of the airways to identify abnormalities and collect biopsies or fluid samples for cytology and culture.

Bronchoscopy is often utilised in conjunction with thoracic imaging (radiographs or CT) to investigate chronic coughing and signs of respiratory disease. It is essential for diagnosing conditions such as chronic bronchitis and degenerative airway disease (bronchomalacia and tracheal collapse) in dogs, and useful in the diagnosis of cats with asthma and bronchitis. By providing high-resolution images and enabling precise sampling, bronchoscopy facilitates an accurate diagnosis which can be used to guide treatment and provide a realistic prognosis.

Rhinoscopy

Rhinoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure employed to examine the nasal passages and sinuses in dogs and cats. Most often used to investigate pets with acute or chronic sneezing or persistent nasal discharge, a flexible or rigid endoscope can be used to directly visualise the nasal cavity and nasopharynx.

Rhinoscopy facilitates the identification and treatment of conditions such as chronic rhinitis, nasal neoplasms, fungal infections, and foreign bodies. The high-quality images enable targeted biopsies to be obtained. A precise diagnosis helps guide treatment and provide prognostic information for the various nasal diseases seen in dogs and cats. Rhinoscopy is also used to guide retrieval of foreign bodies and can be used to non-surgically clean and debride fungal infections in the nasal cavity and often within the sinuses.

Cystoscopy / Vaginoscopy

Cystoscopy and vaginoscopy are advanced diagnostic procedures used to examine the lower urinary tract and vaginal vault in dogs and occasionally cats. These minimally invasive techniques allow veterinarians to visualise the bladder, urethra, and vaginal canal directly using a flexible or rigid endoscope.

Cystoscopy is invaluable for diagnosing and managing conditions such as bladder stones, tumours, and chronic infections, while vaginoscopy can help identify congenital abnormalities, neoplasia, or inflammatory conditions. By providing high-resolution images and enabling precise biopsies or therapeutic interventions, these procedures facilitate accurate diagnosis and improve treatment outcomes.

Stricture Balloon Dilatation

Strictures are circumferential narrowings that can occur within the oesophagus, colon or rectum, urethra and nasopharynx of dogs and cats. Balloon catheters can be guided into place using endoscopy or fluoroscopy and inflated to dilate strictures in these various locations.

Endoscopy can also be used to guide needles into the site of the stricture to deliver medication to reduce the risk of stricture recurrence when indicated. Balloon dilatation is the treatment of choice in an animal with a stricture.