Endoscopy
Pet Endoscopy in Savannah, GA
Some health problems require a look inside your pet’s body to make an accurate diagnosis. Endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that enables us to inspect an organ or body cavity and obtain tissue samples (biopsy) to gain this valuable diagnostic information. It’s commonly used to examine the nose, throat, gastrointestinal tract, colon, urethra, and bladder.
Endoscopy also can be used to perform certain treatments without surgery. It’s an effective way to remove foreign objects that are accidentally swallowed, dilate (correct) esophageal strictures and remove polyps and foreign material from the nose.
Coastal Georgia, Bluffton / Hilton Head’s Most Experienced Dog and Cat Endoscopy
We are experts in veterinary endoscopy having performed thousands of endoscopic procedures. If your pet’s health relies on an endoscopy, we are the most experienced local team of veterinary specialists and endoscopy-trained registered veterinary technicians (RVTs). Our veterinary endoscopy skills are backed by over 20 years of experience and countless endoscopies — more than any other veterinary hospital on the Georgia coast. If your pet is faced with possible surgery, did you know that it may be able to be accomplished with endoscopy instead? If your pet needs endoscopy, or if you have questions about these procedures, contact us, we can help.
What to expect before, during, and after your pet’s endoscopy
Your pet’s safety is our top priority. Because endoscopy requires general anesthesia, we’ll first evaulate your pet’s overall health with pre-anesthetic blood tests.
- Your pet must fast for 12 hours prior to an endoscopic procedure (no solid food, water is okay). When your pet arrives at our clinic, an intravenous (IV) catheter will be placed to administer fluids and medications, and your pet will be anesthetized with the placement of an endotracheal breathing tube.
- Two registered veterinary technicians work with Dr. Woods during each endoscopy. One is dedicated to monitoring your pet’s vital signs during anesthesia and administering necessary medications and intravenous (IV) fluids. The second RVT directly assists Dr. Woods during the procedure.
- Depending on the type of endoscopy being performed, the procedure generally takes 20 to 60 minutes. Once it’s completed, your pet is awakened from anesthesia and monitored until they are fully recovered and able to stand and walk normally. This usually takes about 1-2 hours.
- Because endoscopy is an outpatient procedure, your pet is discharged shortly after recovering from anesthesia. Any activity or dietary restrictions will be discussed with you before your pet goes home.
Prior to, and after the procedure, Dr Woods is available to you to answer any questions that you may have about the procedure.
Contact Us Today
If your pet has received an internal medicine-related diagnosis or is struggling with chronic or complex health issues, please contact us to schedule an appointment.
