Veterinary Endoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedure that allows veterinarians to examine internal organs and body structures using a specialized instrument called an endoscope. This flexible or rigid tube, equipped with a tiny camera and light source, provides real-time images of areas such as the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, urinary system, and joints. 

Endoscopy is commonly used to diagnose conditions like foreign body ingestion, chronic vomiting, nasal discharge, and joint disease. 

It also enables certain treatments, such as foreign object removal, tissue biopsies, or polyp excision, without the need for invasive surgery. 

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and is safe, efficient, and associated with faster recovery times compared to traditional surgical methods. 

All endoscopy patients (except exotics and neonates) will be required to be fasted for at least 8 hours prior to their appointment.  Not only does this help reduce risks associated with sedation and anesthesia, but for intestinal endoscopies, this permits better imaging, easier sampling, and easier removal of possible foreign bodies.

This refers to FOOD ONLY. Your pet may continue to have free access to water until their scheduled appointment time.

Unless your primary veterinarian or the veterinarians at AVID direct you to feed your pet prior to arrival (either due to age, species, or possible disease), all patients need to be fasted.

Endoscopy studies require general anesthesia. This means all patients will be asleep enough that surgery could take place. This allows for easy and proper placement and adjustments of the scope and protects the patient from damaging their teeth or bodies as well as the equipment. All patients will received an individualized anesthetic plan based their history, current health, any diagnostics performed by your primary veterinarian or elected preoperatively with AVID and the imaging study they are receiving. 

All patients will receive an individualized anesthetic plan based on their history, current health, any diagnostics performed by your primary veterinarian or elected preoperatively with AVID and the imaging study they are receiving. 

We recommend all patients have preoperative blood work consisting of a complete blood count (CBC), biochemical panel with electrolytes (chemistry), and clotting panel within the last 4 weeks. In addition, patients over 5 years of age are recommended to have a urinalysis prior to anesthesia. And while AVID uses as cardiac-safe medications as possible, pre-operative EKG (electrocardiograph) is also recommended for most patients.

The veterinarians and staff of AVID use state-of-the-art monitoring and anesthesia equipment ensuring all patients receive above-standard-of-care protocols. 

Our standard operating procedure for anesthesia monitoring consists of assessing and recording parameters every 5 minutes including: temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, oxygen saturation, end tidal CO2, depth of anesthesia and peripheral perfusion. 

All patients will have an IV catheter placed and receive IV fluid therapy during anesthesia and while in recovery. Reversal medications will be used on any patient needing it and recorded in the patients medical record.  Patients also have lubrication placed in their eyes, so their eyes may look shiny when they return home.

All patients will receive heat support to help them maintain their body temperature during anesthesia and in recovery.  

All patients will receive CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)- both physical and pharmaceutical-  unless otherwise noted by the owner that the patient is to be labeled as DNR (do not resuscitate). 

Results will be sent directly to your referring veterinarian so they can continue your pet's care and management.