Today, the fiber-optic endoscope and the video chip endoscope produce images of the internal body structures on a viewing screen, via a tiny incision. The fiber-optic endoscope is the older of the two, and can transmit light (including lasers) through optical fibers. The newer video chip cameras are less fragile, produce better images, and tend to be more versatile. We have both versions here at Alamo Heights Pet Clinic.
Dr. Kirby places the endoscope to into the appropriate part of the animal’s body and can literally “see” what’s going on.
Endoscopy can be used to take tissue samples and perform biopsies from deep inside the body. In addition, the endoscope can be used to find and retrieve foreign objects such as inhaled grass seeds or swallowed toys that have lodged in the respiratory or digestive tract. It is also helpful to see deep inside ears and into the nasal cavity of a pet. The following is an example of what can be seen using an endoscope.
