Flexible GI Endoscopy

Flexible endoscopy involves passing a long flexible camera into the body in order to visualize some internal organs. Most often, a flexible endoscope is used to visualize the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, some small intestine, and colon). A flexible endoscope can also be used to visualize the back of the throat and nose.

A dog undergoing a medical procedure; endoscope inserted into its mouth.

Common Reasons for GI Endoscopy

  • Removing some foreign objects from the esophagus or stomach
  • Investigation in cases of chronic vomiting or diarrhea that is not responding to treatment
  • To collect biopsy samples, often to try to differentiate between GI diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and lymphoma
  • Inappetance
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Drooling
  • Straining to defecate
  • Blood in stool
  • Evaluating vocal chords in suspected laryngeal paralysis