The use of upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy in dogs

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is a nonsurgical procedure used to quantify the lesions that occur at the level of stomach and proximal duodenum in patients expressing gastrointestinal disorders. Endoscopic examination also tries to assess the degree of air distension of the stomach and duodenum, gastric and duodenal content and ease of passage through the pylorus, all of these greatly influencing the assessing of gastric and proximal duodenum lesions. Unlike other traditional complementary diagnostic methods, endoscopic examination allows direct assessment of lesions, focal or diffuse changes observation and assessment of the overall appearance of the gastrointestinal tract. Endoscopy is the most recommended imaging method having the ability to visualize changes in the examined levels. Although more expensive than ultrasound and radiological examinations, endoscopic examination is recommended both for its diagnostic and therapeutic value, the use of endoscopy being indicated whenever the use of other imaging methods fails to establish a diagnosis of certainty.