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Endoscopy

Veterinary Endoscopy in Los Angeles

A scope can examine internal surfaces and collect samples; some accessible foreign objects can also be retrieved. Findings determine whether endoscopy or surgery is appropriate.

Surgical team working at an HD monitor during minimally invasive surgery at our Santa Monica clinic
The surgical team working with camera views on operating room monitors.

Procedure overview

Endoscopy uses a flexible or rigid scope with a light and camera to examine internal structures. Depending on the clinical question, an endoscopic exam may support diagnosis, tissue sampling, foreign-material retrieval or another selected treatment.

How endoscopy works

Under anesthesia, the scope is introduced through a natural opening or a limited access point and transmits live video to a monitor. Instruments can pass through a working channel for selected biopsies or treatments when appropriate.

Endoscopic examinations available

  • Gastroscopy and colonoscopy: Evaluation of selected gastrointestinal signs and collection of targeted biopsies.
  • Rhinoscopy and bronchoscopy: Examination of the nasal passages and airways for selected respiratory concerns.
  • Video otoscopy: Magnified examination of the ear canal and tympanic membrane.
  • Cystoscopy: Examination of the lower urinary tract for selected urinary concerns.
  • Laryngoscopy and tracheoscopy: Evaluation of selected upper-airway and tracheal concerns.

Diagnosis, sampling and selected treatment

Direct visualization can help the team inspect tissue and obtain targeted samples. Depending on the scope, access route and finding, instruments may also retrieve selected foreign material or support another limited treatment during the same anesthetic event. Endoscopy does not always replace surgery; some findings require a different procedure or additional diagnostics.

Case selection and preparation

Endoscopy may be discussed for chronic gastrointestinal signs, unexplained weight loss, nasal or airway concerns, recurrent urinary issues, suspected foreign material or imaging findings that require direct evaluation. Preparation differs by examination; the clinic provides case-specific fasting, medication and bowel-preparation instructions when needed.

Approach
Flexible or rigid scope
Clinical use
Diagnosis and selected treatment
Anesthesia
Usually general anesthesia
Planning
Preparation varies by exam

Procedure recommendations depend on physical exam findings, diagnostics, anatomy, condition severity and anesthetic safety. Dr. Antonio Pedraza reviews each case individually.

Clinical background and sources

These resources explain the general techniques and care considerations. Your veterinary team determines how they apply to your companion and the proposed procedure.

Clinical imagery

Clinical anatomy and procedure imagery

Surgical and endoscopic views of anatomy and procedure context. Findings vary by patient.

6 clinical views

View the clinical imagery6 views · internal anatomy
Endoscopic view of a canine stomach during gastroscopy in Los Angeles
01Normal gastric mucosa visualized during gastroscopy.
Endoscopic view of a gastric ulcer in a companion animal
02Gastric ulcer identified during endoscopic evaluation.
Endoscopic view of the esophagus during a companion animal scope procedure
03Esophageal lumen during diagnostic endoscopy.
Endoscopic view of a mild hiatal hernia in a dog
04Mild hiatal hernia identified endoscopically.
Endoscopic view of colitis during a canine colonoscopy
05Colonic inflammation (colitis) under endoscopy.
Endoscopic view of small intestine mucosa during diagnostic enteroscopy
06Small intestinal mucosa during diagnostic enteroscopy.

Santa Monica · Greater Los Angeles

Advanced care from a local clinical team

Los Angeles Laparoscopy Vet at Sevilla Veterinary Hospital is located at 2116 Main Street in Santa Monica. The clinic serves companion animals from Santa Monica, Los Angeles, West Los Angeles, Venice, Brentwood, Culver City, Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, Marina del Rey.

Los Angeles Laparoscopy Vet at Sevilla Veterinary Hospital

2116 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405

Next step

Ready to discuss your companion's care?

Speak with our team about the available approaches and whether a minimally invasive procedure may be appropriate after individual evaluation.