Endoscopy – the use of small cameras to view certain areas inside the body – is divided into two categories: “flexible” and “rigid”.
Flexible Endoscopy describes the use of long and thin tubing (“flexible endoscope”) with a camera inside the tubing, usually to view a pet’s small or large intestines. Your pet must first be placed under general anaesthesia. The endoscope is then passed through the throat to view the small intestine, or passed through the rectum to view the large intestine. If needed, tissue samples can be obtained during this procedure, avoiding the need for an incision.
Rigid Endoscopy involves a somewhat shorter, more “rigid” camera, to view a pet’s interal ear structure, nose or abdomen. Rigid endoscopy may require incisions, but these are much tinier and less invasive, meaning faster recovery time, less risk of complications and significantly less pain for your pet. It is rigid endoscopy that Dr. Kinghorn and his team use when performing laparoscopic procedures, including spays. This technique allows for fast recovery time and minimal pain during the healing process.
