Diagnostic Endoscopy
When investigating respiratory, urinary, or gastrointestinal issues in your pet, our clinicians may recommend endoscopy (also known as rhinoscopy, bronchoscopy, or cystoscopy). This procedure utilizes a camera to access the organ of interest and obtain samples for analysis. While endoscopy requires anesthesia, it is non-invasive, and most patients are discharged the same day or the following day with minimal activity restrictions.
Beyond visualization and sampling, endoscopy can facilitate the removal of foreign bodies from the stomach or airways without resorting to surgery.
Bone Marrow Sampling
In cases where infectious or cancerous diseases are suspected of affecting bone marrow function, sampling may be necessary. This procedure, which can be performed with mild sedation or full anesthesia depending on your pet's size and the sampling method required, aids in the evaluation of blood cell production.
Urethral Stenting
For dogs afflicted by certain urinary tract cancers such as transitional cell carcinomas or prostatic carcinomas, tumor growth may obstruct urine flow, posing life-threatening risks. Previously necessitating surgery or euthanasia, this complication can now be managed by implanting a small metallic stent. Under general anesthesia, stent placement utilizes fluoroscopy and avoids invasive surgery.
Ureteral Stenting
In cases where stones, blood clots, or masses obstruct urine flow from the kidney to the bladder, placement of a ureteral stent may be necessary. This procedure, performed under anesthesia, can resolve urinary obstructions either temporarily or permanently, either surgically or minimally invasively using cystoscopy.
Laser Ablation of Ectopic Ureters
Ectopic ureters, a common congenital cause of urinary incontinence in dogs, can often be corrected without surgery. Using cystoscopy and a small laser, this procedure diagnoses and corrects the condition, with approximately half of treated dogs achieving continence, and additional improvement seen with medication in some cases.
Laser Lithotripsy
Bladder and urethral stones can cause discomfort and complications for pets. While surgical removal remains the primary treatment, minimally invasive options exist. Utilizing a cystoscope and laser, stones can be fragmented without surgery, reducing the need for anesthesia.
Tracheal Stenting
Tracheal collapse, frequently observed in small breeds like Yorkshire Terriers and Pomeranians, can be managed with medical treatment but may necessitate stent placement for severe cases. While not a cure, tracheal stenting improves quality of life by maintaining tracheal patency. This procedure, performed under anesthesia with fluoroscopic guidance, does not require surgery.