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Ultrasound and Endoscopy are both becoming an important part
of veterinary medicine. They help us diagnose and sometimes
even treat "invisible" conditions by looking "inside"
the patient in detail. Ultrasound, as the name implies, uses
sound waves whereas endoscopy utilizes a flexible fiber optic
scope to see inside.
With ultrasound we can examine and measure internal organs
or tumors, diagnose pregnancy and take biopsies of major internal
organs by using ultrasound as a guide. Thoracic ultrasounds
give the doctor important information on the functioning of
the heart. This is especially important for pets with suspected
congenital heart problems or heart failure. Often, the major
organs in the abdomen are given an ultrasound to obtain additional
information that an x-ray alone
can't provide. This procedure gives the doctor an active view
of the organs. We commonly view the bladder, kidneys, spleen,
liver, adrenal glands, stomach and pancreas on an abdominal
ultrasound.
Endoscopy allows the clinician to view areas such as the
trachea, stomach and colon without the use of surgery. Procedures
commonly performed with the endoscope include: retrieval of
swallowed objects from the stomach, stomach and large intestine
examination and biopsy, as well as examination of the upper
airways.
Patients benefit greatly from these methods, as there is
less recovery time. For example, a patient having an exploratory
surgery to search for an abdominal tumor may take days in
the hospital to recover whereas patients being assessed with
an ultrasound or endoscopy would likely be home with their
owners the same day.
Dr. Elizabeth Shaker (Diplomat, American College of Veterinary
Internal Medicine) is an integral part of the medical team
here at Nassau Veterinary Clinic. If an ultrasound or endoscopic
exam is indicated for your pet, you will both appreciate her
kind touch and gentle demeanor.
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