Endoscopy uses the technology of different-sized specialized medical cameras to look inside our patients.  Endoscopy allows us to avoid more invasive surgical procedures in order to evaluate a variety of body cavities and collect samples for testing.  Laparoscopy is a form of endoscopic surgery used to perform spays and gastropexy (see Laparoscopic Spay) and is used to biopsy the liver and other organs in a minimally invasive manner. Endoscopy may be used to remove foreign bodies from the esophagus and stomach without the need for surgery.  Other uses for endoscopy include investigating the cause of chronic vomiting and diarrhea, nasal discharge, urinary tract issues, persistent coughing and ear canal disease. Dr. Jacquie Pankatz is our primary endoscopist with training in endoscopy and internal medicine through the Oquendo Veterinary Training Center in Nevada, Colorado State University and the Translational Medicine Institute, The Miller School of Medicine in Florida, The Center for Advancement of Rigid Endoscopy (CARE) in Colorado, and the European School for Advanced Veterinary Studies (ESAVS) in Germany. Doctors Jennifer Dodd, Erin Kanerva and Dominque Monaghan are trained in laparoscopic surgery including spay and gastropexy and are happy to consult with clients interested in minimally invasive surgery for their pets. We offer telemedicine consults with our laparoscopic surgeons.

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Our hospital accepts referrals from other veterinary hospitals for our endoscopic procedures. If you think your pet may benefit from endoscopic services and you are not a regular client, please have your veterinarian set up a referral. We are happy to discuss the case with them to make sure endoscopy is the right choice for your pet.