New Techniques: Cutting Edge in Veterinary Medicine

• Rhinoscopy is the endoscopy of the nasal cavity, commonly indicated in dogs and cats with chronic nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, chronic sneezing, nasal bleeding, facial distortion, nasal pain, acute severe sneezing, reverse sneezing and abnormal radiographs.

• Otoscopy is endoscopy of the external and middle ear. It is one of the most common applications of endoscopy in veterinary medicine. Otoscopy allows for safe and thorough ear cleaning under constant visualization, removal of foreign objects, polyp removal and diagnostic sampling. 

• Cystoscopy is the endoscopic examination of the vagina. Indications for cystoscopy include vaginal discharge, bleeding or masses, foreign body removal and straining to urinate. it is also endoscopy of the urinary bladder used in patients presenting with chronic infections, blood in urine, straining to urinate, incontinence, trauma, stones and abnormal ultrasound and radiograph.

• Gastrointestinal Endoscopy is the endoscopic exploration of the stomach and intestines. A list of indications includes chronic regurgitation, salivation, nausea, vomiting, blood in stool, anorexia, diarrhea, weight loss, fecal mucus and straining to defecate. It is most commonly used for obtaining biopsies and removal of foreign bodies such as a toy and plastic or metal pieces.

• Bronchoscopy is endoscopy of the airways and lungs, to identify structural abnormalities, collect samples of abnormal airway secretions, identify and remove foreign bodies and biopsy lesions or masses.

• Arthroscopy is endoscopy of the joint. It is used in cases of chronic lameness, joint pain, joint instability, swelling and abnormal radiographic findings.