Endoscopy for Dogs & Cats
If your dog or cat needs a closer internal evaluation, endoscopy may help provide answers without traditional surgery. Our Chandler, Mesa, and North Valley teams use minimally invasive endoscopy to diagnose and, in some cases, treat internal conditions with precision and care.
When Your Dog or Cat May Need Endoscopy
Whether your pet was referred by your veterinarian or you’re seeking answers for ongoing symptoms, endoscopy may provide a less invasive way to diagnose and treat internal conditions with shorter recovery times.
Swallowed a foreign object
Minimally invasive retrieval may be possible. Endoscopy may allow safe removal without traditional surgery.
Recurring vomiting or digestive problems
Endoscopy may help identify irritation, inflammation, or GI (gastrointestinal) disease.
Chronic coughing or breathing concerns
Allows veterinarians to examine the airways and lungs more closely.
Nasal discharge or ongoing sneezing
Rhinoscopy can help evaluate chronic nasal conditions.
Difficulty eating or swallowing
May help identify obstructions, inflammation, or structural concerns.
Need for biopsy samples or internal evaluation
Small tissue samples can often be collected without surgery.
Concerned Your Pet May Need Endoscopy?
If your dog or cat is experiencing ongoing vomiting, coughing, nasal discharge, difficulty swallowing, or may have swallowed a foreign object, our team can help determine whether endoscopy may be appropriate.
We work closely with both pet owners and referring veterinarians to provide minimally invasive diagnostics with thoughtful, collaborative care.
Types of Veterinary Endoscopy We Offer
- Upper GI endoscopy
- Rhinoscopy (nasal endoscopy)
- Bronchoscopy (airway/lung evaluation)
- Colonoscopy
- Foreign body retrieval
- Diagnostic biopsy collection
What to Expect During Endoscopy
Our team is with you and your pet every step of the way.
Comprehensive Exam
We start with a complete exam and review of your pet’s history.
Anesthesia & Monitoring
Your pet is placed under anesthesia and closely monitored for safety and comfort.
Endoscopy Procedure
A small camera allows our team to examine the inside of the body and address certain issues.
Recovery After Endoscopy
After the procedure, your pet is monitored closely as they recover from anesthesia. Most dogs and cats return home the same day. If biopsy samples were collected, your care team will follow up once results are available to discuss findings and next steps.
Collaborative Veterinary Endoscopy Referrals
Most endoscopy cases begin with a referral from a family veterinarian. Our team works closely with referring clinics throughout the Phoenix area to support continuity of care, provide timely records, and coordinate next steps when needed.
Endoscopy FAQs
Most procedures are completed within 30 to 90 minutes depending on the area being examined and whether additional treatment or biopsies are needed.
Endoscopy is considered a minimally invasive procedure. Unlike traditional surgery, it does not typically require large incisions and often allows for shorter recovery times.
Many dogs and cats return home the same day. Some pets may require additional monitoring depending on their condition or the procedure performed.
Endoscopy may help identify inflammation, ulcers, foreign objects, bleeding, masses, airway concerns, nasal disease, and other internal abnormalities.
Pets are under anesthesia during the procedure, so they do not feel discomfort while biopsy samples are collected.
If your pet may have swallowed a foreign object and is showing signs of distress such as vomiting, difficulty breathing, lethargy, or abdominal pain, emergency evaluation is recommended right away.
Yes. Most pets are referred by their family veterinarian, while others may be evaluated directly through 1st Pet Vet Emergency Department depending on the situation and urgency.