Endoscopy
Essentially, endoscopy is the ability to look inside the body, using a variety of very small cameras and flexible tubes. This allows the veterinarian to actually see within a body cavity, or within a given organ, and directly visualize what is causing a problem. The veterinarian may be able to make a diagnosis based on visual inspection, or by taking biopsy or fluid samples. It is also possible to use the endoscope to treat “nasal tumours” by passing a special needle up the endoscope that can be used to inject special solutions into the tumours. The procedure has the advantage to the patient of being relatively non-invasive, and of allowing very rapid diagnosis of most diseases. Most endoscopic procedures are performed in standing horses with or without sedation as indicated. The specific types of endoscopy available are discussed below:
Gastroscopy
This
is the endoscopic exploration of the proximal digestive tract
i.e. oesophagus, stomach and duodenum (first part of the small
intestine). Given the large size of the horse, a special 3-metre
endoscope (the first of its kind in New Zealand) is needed to
gain access to the horse’s stomach and proximal small
intestine via the oesophagus. Together with The
New Zealand Equine Research Foundation we obtained
a gastroscope for the special purpose of studying stomach ulcers
in horses and investigating any clinical signs referable to
the stomach.
The gastroscope is a very long and flexible tube with a microchip positioned at the end. The microchip enables the relay of an image to a video screen so that the whole procedure can be viewed on a television monitor. Using control knobs, the scope can be driven and directed to the appropriate location within the body. Different instruments can be passed through the scope to allow for biopsy of masses, removal of foreign objects, etc. Using gastroscopy it is possible to biopsy cancer, and to diagnose stomach and duodenal ulcers.
Cystoscopy
Cystoscopy is the exploration of the urethra, urinary bladder and its appendages using an endoscope. This method enables the diagnosis of a number of lower tract urinary problems such as bladder stones, inflammatory conditions, bladder cancer, and ureter problems, so that the optimal treatment method can be chosen.
Rhinoscopy and Bronchoscopy
Rhinoscopy and bronchoscopy are the use of a videoendoscope to examine the nasal passages, throat and large airways of the lungs. The scope used for this procedure is a long, flexible one, similar to that used for gastroscopy. Rhinoscopy is the best way to diagnose nasal tumours, and wind problems in horses. Bronchoscopy can prove very useful in assessing inflammatory processes affecting the airways and lungs.