What Is an Endoscope, and How Is It Used?
An endoscope is a long, flexible tube with a small light and camera that allows a veterinarian to see inside your pet’s body without invasive surgery. In pets, gastrointestinal endoscopy is commonly used to examine the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colon. The procedure is performed under anesthesia, which keeps your pet still and comfortable.
The endoscope transmits images in real time, allowing the veterinarian to identify abnormalities such as ulcers, tumors, inflammation, or foreign objects. In many cases, an endoscope can also be used to take a biopsy or remove a foreign object without surgery.
What Are the Benefits of Utilizing Pet Endoscopy?
Pet endoscopy offers several advantages compared to traditional exploratory surgery:
- Minimally invasive. There are no large incisions, which means less pain and a quicker recovery.
- Accurate diagnosis. High-quality images of the gastrointestinal tract help detect disease at earlier stages.
- Targeted biopsies. Veterinarians can collect tissue samples from specific areas for testing.
- Foreign object removal. Sometimes, swallowed items can be retrieved using the endoscope, avoiding major surgery.
- Reduced risk. With fewer complications and shorter anesthesia times, endoscopy is a safer option for many pets.
This combination of precision and faster recovery makes endoscopy an excellent diagnostic tool for both pets and owners.
What Diseases Are Diagnosed With an Endoscopic Examination?
An endoscopic exam helps veterinarians evaluate unexplained symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or loss of appetite. Common conditions that can be identified include:
- Inflammatory diseases of the stomach or intestinal tract
- Gastrointestinal ulcers
- Benign and malignant tumors (including cancer)
- Polyps or other growths
- Esophageal or intestinal blockages caused by a foreign object
- Chronic infections or irritation of the gastrointestinal tract
Because an endoscope can also collect biopsies, it provides more detailed insight into the cause of your pet’s clinical signs. It also guides the veterinarian so they can prescribe the most effective medications or treatment plan.
How Do I Prepare My Dog or Cat for Endoscopy?
Preparing your dog or cat for an endoscopic procedure is simple but essential. Typically, your pet will need to fast for 12–18 hours so the stomach and intestinal tract are clear. In some cases, withholding water for a shorter period is also recommended. Your veterinarian will give you exact instructions based on your dog or cat’s age, health, and symptoms.
Because anesthesia is required, your pet may need basic lab work ahead of time to ensure they are healthy enough for sedation. Most dogs and cats recover quickly from anesthesia after the procedure, but may feel groggy for a few hours. Your veterinarian will explain when to resume feeding, what to watch for, and how to support your pet’s recovery at home.
Why Choose the Pet Hospitals Collierville
At The Pet Hospitals in Collierville, we understand your concern and sense of urgency when your pet struggles with unexplained symptoms. Our experienced veterinary team offers advanced gastrointestinal endoscopy right here in our hospital.
When you choose us, you can expect:
- Skilled veterinarians trained in endoscopic procedures
- State-of-the-art equipment for accurate diagnosis
- Compassionate care that minimizes stress and maximizes comfort for your pet
- Clear communication so you know what to expect every step of the way
Whether your pet has chronic vomiting, persistent diarrhea, or swallowed something unknown, our team is here to help. We’ll provide answers, guide treatment decisions, and support your pet’s path back to health.
Pet Spay & Neuter Services
Many people view a spay or neuter as a simple, routine procedure that’s the same everywhere. In reality, the quality of anesthesia, pain management, surgical materials, and safety protocols can vary significantly from clinic to clinic. At The Pet Hospitals, every pet undergoing a spay or neuter receives what we consider the best, safest, and most effective care available.
What Makes Our Spay & Neuter Services Different
Below is a look at the safety protocols and high-quality materials included with every spay and neuter performed at our hospitals:
- Pre-Anesthetic Bloodwork – We perform pre-anesthetic bloodwork on all pets 18 months and older to assess organ function and screen for concerns like infection, anemia, or low platelets. These results help us tailor the safest anesthetic plan for each patient, and your veterinarian may recommend delaying a procedure if issues are detected. Even in younger pets, bloodwork can occasionally reveal abnormalities that may affect how they handle anesthesia.
- Pre-Anesthetic Medications – We use pre-anesthetic medications to reduce anxiety and minimize the amount of anesthetic drugs required during surgery. This ensures your pet is calmer, safer, and more comfortable from start to finish.
- Induction Agents – These medications gently guide your pet into a deep enough sleep to safely place a breathing tube. We select the induction agent we believe is safest and best-suited for each individual patient.
- Comprehensive Pain Control – Some of our pre-medications remain active during and after surgery to prevent discomfort. We believe in being proactive, not reactive — we prevent pain before it happens. Your pet’s comfort is never optional.
- Gas Anesthesia – Veterinary experts widely agree that gas anesthesia is the safest form of anesthesia for pets during surgery. We exclusively use high-quality, modern gas anesthetic agents to ensure the safest possible experience.
- Intubation for Every Patient – Delivering gas anesthesia through an endotracheal tube is the safest way to maintain a protected airway. We intubate every pet, every time. There are no shortcuts here.
- IV Catheter & Intraoperative Fluids – Every pet receives an IV catheter and continuous IV fluids during surgery. This supports circulation, helps maintain blood pressure, and significantly improves overall safety.
- High-Quality Suture Materials – Suture materials make a big difference in healing. We use only premium, long-lasting, synthetic absorbable sutures designed for strength and reliable healing.
Why Spay and Neuter Your Pet?
- Helps prevent unwanted litters
- Reduces the risk of certain cancers
- Can decrease problem behaviors
- Protects long-term health and wellbeing
- Helps reduce pet overpopulation in our community
And with our low-cost pricing and gold-standard safety protocols, you can feel confident knowing your pet is receiving exceptional care at every step.
Pet Orthopedic Surgery
Advanced surgical care to help your pet walk, run, and play again
Orthopedic injuries are among the most common and most painful conditions pets experience — but with the right diagnosis, surgical care, and rehabilitation, most pets can return to full, happy, active lives. At The Pet Hospitals, our experienced doctors offer advanced orthopedic surgeries including CCL (ACL) repair, MPL correction, and fracture repair, all supported by modern diagnostics, safe anesthesia protocols, high-quality surgical materials, and comprehensive post-operative recovery plans.
Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL/ACL) Tears
A torn CCL — the canine equivalent of a torn ACL — is one of the most frequent causes of hind-limb lameness in dogs. This ligament connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone) and helps stabilize the knee joint.
Dogs with a CCL tear may:
• Suddenly become non–weight-bearing after running or jumping
• Limp intermittently, especially after exercise
• Show chronic knee soreness or stiffness
• Struggle to walk, jump, or play normally
Many pet owners initially assume a hip issue is to blame, but CCL tears are 2–3 times more common than hip problems.
How CCL Tears Are Diagnosed
Most CCL injuries can be diagnosed based on a physical exam. Vets can often feel instability in the knee joint – a classic sign of a torn ligament. In cases where the knee is very swollen or the dog is painful or tense, mild sedation may be needed for a proper evaluation.
X-rays also help confirm a diagnosis by showing inflammation, joint effusion, and arthritic changes. Research suggests that many CCL tears are degenerative, meaning the ligament weakens over months before fully rupturing, which is why arthritis is often present at the time of diagnosis.
Treatment Options for CCL Tears
While a small number of tiny dogs may improve without surgery, most pets require a surgical repair for long-term comfort and mobility. Without surgery, arthritis often progresses quickly, and outcomes are typically poor.
Below are the orthopedic solutions we offer or recommend:
TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy)
We offer referral to a board-certified specialist for TPLO surgery, a procedure in which the tibia is cut and rotated to stabilize the knee without relying on the damaged ligament. A bone plate holds the new position in place. This is a widely used option for large and active dogs.
Extracapsular/Extra-Articular Stabilization
For smaller dogs, we often perform an extracapsular repair. In this procedure, a strong synthetic material is placed outside the joint and anchored to surrounding structures to stabilize the knee while your pet heals.
MMP / TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement)
For medium and large dogs, our team performs Orthomed MMP, a modern version of TTA surgery.
This procedure involves:
• Making a precise cut in the tibia
• Placing a titanium implant to reposition the tibial crest
• Securing the implant with a compression staple and orthopedic wire
This technique changes the way forces move through the knee, allowing the pet to stabilize the joint without a functioning CCL.
Meniscus Evaluation & Repair
During surgery, our veterinarians examine the meniscus — the C-shaped cartilage that cushions the knee. About 60–70% of dogs with CCL tears also have a torn medial meniscus. If damaged, we remove or repair the affected portion to restore comfort and function.
Patellar Luxation (MPL) Surgery
Medial patellar luxation (MPL), or “slipping kneecap,” is common in small and toy breeds but can affect dogs of all sizes. Depending on severity, surgery may involve:
• Deepening the groove where the kneecap sits
• Adjusting surrounding soft tissues
• Repositioning the tibial crest with orthopedic techniques
Correcting MPL can dramatically improve mobility and reduce lifelong risks of joint wear and pain.
Fracture Repair
From falls to accidents, fractures require immediate and skilled intervention. At The Pet Hospitals, we offer:
• Bone plating
• Pinning
• External fixation
• Splinting and casting
Our team will determine the best repair method based on fracture type, location, and your pet’s age and activity level.
Recovery & Rehabilitation
No matter which orthopedic procedure is performed, rehabilitation is essential for the best outcome. Expect:
• 6–8 weeks of restricted activity
• Controlled leash walks
• At-home exercises
• Optional professional physical therapy to accelerate recovery
Our goal is simple:
Help your pet return to full, pain-free, athletic function.
Why Choose The Pet Hospitals for Orthopedic Care?
- Advanced surgical training
- Safe anesthesia and monitoring protocols
- High-quality orthopedic implants and sutures
- Thorough exams and diagnostics
- Compassionate, individualized care
- Clear communication and recovery guidance
Your pet’s mobility, comfort, and long-term quality of life are our top priorities.
