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Central Orange County Emergency Animal Hospital

Flexible Endoscopy for Pets in Newport Beach

When your pet exhibits signs of internal discomfort, traditional diagnostics may not reveal the entire picture. That’s where flexible endoscopy comes in—a minimally invasive procedure that allows veterinarians to look deep inside your pet’s body without surgery. At Central Orange County Emergency Animal Hospital in Newport Beach, we’re proud to offer advanced flexible endoscopy services to help diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions affecting pets across Orange County.

Whether your dog has persistent vomiting or your cat is struggling with unexplained coughing, our expert veterinary team is here to help you find answers with precision and care.

What Is Flexible Endoscopy?

Flexible endoscopy is a diagnostic tool that uses a thin, bendable tube equipped with a camera and light to visualize areas such as the stomach, esophagus, small intestine, colon, and even the respiratory tract. This technology enables us to see inside your pet’s body in real-time, without the need for exploratory surgery.

It’s commonly used to evaluate symptoms like:

Vomiting or regurgitation

Difficulty swallowing

Chronic coughing

Diarrhea or constipation

Suspected foreign object ingestion

The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia to keep your pet comfortable and still during the exam.

Common Conditions Diagnosed with Flexible Endoscopy

Foreign Body Removal: Safely extracting ingested objects from the esophagus or stomach.

Chronic Vomiting or Diarrhea: Investigating underlying causes in the gastrointestinal tract.

Respiratory Issues: Examining nasal passages and airways for obstructions or infections.

Urinary Tract Problems: Assessing the bladder and urethra for stones or tumors.

Our Approach to Flexible Endoscopy

At our Newport Beach facility, we prioritize your pet’s comfort and safety. Our experienced veterinary team conducts a thorough pre-procedure evaluation, including blood tests and imaging, to ensure your pet is a suitable candidate for endoscopy. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, with continuous monitoring to maintain optimal vital signs.

Post-Procedure Care

After the endoscopy, your pet will be closely observed as they recover from anesthesia. Most pets can return home the same day with minimal discomfort. Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions and schedule any necessary follow-up appointments.

Why Choose Flexible Endoscopy For Your Pet?

When time matters, endoscopy can provide quick, direct answers. This procedure is:

Minimally invasive – No surgical incisions required

Faster recovery – Pets usually go home the same day

Highly accurate – Real-time visuals help guide diagnosis and treatment

Less stressful – Reduced pain and complications compared to surgery

If your pet is experiencing symptoms that aren’t easily explained, flexible endoscopy can be a valuable next step in uncovering the cause.

How Flexible Endoscopy Compares To Rigid Endoscopy

While both are forms of endoscopy, flexible endoscopy and rigid endoscopy serve different purposes depending on the area of the body being examined.

FeatureFlexible EndoscopyRigid Endoscopy
StructureThin, soft, and maneuverableStraight, firm tube
Best ForGI tract, nasal passages, airwaysEar canals, bladder, joints
Anesthesia RequirementOften, lighter sedation is requiredTypically requires general anesthesia
InvasivenessLess invasiveSlightly more invasive
Recovery TimeTypically shorterSlightly longer, depending on the case

At our Newport Beach animal hospital, we select the most appropriate method based on your pet’s unique condition and needs.

What To Expect During Your Pet’s Procedure

Before your pet undergoes flexible endoscopy, we’ll conduct a full physical exam and may recommend bloodwork to ensure anesthesia is safe. The procedure itself is performed under general anesthesia and usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes.

During the exam, our veterinarian may:

Examine internal tissues

Take biopsies for testing

Remove foreign bodies if present

Your pet will be monitored closely during recovery and discharged with personalized aftercare instructions.

Advanced Capabilities Of Flexible Endoscopy In Veterinary Care

Flexible endoscopy is transforming how veterinary hospitals in Newport Beach and Orange County diagnose and treat complex gastrointestinal conditions in pets. This non-invasive procedure allows our team to access the digestive tract and intestinal tract without resorting to traditional surgery, reducing trauma and improving recovery time.

Using advanced endoscopic equipment, we can safely obtain tissue samples and biopsy samples from the stomach or intestines for accurate diagnosis of persistent symptoms like loss of appetite or disruptions to your pet’s normal activities. Because this method avoids large incisions, it limits complications commonly associated with invasive procedures and speeds up return to routine behaviors.

Unlike a rigid endoscope, a flexible endoscope can navigate complex curves of the intestinal tract, offering better visualization and improved access for diagnostic procedures. This makes it a preferred approach in both critical care and emergency veterinary settings when timely and precise intervention is essential.

As part of our commitment to comprehensive medical care, Central Orange County Emergency Animal Hospital offers animal endoscopy as part of our broader suite of veterinary care and emergency care services. Whether your pet is facing a sudden emergency or a chronic gastrointestinal issue, our goal is to deliver the highest level of care with compassion and expertise.

Our facility proudly serves families across Southern California, helping pet parents navigate pet emergencies and access specialized procedures through a trusted primary care provider that also offers advanced care for pets in urgent situations.

Flexible endoscopy services in Newport Beach and Orange County

Serving pet owners from Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Tustin, and surrounding Orange County areas, Central Orange County Emergency Animal Hospital offers advanced endoscopic diagnostics with compassion and care. Our goal is to help your pet feel better as quickly and comfortably as possible.

If your dog or cat is showing signs of GI or respiratory distress, contact our team today to discuss whether flexible endoscopy may be the right next step.

Schedule a Flexible Endoscopy Consultation Today

If your pet is showing unexplained symptoms or may have ingested something harmful, don’t wait. Call Central Orange County Emergency Animal Hospital at 949-261-7979 to schedule a consultation or visit us directly in Newport Beach. We’re here to help pets throughout Orange County get the care they need—safely and compassionately.

FAQs about flexible endoscopy for pets

Is flexible endoscopy safe for pets?

Yes, when performed by a trained veterinarian, flexible endoscopy is a safe and low-risk procedure. We use general anesthesia and monitor your pet closely throughout the process.

How do I know if my pet needs an endoscopy?

If your pet has chronic vomiting, unexplained weight loss, coughing, or difficulty swallowing, your vet may recommend endoscopy to get a clearer look inside the body.

Can endoscopy be used to remove objects?

Yes. In some cases, flexible endoscopy can be used to retrieve foreign objects, avoiding the need for invasive surgery.

Will my pet need to stay overnight?

Most pets are discharged the same day after the effects of anesthesia wear off. However, this depends on the severity of the condition and your pet’s recovery.

How do I prepare my pet for an endoscopy?

Your pet will need to fast for several hours before the procedure. Our team will provide specific pre-procedure instructions when you schedule your appointment.

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