Colonoscopy is performed after a complete diagnostic work-up and therapeutic plan have failed to resolve problems linked to the lower intestine. To perform colonoscopy, the patient is anesthetized and a flexible fiberoptic endoscope is passed into the colon. Air, passed through the scope, increases the view within the colon. Biopsies can be obtained by passing an instrument through an opening in the scope. Colonoscopy provides a valuable, non-surgical means to diagnose large bowel disorders. To perform colonoscopy, it is important that the colon be clean of fecal matter so that the surface of the colon can be visualized. This often requires withholding food for 24 to 48 hours and giving your pet a solution to drink which "cleanses" the colon. Warm-water enemas may also be used to clear the colon. Most patients are discharged the same day of the procedure.

The major symptoms and reasons to perform a colonoscopy are:

  1. Chronic diarrhea
  2. Blood in the stool (persistent hematochezia)
  3. Study of a growth in the colon or rectum
  4. Straining during defecation (persistent tenesmus)
  5. Excessive mucus in the stool
  6. Stools of significantly decreased or narrowed size
See our departments

Internal Medicine

The Internal Medicine department is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for you and your pet. 

Internal Medicine Specialists obtain additional training to diagnose and manage complex disease processes. Internists have extensive knowledge regarding the diagnostic evaluation and management of pets with immune-mediated disease, endocrine disorders, infectious diseases, respiratory disease, kidney/urogenital disease, liver disease, gastrointestinal disease, heart disease, bone marrow disorders, cancer, and age-related conditions.

The Internal Medicine team utilizes our on-site digital radiography, ultrasound, CT, and our in-house laboratory as well as outside reference laboratories when needed. Internal Medicine Specialists are adept at using a wide array of endoscopic procedures including rhinoscopy, bronchoscopy, cystoscopy, gastrointestinal endoscopy to evaluate specific areas and obtain samples. Internists may also employ minimally invasive diagnostic procedures such as joint fluid collection, cerebrospinal fluid tap, mass biopsies and bone marrow collection for additional information. Internists are trained to analyze this diagnostic data in relation to the clinical picture and develop a treatment plan for your pet.

Consultations with the internal medicine team can be made by referral from your family veterinarian. We look forward to participating in your pet’s care.
 

Our Internal Medicine Services

Abdominocentesis
Arthrocentesis
Bronchoalveolar lavage BAL
Bronchoscopy

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