Veterinary diagnostic and interventional endoscopy
Direct visual assessment, targeted sampling and selected minimally invasive treatment for respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary and reproductive presentations.
Led by Fabrizio Tucciarone, DVM MRCVS GPcert(SAM) MSc PgCert (Endo) CertAVP
Direct visualisation
Endoscopy allows internal surfaces and passages to be examined directly and in real time. It can identify mucosal change, structural abnormalities, foreign material, narrowing, bleeding, masses and other focal lesions that may not be fully characterised by external imaging.
The procedure is selected only when it has a realistic chance of changing the diagnosis or management plan. Previous imaging, laboratory results and the intended sampling or treatment strategy are reviewed in advance.
Endoscopy services
Procedures are available for both dogs and cats and are tailored to the clinical question, patient anatomy and findings from previous investigations.
Nasal cavity · nasopharynx · targeted sampling
Endoscopic examination of the nasal passages and nasopharyngeal region in dogs and cats with persistent nasal discharge, sneezing, epistaxis, stertor, suspected foreign material or an identified nasal lesion. Targeted biopsy or retrieval may be considered where appropriate.
Trachea · bronchi · airway sampling
Direct assessment of the trachea and bronchial tree for stable patients with chronic cough, suspected airway disease, recurrent respiratory signs or an abnormality identified on imaging. Bronchoalveolar or targeted airway sampling can be planned around the clinical question.
Oesophagus · stomach · proximal small intestine
Visual examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract for persistent vomiting, regurgitation, suspected mucosal disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, selected foreign bodies or changes that require targeted biopsy. The procedure is integrated with history, laboratory results and imaging.
Rectum · colon · terminal ileum when accessible
Lower gastrointestinal endoscopy for chronic large-bowel signs, haematochezia, tenesmus, suspected mucosal disease, polyps, masses or other focal lesions. Careful preparation and a pre-agreed biopsy plan are important for a diagnostically useful examination.
Urethra · urinary bladder · ureteric openings
Endoscopic examination of the lower urinary tract in dogs and cats with recurrent or unexplained urinary signs, haematuria, suspected anatomical abnormalities, ectopic ureters, uroliths or focal lesions. Sampling or a therapeutic procedure may be added when suitable.
Vaginal canal · vestibule · focal lesions
Direct examination of the vestibule and vaginal canal in female dogs and cats with persistent discharge, bleeding, suspected foreign material, congenital abnormality, stricture, mass or lesion. Findings can guide targeted sampling and the next management step.
Diode-laser endoscopy
A diode laser can be passed through a suitable endoscope to cut or ablate tissue while maintaining direct visual control. In selected cases, this may support treatment of ectopic ureters or controlled debulking of an accessible mass or lesion.
Suitability is decided case by case. The diagnosis, location and extent of the abnormality, patient anatomy, anaesthetic risk, equipment and expected clinical benefit are considered before an interventional procedure is agreed. Surgery or onward referral may still be the safer or more complete option.
How referral works
Appointments are arranged through your usual veterinary practice. Please speak to your own vet first if you think your pet may benefit from an endoscopic procedure.
The practice shares the clinical question, history, medication, laboratory results, images and previous reports.
We agree the procedure, host clinic, preparation, anaesthetic plan, consent and intended sampling or laser treatment.
The agreed procedure is completed, with images and appropriate samples obtained or a selected intervention performed when indicated.
The referring vet receives a written report with the endoscopic findings, procedures performed and practical recommendations.
Common questions
If you are unsure which procedure is appropriate, send the clinical question and available records so the most useful pathway can be discussed.
No. Referrals and appointments are arranged through the patient’s primary veterinary practice, which sends the clinical history and referral question.
No. Biopsy or another sample is obtained only when it is clinically justified, sufficiently safe and likely to influence diagnosis or management. The sampling and laboratory plan are agreed before the procedure where possible.
Diode-laser treatment may be considered for suitable ectopic ureters and selected masses or lesions that can be accessed safely through the endoscope. Suitability depends on the anatomy, diagnosis, patient, equipment, anaesthetic plan and expected clinical benefit.
Preparation depends on the procedure and may include fasting, bowel preparation, medication adjustments, laboratory testing, imaging and an anaesthetic assessment. Individual instructions are agreed with the referring practice.
Not in every case. Some areas cannot be reached endoscopically, and the safest or most useful route may instead involve imaging, surgery or onward referral. The available records are reviewed before the procedure is confirmed.
No. Urgent or unstable patients should follow the referring practice’s emergency pathway.
Discuss a case
Share the case details and we’ll help identify the most useful next step.