Veterinary Colonoscopy in Scottsdale, AZ
A colonoscopy is a minimally invasive examination of your pet’s large intestine, including the rectum and colon. At Salt River Veterinary Specialists, our specialists use a lighted, flexible colonoscope with a camera to identify ulcers, polyps, tumors, inflammation, and sources of bleeding, and to collect biopsies without any external incisions.
When Is a Colonoscopy Recommended?
Our internal medicine specialists may recommend a colonoscopy for pets with signs of large bowel disease, including:
- Chronic diarrhea, especially with mucus or straining
- Fresh red blood in the stool
- Increased frequency or urgency of defecation
- Straining to defecate or constipation
- Abnormal thickening or masses identified on ultrasound
Colonoscopy is frequently paired with an upper endoscopy under the same anesthesia to evaluate the entire digestive tract, particularly in pets with suspected inflammatory bowel disease.
Preparing for the Procedure
A clean colon is essential for a clear view. Before a colonoscopy, your pet will fast and receive an oral bowel preparation solution and enemas to empty the colon. Our team will provide detailed instructions and, in many cases, perform the preparation at our hospital so you don’t have to manage it at home.
Identifying Disease in the Large Intestine
A healthy colon has a smooth, glistening lining with visible blood vessels. Inflammation, ulcers, polyps, or tumors change that appearance and can be seen directly through the colonoscope. Because many conditions look similar, our specialist collects multiple small biopsies for laboratory analysis. Common findings include colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, colonic polyps, and rectal or colonic tumors, some of which may require surgical treatment as described on our abdominal surgical conditions page.
Recovery After Colonoscopy
Anesthesia for colonoscopy is typically brief. Most pets go home the same day and may have soft stools for a day or two as the bowel preparation clears. Biopsy results usually return within several days, and our specialist will discuss them with you and your family veterinarian along with treatment recommendations, which may include diet changes, medications, and nutrition guidance.
Part of Our Interventional Endoscopy Program
Salt River Veterinary Specialists offers a complete range of minimally invasive procedures, including bronchoscopy, rhinoscopy, cystoscopy, and laparoscopic biopsies. Explore all veterinary services, browse the conditions we treat, or read what to expect at your appointment.
Veterinary Colonoscopy FAQs
Is a colonoscopy painful for my pet?
No. Your pet is under general anesthesia during the procedure and typically experiences minimal discomfort afterward.
How should I prepare my pet for a colonoscopy?
Your pet will fast and receive a bowel preparation to empty the colon. Our team provides instructions and often performs the preparation at our hospital.
Can a colonoscopy and endoscopy be done together?
Yes. Both are frequently performed under the same anesthesia to evaluate the entire digestive tract.
What can a colonoscopy diagnose?
It can identify colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, polyps, ulcers, tumors, and sources of bleeding in the large intestine.
Will my pet go home the same day?
Most pets go home the same day after recovering from anesthesia.
Is it normal for stools to be soft afterward?
Yes. Soft stools for a day or two are common as the bowel preparation clears.
When will biopsy results be ready?
Results usually return within several days, and our specialist will contact you to review them.
Schedule a Colonoscopy Consultation
Call Salt River Veterinary Specialists at (480) 819-8630 or request an appointment online to discuss colonoscopy for your pet.