In Practice 3: 24-30 (1981)
© 1981 British Veterinary Association

Fibreoptic endoscopy

The advent of cheaper equipment makes it highly likely that fibreoptic endoscopy will become an established technique in many veterinary practices. An understanding of the physical principles involved is helpful if this aid to diagnosis is to be used to the best effect but, perhaps more important than this, a healthy respect for the apparatus itself and care in its use and maintenance will ensure that it provides good service.

Endoscopy alone may provide sufficient information for a definitive diagnosis to be made and flexible fibrescopes have already revolutionised the routine examination of the upper respiratory tract of the horse. In addition, other body systems in other species lend themselves to diagnostic endoscopy. Nevertheless, there will be many instances where endoscopy should be used in combination with other aids such as radiography before firm diagnostic and prognostic conclusions can be reached.

Note:

The author acknowledges the kind permission of Dr David Hollanders and Bailliere Tindall to reproduce the line drawings from Gastro-intestinal Endoscopy.