Gastroduodenoscopy in the dog and cat

Endoscopic examination of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract in dogs and cats is a relatively recent development. It was just over 20 years ago, in 1978, that the first series report of GI endoscopy in dogs and cats was pr esented. In those initial days, endoscopy was truly a novelty, and the prim ary uses for endoscopes were to retrieve foreign objects or visualize the e sophagus and stomach. It was not until the mid-1980s that technology and tr aining made gastroduodenoscopy standard practice. The evolution in endoscop ic technology has also mirrored the evolution in computers and imaging moda lities. The original fiberoptic endoscopes, although still available, are g iving way to video endoscopy and digital imaging capabilities that provide spectacular images and an ability to generate hard copy images for medical records, teaching purposes, and research data that was previously not possi ble.