Colonoscopy, proctoscopy, and ileoscopy

Colonoscopy and proctoscopy are primarily performed on dogs and cats with s igns of chronic large bowel or rectal disease, and ileoscopy is typically p erformed in patients with signs of either large or small bowel disease. The se techniques should not be used indiscriminately but only on animals that have a reasonable chance to benefit from their use. Even then, the techniqu es must be performed carefully so that the results are meaningful instead o f misleading. We first consider what does and what does not constitute a re asonable indication for endoscopic examination of the lower intestines. Aft er that, we turn to the specific techniques involved.