Experience of endoscopy and gastroscopy?

[Cymba's friend]

My German Shepherd has thrown up a little pink bile (pink means some blood traces were in it). My Vet and I agreed that it is probably proactive to have an endoscopy and gastroscopy done to check him out properly - better do it now than later if something happens in a crisis. We would of course go to a reputable animal hospital for this.

My question is: have any of your dogs been through such an "intrusive" examination, and how did your dog get through it, how was he afterwards and how did it affect him? Just trying to get some "live" experience from anyone who has been through this. thanks!

[Prin]

Well, I had a camera put through my nose down into my trachea once... It wasn't too bad. I'd say just keep telling your doggy he'd better be glad it's not a catheter..

Seriously, good luck. I hope everything comes out ok.

[jesse's mommy]

I had the tube stuck down my throat (gastro -- thingy -- I can't remember the exact name) and had pictures taken of my stomach for ulcers. It wasn't that bad. They gave me a mild sedative, did the procedure, woke me up and I didn't feel a thing. I would assume the procedure wouldn't be that different with animals. Hopefully that helps. Good Luck and let us know how things go.

[CyberKitten]

Animals I think don't fret about it as much as we humans - and it is not that bad a procedure. I have both done it and had it so speaking from both perspectives, it really is OK - he'll do fine, I am sure they'll sedate him 1st anyway. I hope the results are good!!

[hdme]

Our dog had an endoscopy because she was vomitting excessively and they wanted to check for ulcers, cancer or a foreign object in her stomach. We brought her home 2 days later (after 3 total days at the animal hospital) and she was groggy from the entire experience, but she also had been dehydrated (she was IV's for the 3 days) and she had an ultrasound done as well. Within a week, she was back to her bouncy happy self again!

[Cymba's friend]

Thank you so much for this encouraging information - it makes me feel a little more confident that doing this exam is the right way to go without too much risk. As soon as he is booked and has gone through it, I will let you know. Of course I am worried about what they may find - but we'll cross that bridge when we get there. The poor guy has been through a lot and I know he is not out of the woods as they say. Thanks for the encouragement!