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tvpjournal.com | November/December 2015 | ToDay's VeTeriNary PracTice eNDoscoPy esseNTiaLs Peer reviewed 77 endoscopy is a minimally invasive tool that can be used to aid in the treatment of common small animal gastrointestinal (Gi) diseases. esophageal and gastric foreign bodies are commonly encountered in small animal practice. endoscopy is the treatment of choice for esophageal and gastric foreign bodies, as it can be used to remove a variety of foreign objects with little risk to the patient. When compared with surgery, endoscopy offers clients a less invasive and less expensive option. However, before pursuing endoscopic removal of foreign bodies, carefully consider the following factors: • Feasibility of removal • Necessity of removal • Urgency of removal • Potential risks and complications. HOW TO IDENTIFY FOREIGN BODIES The presentation of a pet with a Gi foreign body varies depending on location, size, and confguration of the object as well as the degree of obstruction. Presentation Many patients with esophageal foreign bodies have a peracute presentation, although a chronic presentation is possible with partial obstruction. a patient with a freely movable gastric foreign body might present with intermittent vomiting, whereas a large or obstructive foreign body is more likely to cause frequent vomiting, poor appetite, and abdominal pain. clinical signs of esophageal and gastric foreign bodies are listed in Table 1. However, clinical signs tend to be variable and may seem incongruous with the foreign body. Endoscopic ForEign Body rEtriEval Julie Callahan Clark, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM University of Pennsylvania Welcome to Endoscopy Essentials—one of the newer columns in Today's Veterinary Practice . Similar to our Imaging Essentials column, which addresses radiography by anatomic location, each article in this column discusses endoscopic evaluation of a specifc body system, reviewing indications, disease abnormalities, and proper endoscopic technique. The Endoscopy Essentials articles are archived at tvpjournal.com. FIGURE 1. Lateral thoracic radiograph of an esophageal foreign body (blue arrow) in a dog; note the esophageal dilation proximal to the foreign body (red arrow). TabLE 1. Clinical Signs of Esophageal & Gastric Foreign Bodies ESOPHAGEAL FOREIGN BODIES Hypersalivation Dysphagia Regurgitation Facial pawing Anorexia GASTRIC FOREIGN BODIES Hypersalivation Vomiting Anorexia Lethargy Abdominal pain