Technology and Gadgets / PLUGGED IN
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worry sets a practice above the others. By investing in endoscopy, a prac-
tice shows its willingness to spend the money to provide the best possible care. An endoscopic procedure enters through existing openings in the body, reducing the need to cut into an animal, helping to speed recovery and minimize pain. Surgeries that would previously
require the patient to stay overnight can often be performed as outpatient pro- cedures, allowing the animal to return home that same day. This can help to lessen the effects of separation anxiety during a traumatic experience. “[Endoscopy] grants you the ability
to perform procedures in a less-invasive manner,” says Alex Gallagher, DVM, who studies the technology at the Uni- versity of Florida Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences. “When you can do that, there’s less discomfort for the patient, less healing time and less risk of
complications while accomplishing the same goals.” For example, if a dog eats a bone, rock
or shoe, rather than making two inci- sions, one in the abdomen and another in the stomach, a doctor simply inserts an endoscopic tool down the animal’s throat and fishes the obstruction out. If an ani- mal is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, endoscopy also allows for evaluation and biopsy of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract without incisions. Even for procedures where cutting
into the animal in unavoidable, such as organ biopsies or spays, endoscopy can significantly reduce trauma. Instead of an incision of 10 centimeters or larger, two or three small “ports” can be cut, each only about 5 or 6 millimeters in diameter. Gallagher admits that an endoscopic
system can prove expensive. At the bare minimum, a refurbished tower and scope setup costs about $25,000, and a top-end
Every Great
Journey Begins with the First Step
By involving each member of the practice team, the process of AAHA accreditation is an expedition that leads to veterinary excellence. AAHA membership, the compass for a successful practice, has benefits and tools designed to help every member of the practice team succeed. The first step towards AAHA accreditation begins with an AAHA practice team membership. Benefits include but are not limited to:
, a monthly practice management resource
Subscription to the
Access to the Members Only section of
aahanet.org
Member prices on all services, publications and educational programs
To begin your journey towards accreditation and unlocking additional benefits, please contact AAHA’s Member Service Center at 800-883-6301 or by visiting
aahanet.org.
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