Minimally Invasive Endoscopies and endo–surgeries for Traditional and Exotic Pets in Miami, FL 

A quality alternative to traditional surgery for pets

Endoscopy and endo-surgery, offer unparallel visualization and precision when it comes to exploration, sample collections, biopsies and surgeries inside organs and cavities of pets and humans as well. 

It’s been proven that the visual acuity and precision that can be achieved with the use of an endoscope cannot be obtained with a traditional open surgical approach, allowing us to offer a higher-quality standard of care if compared to traditional surgeries and exploratory procedures for pets. 

Paws and Claws Medical Center is pleased to offer minimally invasive procedures for pets in Miami, FL as a treatment option to substandard, more invasive surgical procedures. Minimally invasive endoscopies limit the exposure of internal cavities and improves the manipulation and visualization of tissue, which results in less tissue trauma, less discomfort, and a shorter healing process post-operatively. If we can treat your pet less invasively, they will feel much more comfortable after their procedure and will recover more quickly, too. 

Minimally invasive endoscopic procedures aren’t offered everywhere. Our veterinarian has been properly trained in the use of this technology, and we are very proud to have a modern Karl Storz endoscopy and endo-surgery unit at our facility that we frequently use for procedures in dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, chelonians, and other species. 

If you wish to know more about these procedures, please call (786) 361-9344 to schedule an appointment with Dr. de Armas.

What is Involved in Minimally Invasive Surgery?

During a minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgical procedure, we use very small surgical instruments which are guided by a tiny camera to help us visualize the area that needs to be treated. This allows us to make much smaller surgical incisions (in some cases just 1/4 to 1 inch long). With this approach, we can see inside certain areas of the body without having to make a large incision. 

Performing minimally invasive laparoscopic surgeries benefits our pet patients in many ways, including: 

• Smaller incisions: Unlike traditional surgery, which often requires larger incisions, minimally invasive surgery relies on tiny incisions just large enough to insert a thin tube, small camera, fiber-optic light, and other small surgical tools. 
• Less pain: These procedures cause less pain and discomfort for our patients. Studies have shown that patients recovering from minimally invasive surgery experience less pain and do not need the larger doses of pain relievers that are required by pets who have undergone conventional surgery. 
• Increased accuracy: Minimally invasive surgery also offers a higher level of accuracy and precision compared to traditional open surgery. Accuracy is improved thanks to the use of a camera and fiber-optic light, which provides our surgeons with a better visualization of the internal organs. 

• Shorter hospital stays: In most cases, patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery can return home the same day or sooner and return to normal activities sooner. 
• Faster recovery: With a smaller incision, fewer stitches are required, and your pet can heal faster and return to their normal life much more quickly. 
• Less scarring: Another benefit of having a smaller incision is having less noticeable scarring after the incision has healed. 
• Less chances for infection:  

Procedures We Perform with Minimally Invasive Surgery

Avian and Exotics Commonly performed Endoscopic Procedures. 

Avian Endoscopic procedures: 

• Oculoscopy (Eye evaluation) 
• Tracheoscopy (Examination of trachea and Syrinx, Foreign body removal, granuloma removal, Sample collections, etc.) 
• Upper Gastrointestinal endoscopy (Esophagus/Proventriculus/Ventriculus) 
• Cloacoscopy (Evaluation of the cloaca, Urodeum, Coprodeum) 
• Celioscopy Uni lateral and or Bilateral (Diagnostic Procedures, Sample collection, Cultures, debridement, Sexing (Gender identification)) 
• Avian Multiple entry minimal access endo-surgery (Orchidectomy, Salpingectomy, Biopsies, Granuloma/Mass removal) 

Small Mammals Endoscopic Procedures: 

• Oculoscopy 
• Otoscopy 
• Stomatoscopy 
• Rhinoscopy 
• Tracheoscopy 
• Colonoscopy 
• Vaginoscopy 
• Colposcopy 
• Cystoscopy 
• Laparoscopy/Multiple entry Minimal access endo surgeries (Liver Biopsies, Kidney biopsies, Minimal Access ovariectomies, ovariohysterectomies, Retained testicle orchidectomy, laparoscopically assisted bladder stone removal 

Reptile Endoscopic Procedures: 

• Tracheoscopy 
• Esophagoscopy/Gastroscopy 
• Pulmonoscopy (Transcutaneous lung examination) 
• Celioscopy (Biopsy collections, Culture, Gender identification, Gonadectomy) 
• Cloacoscopy

Canine and Felines Commonly performed endoscopies: 

Respiratory system Endoscopy 

• Rhinoscopy 
• Tracheoscopy  
• Bronchoscopy 

Intracavitary Laparoscopic procedures 

• Laparoscopic ovariectomy 
• Laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy 
• Laparoscopically assisted gastropexy 
• Liver biopsies 
• Pancreatic biopsy 
• Renal (Kidney) biopsies 
• Lymph node biopsies 
• Castration of cryptorchid animals 
• Endoscopic abdominal exploratory 
• Gallbladder bile collection to relief and culture purposes 
• Splenectomies 

Otoscopic exam,  

• Otoscopy deep cleaning,  
• Myringotomy 

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 

• Lower (Colonoscopy) 
• Upper (Esophagoscopy/Gastroduodenoscopy) 
• Gastrointestinal foreign body removals 

Endourology Exams and interventions 

• Cystoscopy in females,  
• Endoscopically assisted cystoscopy in males 
• Laparoscopically assisted cystotomies for biopsy, cultures and stone removal 
• Vaginoscopy 

If you have questions about minimally invasive surgery and how it can benefit your pet, call us at (786) 361-9344.

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