How an endoscopy procedure saved the day..

Meet Otis, an 18-month-old Labrador Retriever who found himself in a bit of a rough spot. Otis, like many Labradors, has a hearty appetite, but recently he was struggling to keep his food down. His breakfast would make an unwelcome return later in the morning. Concerned, his owners brought him to Orchard House Vets.

Tim, the vet, quickly suspected that Otis had ingested something he shouldn’t have. It’s not uncommon for puppies and younger dogs to swallow foreign objects like stones, socks, or even tennis balls. These objects can block the stomach or bowel, often requiring major surgery to remove.
Otis was scheduled for an abdominal ultrasound with our eagle-eyed specialist, Sophie Betts from Northeast Veterinary Imaging

The ultrasound revealed a 3cm round foreign body in Otis’s stomach. It was time to put the endoscope into action. Under anaesthetic, Sophie skilfully navigated the endoscope down Otis’s oesophagus and into his stomach, where a bright white, dimpled golf ball appeared on the screen. Removing a golf ball endoscopically is no easy feat. Their hard, smooth surface makes them difficult to grip.

However, Sophie’s expertise shone through as she looped a wire around the ball and gently pulled. After a few attempts, she successfully extracted the ball with a satisfying “pop.” The theatre staff erupted in applause, likening the moment to Rory McIlroy sinking a 25-yard putt.

Thanks to Sophie’s skill and our state-of-the-art equipment, Otis avoided risky and expensive surgery. Both Otis and his relieved owners could retire to the 19th hole later that afternoon. 🐾

🔍 What is an Endoscopy procedure in Veterinary Medicine? 🐾

An endoscopy procedure is a minimally invasive procedure that allows our vets to look inside your pet’s body using a small, flexible camera called an endoscope.

🐶🐱 Why might your pet need one?
Endoscopy helps us investigate issues like:

• Ongoing vomiting or diarrhoea

• Difficulty swallowing

• Unexplained weight loss

• Suspected foreign objects (like swallowed toys!)

The endoscopy procedure is performed under general anaesthetic, and the camera gives us a clear view of your pet’s internal organs—like the stomach, esophagus, intestines, or airways—without the need for surgery. In some cases, we can even take biopsies or remove small objects during the procedure.

✅ Safe, effective, and less stressful for your pet. Learn more.

If you have any concerns about your pet’s health or think they might need further investigation, feel free to contact us for advice.