Resident in Small Animal Internal Medicine VCA Canada and University of Guelph Markham, Ontario, Canada
Abstract:
Background: Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is a non-invasive screening tool for gastrointestinal (GI) signs in dogs.
Objective: Evaluate the diagnostic value of VCE for identifying GI ulcers and masses in dogs.
Methods: Retrospective study of 26 dogs with VCE findings of GI masses or ulcers (March 2020 to April 2024). Data collected included signalment, VCE findings, follow-up testing, and clinical outcomes based on medical record when available.
Results: Indications for performing VCE included GI signs, overt GI bleeding and anemia. The median weight and age were 17.8 kg (range, 7.4-40.5) and 7.5 years (range, 0.25-14), respectively. Twenty-three of 26 dogs (88%) had GI ulcers: 13 gastric, 5 duodenal, 3 mid-SI, and 2 colonic. Nineteen of 23 dogs (83%) reported prior abdominal imaging, showing no ulcers. Three of 26 dogs (12%) were diagnosed with masses on VCE: 2 jejunal, 1 gastric. Nine of 26 (35%) cases performed follow-up testing after VCE study for persistent GI signs or GI bleeding. Conventional endoscopy was done on 9 dogs within 59 days (range, 0-196), confirming a large gastric ulcer in 1 dog. A vascular mass and jejunal mass were confirmed by endoscopic and surgical biopsies respectively in 2/3 (67%) cases with GI masses. In 17/26 cases (65%) without follow-up testing, 10 treated with gastroprotectants had favorable outcomes (59%, 95% CI: 36%-78.4%), 4 were euthanized and 3 were lost to follow-up. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: VCE could be considered as an adjunct screening tool to detect GI ulcers or mid small intestinal masses in dogs.
