Gastroduodenoscopy refers to an examination of the inner surface of the stomach and the initial portion of the small intestine (duodenum) using a flexible, fiberoptic endoscope. In addition to visual inspection, gastroduodenoscopy provides the ability to obtain multiple biopsies from the lining of the small intestine and stomach. Gastroduodenoscopy, therefore, provides an excellent tool in the diagnosis of multiple disorders of the intestinal system. Although general anesthesia is required, gastroduodenoscopy is generally a safe, non-surgical, non-painful procedure. Most patients are discharged the same day that the procedure is performed.

The major symptoms and reasons to perform a gastroduodenoscopy are:

  • Persistent vomiting
  • Persistent weight loss due to a small bowel disorder
  • Black, tarry stools (persistent melena)
  • Chronic diarrhea due to a small intestine disorder
  • Vomiting blood
  • Possible stomach or intestinal blockage
  • Inability to chew or swallow normally (dysphagia)
  • Removal of foreign matter from the stomach or esophagus
  • Placement of a feeding tube

Internal Medicine

Dr. Cortright graduated from The Ohio State University.  After a rotating internship at Purdue University, she completed her Small Animal Internal Medicine Residency at Cornell University Hospital for Animals.

Dr. Cortright’s professional interests include endocrinology, liver disease and renal disease.  Her resident project at Cornell involved Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Scottish Terriers.  Dr. Cortright is a board certified member of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Dr. Cortright lives with her husband, step-daughter Lauren and son William in Ithaca.  They share their home with a Labrador named Indiana, a cat named Tom Hanks and the world’s greatest Boston Terrier, Cosmo.  Her hobbies include volunteering with Cosmo, singing, swimming, and hiking.

Why Internal Medicine?

If your veterinarian has already diagnosed your pet you may be referred to an Internist to confirm their diagnosis and ensure proper a treatment protocol is established. It is also common to be referred to an Internist if your pet has been diagnosed with a condition which your veterinarian has limited or no experience in treating. If your veterinarian is having difficulty reaching a diagnosis or current treatments are not effective, then an Internist may be able to come to the correct diagnosis or adjust treatment plans to help get your pet healthy again. The following examples are some conditions and symptoms which may lead to your veterinarian referring your pet to an Internist:

  • Bleeding disorders including anemia
  • Chronic vomiting and/or diarrhea
  • Complicated pancreatic disease
  • Coughing and breathing problems
  • Endocrine disease (adrenal tumors, complicated diabetes, thyroid disorders)
  • Endoscopic retrieval of certain foreign bodies
  • Infectious disease
  • Kidney or bladder disease
  • Liver inflammation
  • Unexplained weight loss

What to Expect At Your Appointment

Dr. Cortright will perform a thorough physical examination of your pet and may discuss additional diagnostic testing when indicated. Additional testing may include testing of blood and tissue samples, diagnostic imaging such as ultrasound and radiography, biopsies of masses, internal organs or bone marrow, and endoscopy including; bronchoscopy (lungs), cystoscopy (bladder & urethra), colonoscopy (colon & small bowel), gastroduodenoscopy (stomach & upper intestines), rhinoscopy (nasal cavity), laparoscopy (minimally invasive surgery for biopsies of internal organs).

Our Internal Medicine Services

Abdominal Ultrasonography Abdominocentesis and Cystocentesis
Abdominocentesis
Arthrocentesis
Bronchoalveolar Lavage BAL

Looking for The Referral Form?

Loading... Please wait