A Study on the Diagnostic Approach Using Real-Time Video Capsule Endoscopy in Dogs with Acute Vomiting

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency and sensitivity of real-time video capsule endoscopy (RT-VCE) when detecting surgical and nonsurgical gastric lesions in dogs that presented with acute vomiting. Additionally, the patient tolerance and the utility of the RT-VCE data for clinical decision-making were assessed. Eleven client-owned dogs with an acute onset of vomiting were included. Each dog received an antiemetic and antacid before undergoing an RT-VCE (MC1200, MiroCam (R), Intromedic, Seoul, Republic of Korea). We independently reviewed the RT-VCE images to assess the image quality, detect gastric lesions, and make clinical decisions. The time taken to reach a diagnosis and the inter-clinician agreement were evaluated. RT-VCEs were successfully completed in all the dogs, with a mean time to diagnosis of 21.82 +/- 15.26 min (range: 1-48 min). Both clinicians reached unanimous agreement on the RT-VCE findings. Five dogs were diagnosed with gastric foreign bodies and underwent surgical removal, while the remaining six were diagnosed with gastritis, a gastric ulcer or erosion, or hemorrhages, which were managed medically. No adverse effects, including vomiting, were observed after the capsule administration. RT-VCE proved to be an effective, accurate, and well-tolerated diagnostic method for evaluating gastric conditions in dogs with acute vomiting. Its rapid diagnostic capability and non-invasive nature make it a valuable modality in emergency veterinary settings.