Gastrointestinal Disease
Our internal medicine team provides advanced diagnostic services for gastrointestinal disease in dogs & cats. From bloodwork & diagnostic imaging to endoscopy for dogs & cats, our specialists take a detailed, collaborative approach to investigating complex gastrointestinal concerns.
Gastrointestinal disease diagnosis & treatment services
Gastrointestinal symptoms can be uncomfortable for pets & frustrating for owners, particularly when they persist or return without a clear explanation.
Our specialist veterinary internal medicine team provides advanced diagnostic services for gastrointestinal disease in dogs & cats, helping identify underlying conditions & guide appropriate treatment planning.
Depending on your pet’s symptoms, this may include bloodwork, abdominal ultrasound, fluoroscopic swallow studies, gastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy & biopsy. For selected cases of chronic gastrointestinal disease, we also offer faecal microbiota transplants as a management tool to support ongoing care.
How we diagnose gastrointestinal disease
Gastrointestinal symptoms can have many possible causes. A detailed assessment helps determine what may be contributing to your pet’s condition & which diagnostic tests are most appropriate.
Depending on your pet’s symptoms, medical history & previous test results, the workup may include:
- Bloodwork
- Abdominal ultrasound for dogs & cats
- Swallow studies
- Gastroduodenoscopy
- Colonoscopy for dogs & cats
- Gastrointestinal biopsy
- Faecal microbiota transplant for selected chronic cases
These diagnostic tools allow our specialists to assess different parts of the gastrointestinal system & build a clearer picture of your pet’s health.
When is a gastrointestinal assessment recommended?
A specialist gastrointestinal assessment may be recommended when symptoms are ongoing, difficult to manage or require further investigation.
These symptoms may include:
- Persistent or recurring vomiting
- Diarrhoea or changes in bowel habits
- Unexplained weight loss
- Reduced appetite
- Difficulty swallowing or regurgitation
- Abdominal discomfort
- Constipation
- Ongoing symptoms that have not responded as expected to initial treatment
Cats may also require further assessment for conditions such as megacolon in cats, also referred to as feline megacolon, particularly when constipation becomes persistent or difficult to manage.
A detailed assessment can help identify the underlying cause of symptoms & support a more informed treatment plan.
Endoscopy for dogs & cats
Endoscopy for dogs or cats allows specialists to examine parts of the gastrointestinal tract using a small camera.
Depending on your pet’s symptoms, this may include gastroduodenoscopy to assess the upper gastrointestinal tract or colonoscopy to assess the lower gastrointestinal tract.
Endoscopy may be recommended to investigate ongoing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss or difficulty swallowing. It can also allow biopsy samples to be collected for further analysis when required.
As a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure, endoscopy can provide valuable clinical information without the need for more invasive exploratory surgery in appropriate cases.
Faecal Microbiota Transplants (FMT) for chronic gastrointestinal disease
MARS also provides faecal microbiota transplants as a management tool for selected cases of chronic gastrointestinal disease in dogs & cats.
A faecal microbiota transplant for dogs or cats involves transferring carefully screened donor material into the gastrointestinal tract to support a healthier balance of gut microorganisms.
This treatment is not appropriate for every patient. Our internal medicine team will assess your pet’s condition, treatment history & individual needs before determining whether it is a suitable option.
What to expect during your pet’s assessment
Your pet’s assessment will begin with a detailed review of their symptoms, medical history & any previous test results.
The recommended diagnostic process will depend on your pet’s individual needs. Some patients may require bloodwork & imaging, while others may benefit from more advanced procedures such as endoscopy, colonoscopy or biopsy.
Our team will explain the recommended next steps clearly so you understand the purpose of each test & how it may contribute to your pet’s treatment plan.
Why choose MARS for gastrointestinal disease treatment
Our multidisciplinary hospital provides access to vet specialists in Melbourne that pet owners & referring vets can rely on when gastrointestinal symptoms require further investigation.
Our specialist veterinary internal medicine team works closely with diagnostic imaging & surgical teams to provide coordinated care for complex cases.
By combining advanced diagnostics with clear communication, we aim to identify the underlying cause of your pet’s symptoms & support an informed treatment plan.
Advanced gastrointestinal diagnostics
Bloodwork, imaging, endoscopy, colonoscopy & biopsy
Faecal microbiota transplants for selected chronic cases
Integrated care across internal medicine, imaging & surgery
Clear communication with pet owners & referring vets
Supporting patients across Melbourne & regional Victoria
How to arrange a referral
Gastrointestinal disease services are usually arranged through your primary veterinarian.
Referrals can be submitted online to Melbourne Animal Referral Services, an animal referral hospital that Melbourne pet owners & local vets can access for specialist support.
Your primary veterinarian can provide a summary of your pet’s symptoms, previous investigations & treatment history. Our team will then coordinate the next steps directly with your vet.
Pet owners may also contact our reception team for guidance on referral pathways & appointment enquiries.
Gastrointestinal diagnostic costs
Costs vary depending on your pet’s symptoms & the diagnostic procedures required.
Some patients may need bloodwork or imaging, while others may require procedures such as endoscopy, colonoscopy or biopsy.
Clear, itemised estimates will be provided before your pet’s assessment or procedure so you can make informed decisions about their care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common signs of gastrointestinal disease in dogs?
Common signs of gastrointestinal disease in dogs may include vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, changes in appetite, abdominal discomfort or changes in bowel habits.
Some symptoms may be temporary, while others require further investigation. Your primary veterinarian can advise whether a specialist referral is recommended.
What are common signs of gastrointestinal disease in cats?
Signs of gastrointestinal disease in cats may include vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, reduced appetite, constipation or changes in bowel habits.
Persistent constipation may require further investigation for conditions such as megacolon in cats.
What is endoscopy used for in dogs?
Endoscopy for dogs allows specialists to examine parts of the gastrointestinal tract using a small camera. It may be recommended to investigate persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, regurgitation or difficulty swallowing.
Endoscopy can also allow biopsy samples to be collected for further analysis when required.
Can cats have endoscopy?
Yes. Endoscopy for cats may be recommended when ongoing gastrointestinal symptoms require a closer assessment of the gastrointestinal tract.
The most appropriate diagnostic approach will depend on your cat’s symptoms, medical history & previous test results.
What is the difference between gastroduodenoscopy & colonoscopy?
Gastroduodenoscopy is used to assess the upper gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach & the beginning of the small intestine.
Colonoscopy is used to assess the lower gastrointestinal tract, including the colon.
Your specialist will advise which procedure is most appropriate based on your pet’s symptoms.
What is a faecal microbiota transplant?
A faecal microbiota transplant involves transferring carefully screened donor material into the gastrointestinal tract to support a healthier balance of gut microorganisms.
A faecal microbiota transplant for dogs or cats may be considered as a management tool for selected cases of chronic gastrointestinal disease.
Will my pet need a referral?
Yes. Specialist gastrointestinal services are generally arranged through your primary veterinarian, who can submit a referral to Melbourne Animal Referral Services.
How do I arrange an appointment?
Your primary veterinarian can make an online referral to our hospital. Pet owners may also contact our reception team for guidance on appointment enquiries & the referral process.