Limited visualization and access: Achieving a clear view of the entire gastrointestinal tract can be challenging due to the presence of folds, turns, and other anatomical features.
Patient Compliance and Stress: Animals, particularly those in distress or pain, may not cooperate during endoscopic procedures. This non-compliance can increase the difficulty of the procedure, potentially requiring sedation or anesthesia.
Detection of subtle lesions: Identifying small or early-stage lesions, such as minute tumors, ulcers, or areas of inflammation, can be challenging.
Foreign body retrieval: Ingested foreign objects are a common issue in veterinary practice. Retrieving these objects from the gastrointestinal tract requires precision and care to avoid causing additional injury or complications.
Technical limitations: The effectiveness of gastrointestinal endoscopy can be limited by the available equipment. High-quality, flexible endoscopes with advanced imaging capabilities are essential.
Cost and Accessibility: The cost of endoscopic equipment and procedures can be high, potentially limiting access to advanced diagnostic and therapeutic options for some patients and practices.