Laparoscopy for Direct Examination of Internal Organs in Small Animals

The technique of laparoscopy was evaluated as a means of observing and examining the internal organs of small animals. Surgical planes of anaesthesia were obtained with standard combinations of xylazine-ketamine drugs in goats, dogs and rabbits. Three sizes of laparoscopes (2.7, 5.0 and 10.0 mm in diameter) were used in animals ranging from 0.8 to 30 kg body weight. The 5-mm laparoscope was the most versatile, although all laparoscopes allowed observation of different abdominal organs. A total of 230 examinations were performed in 15 goats, 68 dogs and 25 rabbits. Ten goats and 25 dogs underwent more than 3 or 5 examinations, respectively. Laparoscopy was simple, accurate and practical technique for visual examination of abdominal organs.