Best Veterinary Endoscope Brands for Small Animal Clinics in Canada
- May 21
- 4 min read
Veterinary endoscopy has become increasingly important in small animal practice across Canada. From foreign body retrieval to gastroscopy and bronchoscopy, clinics are looking for systems that deliver reliable imaging, ease of use, and strong long-term value.
However, choosing the right veterinary endoscope brand can be difficult. Some systems are designed for referral hospitals with large budgets, while others focus on portability and accessibility for general practices.
In this guide, we compare some of the most recognized veterinary endoscope brands used in Canada and explain what small animal clinics should consider before investing.
What Small Animal Clinics Should Look for in a Veterinary Endoscope
Before comparing brands, it is important to understand what matters most in day-to-day veterinary use.
Key considerations include:
Image quality
Ease of use
Working channel size
Portability
Included accessories
Repair costs
Procedure versatility
Training curve
Total setup cost
For many clinics, especially first-time buyers, simplicity and affordability are just as important as image quality.
1. Bizelp ZE-12 Veterinary Endoscope
The ZE-12 Veterinary Endoscope is designed specifically for small-animal veterinary clinics seeking a portable, cost-effective solution without sacrificing functionality.
One of the biggest advantages of the ZE-12 is its complete setup pricing. While many traditional systems can cost tens of thousands of dollars before accessories are added, the ZE-12 full setup is one-tenth of the price and includes essential forceps and retrieval tools.
Key Advantages of the ZE-12
Portable Design
Traditional endoscopy towers can occupy significant clinic space and often require:
Dedicated carts
External processors
Large monitors
Multiple cables
The ZE-12 eliminates bulky tower setups by connecting directly to a tablet, smartphone, or computer. This makes the system:
Easier to move between rooms
Simpler to store
More practical for smaller clinics
Convenient for mobile veterinarians
User-Friendly Joystick Navigation
One of the most overlooked challenges in veterinary endoscopy is manipulating the scope.
Many older systems use complex rotary wheels that require extensive training and practice to control the distal tip precisely. The ZE-12 uses a joystick-style control design that feels more intuitive and easier to learn, especially for clinics newer to endoscopy.
This can help reduce the learning curve for:
General practitioners
RVTs assisting procedures
Clinics starting foreign body retrieval procedures
Included Forceps
The ZE-12 setup includes:
Alligator forceps
Tripod forceps
Retrieval net forceps
Polypectomy Snare forceps
Biopsy forceps
Many competing brands charge separately for these accessories, increasing the real setup cost substantially.
Practical for Everyday Small Animal Use
The ZE-12 is particularly well-suited for:
Foreign body retrieval
Gastroscopy
Bronchoscopy
Routine diagnostics
Clinics entering endoscopy for the first time
For many Canadian clinics, the ZE-12 offers one of the lowest barriers to entry into veterinary endoscopy.
2. Karl Storz Veterinary Endoscopy
Karl Storz is one of the most recognized names in veterinary and human endoscopy.
Their systems are widely used in:
Specialty hospitals
Universities
Referral centers
Karl Storz equipment is known for:
Excellent optics
Strong durability
Advanced procedural capability
However, these systems are often associated with:
Very high initial investment
Expensive repairs
Larger tower-based setups
Higher accessory costs
For referral-level hospitals performing advanced procedures daily, Karl Storz remains a strong option. For smaller general practices, the investment can be difficult to justify.
3. Olympus Veterinary Endoscopy
Olympus Corporation is another major global endoscopy manufacturer frequently seen in veterinary referral medicine.
Olympus systems are respected for:
High-definition imaging
Advanced scope technology
Smooth articulation
Many clinics appreciate Olympus for advanced GI procedures and biopsy work. However, similar to Karl Storz, systems can become expensive once processors, light sources, carts, and accessories are included.
Repair costs and servicing logistics can also be significant considerations for Canadian clinics.
4. Fujifilm Endoscopy Systems
Fujifilm endoscopy systems are also used in some veterinary specialty settings.
These systems offer:
High-quality imaging
Advanced visualization technology
Strong performance for complex procedures
Fujifilm systems are more commonly found in larger hospitals and referral centers than in general small-animal practices due to pricing and setup requirements.
5. VetVu and Portable Veterinary Systems
Portable veterinary endoscopy systems have become increasingly popular over the past few years.
Clinics are increasingly prioritizing:
Affordability
Mobility
Simpler workflows
Lower maintenance costs
This shift has made portable systems like the ZE-12 attractive for:
General practices
Emerging clinics
First-time endoscopy buyers
Smaller hospitals with limited space
Which Veterinary Endoscope Brand Is Best?
The best veterinary endoscope depends largely on the clinic’s goals and case volume.
Referral and Specialty Hospitals
Large referral hospitals performing advanced procedures daily may prioritize:
Premium imaging
Complex procedure capability
Multi-scope integration
Brands like Karl Storz and Olympus are commonly chosen in these environments.
General Small Animal Practices
For general practices, practical considerations often matter more:
Ease of use
Lower startup cost
Portability
Included accessories
Faster staff adoption
This is where systems like the ZE-12 stand out.
Many clinics do not need a massive tower system costing several times more when their primary procedures involve:
Foreign body retrieval
Routine GI exams
Bronchoscopy
Entry-level endoscopy procedures
Final Thoughts
The Canadian veterinary market is changing. More small-animal clinics are opting to keep endoscopy procedures in-house rather than referring every case to specialty centers.
As portable systems continue improving, clinics now have more accessible options than ever before.
The Bizelp ZE-12 Veterinary Endoscope offers a practical alternative for clinics looking for:
A complete setup for one-tenth of the price
Included retrieval forceps and accessories
Portable, space-saving design
Simple joystick navigation
Easy integration with tablets and smartphones
For many small animal clinics in Canada, this balance of affordability, usability, and functionality makes portable systems an increasingly attractive option for bringing veterinary endoscopy in-house.
