Endoscopy

Gastroscopy

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• If you suspect that your horse may have stomach ulcers, gastroscopy is the ONLY way to accurately diagnose the type/location and severity of the ulcers, which determines the appropriate treatment.

• Gastric (stomach) ulcers are very common, affecting 60%-90% of performance horses.

• Exercise increases gastric acid production and decreases blood flow to the GI tract. When horses exercise, the stomach acid splashes on the upper, more vulnerable portion of the stomach.

• Signs of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS)

  • Irritability such as pinning ears while grooming or saddling, “girthy”

  • Kicking out while riding

  • Cribbing and other stress-related habits

  • Intermittent colic

  • Poor appetite/picky eater

  • Poor body condition or weight loss

• Risk factors

  • Stabled horses fed twice a day

  • Restricted turnout

  • Frequent travel to shows or trail rides

  • High concentrate (grain) diet

 

Upper Airway Endoscopy

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• Allows the veterinarian to visually examine the upper respiratory tract.

• Diagnoses the cause of abnormal noises while breathing.

• Investigates a nosebleed or nasal discharge suggesting possible mass/growth or disorder of the nasal passages, guttural pouches, or throat.

• Facilitates sampling of the airway to evaluate EPIH (“bleeders”), Equine Asthma, or respiratory infections such as Strangles.