Endoscopy is just one of the cutting-edge diagnostic imaging tools here at Beadle Lake Large Animal Clinic. This tool allows the veterinarian to visualize the inside of the horse using a camera. We have two endoscopes measuring 1 meter and 3 meters long. Endoscopy is useful when we need to examine a horse’s airways including nasal passages, pharynx, guttural pouches, and trachea. Some diseases that this modality aids in diagnosing include upper airway diseases like “roaring” in horses and lower airway diseases like “heaves”.
We can also visualize the horse’s esophagus and stomach. Visualization of the esophagus is useful in horses that frequently have esophageal obstruction (choke). The 3 meter endoscope allows us to perform gastroscopy which allows us to visualize the inside of a horse’s stomach. This is especially useful in horses that we suspect are suffering from gastric ulceration.
Is it possible that your horse has gastric ulcer disease?
Many horses suffer from gastric ulcers and few of these are actually diagnosed. Below are signs that your horse may be suffering from stomach ulcers.
·Recurring colic ·Colic associated with shows or other stressful situations ·Decreased appetite associated with stress ·Weight loss, poor haircoat ·Poor performance or attitude ·Discomfort when tightening the girth or cinch ·Back soreness ·Chronic anemia
If you suspect that your horse is suffering from gastric ulcer disease, feelfree to call and make an appointment. Horses having their stomach scoped need to be fasted for 12 to 24 hours prior to the procedure. They can consume water up to 2 to 3 hours prior to the procedure.
