Specialty 04
Gastroscopy & endoscopy
Direct assessment of the stomach and the upper airway with a flexible endoscope.
During gastroscopy, a flexible endoscope is passed through the nose and oesophagus into the stomach, allowing the stomach lining to be examined directly. Gastroscopy is the reference method for diagnosing gastric ulcers in horses and grading their severity. The same technique is used to examine the upper airway.
When is it useful?
- Suspected gastric ulcers
- With poor performance, weight loss, variable appetite, behavioural changes (for example when girthed) or recurrent mild colic.
- Monitoring during the competition season
- Three gastroscopies spread over the season, to monitor the stomach lining and adjust treatment or management.
- Re-examination after treatment
- To assess the effect of treatment objectively, when medically appropriate.
- Upper airway endoscopy
- Examination of the nasal passages, pharynx, larynx and trachea, for example with abnormal respiratory noise, coughing or nasal discharge.
What to expect
Preparation
For gastroscopy the stomach must be empty. When the appointment is made you receive precise instructions on fasting.
Examination
The horse is lightly sedated and remains standing. The endoscope is passed through the nose and oesophagus into the stomach.
Discussion
The findings are discussed straight away using the images. Treatment and any re-examination are tailored to what is seen.
After the examination
After sedation your horse may only eat again once it is fully awake.
A follow-up gastroscopy takes place when medically appropriate, for example to assess the effect of treatment.
Gastroscopy & endoscopy
Frequently asked questions
How long does my horse need to be fasted?
When you book a gastroscopy, the confirmation email includes a detailed schedule for withholding feed and water. Please follow the times in that email carefully.
As a rule, we ask you to stop giving solid feed 8 to 12 hours before the examination and to remove water 4 hours beforehand. Make sure your horse also has no access to hay, grass or straw while fasting, for example through its bedding.
An empty stomach is needed to assess the stomach lining properly. Feed residue, especially long fibres from hay and straw, can block the view. If there is too much feed in the stomach, the examination has to be repeated at another time.
Can my horse work on the same day?
The examination is performed standing, under light sedation. Your horse may eat again from 2 hours after the sedation has fully worn off. Reintroduce feed gradually, following the schedule we give you after the examination.
Light work later in the day is sometimes possible, but only once your horse has fully recovered from the sedation and after discussing it with the vet. We ourselves advise resting your horse on the day of the gastroscopy and resuming work the next day.
Can my horse travel straight after sedation?
Yes. As soon as the sedation has worn off and the horse is steady on its feet, we will give the go-ahead for transport.
Appointment or advice.
Call or email us. We look at your question personally and arrange an appointment together — in consultation with your own vet where appropriate.