Gastroscopy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Epona Equine has a 3.2m Gastroscope available for diagnosis of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome. We can diagnose both squamous and glandular ulcers in the stomach. Scoping is the only way to definitively diagnose ulcers in horses. To prepare for your horse’s gastroscopy appointment they will need to be fasted for 16-18 hours and have water removed for the last 2-4 hours. They should be in a stall with no bedding with manure removed frequently so they don’t eat bedding or feces. A grazing muzzle can help prevent nibbling any debris available.

 

In some cases, the gastroscope can also be used to evaluate the upper airway of the horse as it is a narrower diameter than many gastroscopes. It can be used to perform a Broncho-Alveolar Lavage (BAL) to diagnose Equine Asthma or Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH). Depending on the size of your horse and area that needs to be assessed, we may still have to referr you to a clinic with a narrower upper airway scope.