Endoscopy

We have a range of specialist endoscopes that can be used to assess the gastrointestinal tract as well as the upper airway.

Gastroscopy

This is performed using a specifically designed endoscope camera which is long enough (up to 3 metres) to be passed via the nostrils down into the horse's stomach. This allows the stomach to be checked for gastric ulcers which are common causes of poor performance and certain types of pain-related behaviours e.g. resentment when being tacked up.

Where gastric ulcers are present, a care plan including initial medical therapy and ongoing management changes will be developed and follow-up gastroscopy can be performed to monitor response to treatment.

This forms part of the assessment of horses with weight loss and recurrent colic, often in conjunction with abdominal ultrasonography. 

Biopsies of the lining of the stomach and upper small intestine can be taken for assessment by our pathology team to rule out inflammatory bowel disease and cancerous conditions. 

Airway Endoscopy - Standing 

This is performed to investigate problems such as poor performance, nasal discharge or abnormal respiratory noise and involves passing an endoscope via one or both nostrils to assess the nasal passages and upper and lower airways including the larynx. 

Some abnormalities may require surgery. We can liaise with our team of specialist surgeons for rapid assessment and information regarding treatment options and associated costs and prognosis. This also enables us to assess the lower airways, such as in cases of equine asthma.

Airway Endoscopy – Dynamic (at exercise) 

This involves the use of a specialised endoscope which only a few hospitals and practices have. The endoscope is fixed to the horse's head and secured via the saddle. It enables the upper airways to be assessed at exercise in cases of poor or reduced performance and abnormal noise at exercise. 

This allows us to rule out a variety of possible conditions of the upper airway, some of which cannot be diagnosed when a horse is standing at rest. Options for management may include surgery, such as the use of transendoscopic lasers or standing surgery e.g. tie-back (laryngoplasty). Assessment and surgery can be performed by our specialist surgery team at the hospital.