Gastroscopy is the only way to conclusively diagnose ulcers, and to tell how severe they are. This helps you to get a more complete picture more quickly, and guides the treatment course. It also allows for the diagnosis of pyloric ulceration which requires an additional drug to treat it, and a longer course of acid suppression. It is also a good way to be sure that ulcers have healed after treatment, as stopping medication too early can lead to recurrence of the ulcers. In rare cases, other problems such as tumours of the stomach and heavy infestations of bots can be seen.
Your horse will need to have an overnight fast of at least 12 hours, and then water needs to be withheld for 4 hours prior to the procedure. We prefer horses to come in the night before so that we can carefully control access to feed and water and so the horse is more settled for the scope. Once the horse is sedated, a large stomach tube is passed, and a 3 metre long fibreoptic endoscope is passed inside the tube, down the oesophagus into the stomach. The procedure can take 30-40 minutes, as the residual feed needs to be washed from the lining and reaching the pyloric area can take some time. As soon as the horses have recovered from sedation, they are given a feed.
Treatment recommendations are based on the severity of the ulcers. You will also receive a written report with pictures of the ulcers. The photo below shows severe ulceration.
We are a well-established equine practice servicing South Auckland and the greater Auckland area. With our purpose-built hospital and surgical facilities our experienced staff are able to provide quality care with a full range of medical, diagnostic and surgical services.
