Gastroscopy for horses: Indications
Stomach diseases often impair a horse's health and thus reduce its quality of life and performance. One of the most important diagnostic methods for examining stomach diseases in horses is gastroscopy. This procedure enables vets to take a direct look at the horse's stomach lining using an optical system and thus make diagnoses that would not be possible by other means.
The decision to have a gastroscopy is usually made on the basis of certain symptoms or as part of the clarification of diseases. The most common indications include:
- Repeated colic attacks:
Irregularities or recurring pain in the abdomen can indicate stomach problems. - Weight loss or poor physical condition:
If a horse loses weight despite adequate feeding, suddenly shows unusual eating behaviour or does not improve its condition, this could be due to stomach problems. - Behavioural abnormalities:
Behavioural changes such as increased irritability but also bad habits such as fussiness can be linked to stomach ulcers.
- Suspected stomach ulcers:
Symptoms such as reduced appetite, repeated burping and chewing without eating may indicate gastric ulcers. - Reduced willingness to perform:
A suddenly reduced willingness to perform, tense abdominal muscles, but also a compulsion to wear a harness can be caused by stomach ulcers.
Gastroscopy procedure
Gastroscopy in horses is a procedure that requires careful preparation and professional performance.
Preparation
Fasting:
To ensure a clear view, the horse must be fasting 12 hours before the gastroscopy.
Sedation:
To minimise stress during the gastroscopy and to make it easier to insert the gastroscope, light sedation is necessary for the examination.
Procedure
Introduction of the gastroscope:
After sedation, a long, flexible tube carrying an optic is inserted through the horse's nostrils and carefully advanced through the oesophagus into the stomach.
Inspection:
The visualisation allows the vet to examine the stomach walls, the mucous membrane and the entrance to the small intestine in detail. Particular attention is paid to conspicuous areas such as redness, haemorrhaging or ulcers. Other problems such as gastric emptying disorders or parasite infestations (e.g. stomach bugs) can also be diagnosed.
Imaging and biopsy:
If necessary, samples can be taken during the gastroscopy and photos and videos can be taken for further analysis.
Aftercare
After the gastroscopy, the horse is monitored by our clinic team while the effects of the sedation wear off. Feed intake is gradually resumed. Depending on the diagnosis made during the gastroscopy, we will make recommendations on diet, posture management and any further measures such as specific drug therapy.
Conclusion
Gastroscopy is a valuable diagnostic tool in veterinary medicine. It makes it possible to recognise gastric diseases in horses at an early stage and treat them accordingly. As with any medical procedure, careful consideration of the indications and professional performance are crucial for the success and safety of the procedure. Owners of horses should not hesitate to ask their vet or us whether a gastroscopy is indicated if they suspect stomach problems.