Gastroscopy

We are equipped to carry out gastroscopy at your yard. This is a diagnostic procedure used to examine the horse’s upper gastrointestinal tract including the oesophagus, stomach, and the entrance to the small intestine.

Gastroscopy is especially useful when we suspect gastric ulcers, also known as Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS). Horses with ulcers may show one or more of the following signs:

• Low grade, intermittent colic signs
• Reduced or fussy appetite
• Behavioural changes (such as becoming grumpy or nipping over the stable door)
• Poor performance when ridden

The procedure itself involves passing a flexible video endoscope (around three metres long) through the nostril and into the stomach. This allows the vet to see the stomach lining in detail and identify ulcers, inflammation, or other abnormalities that may affect your horse’s health and performance.

To prepare for a gastroscope, your horse will need to be fasted for 10–12 hours so the stomach is empty and clearly visible. Sedation is given to ensure the horse stays calm and comfortable during the procedure.

Treatment for gastric ulcers is usually very successful. With the right combination of medication and management changes, tailored to the type and severity of the ulcers, many horses show a remarkable improvement, with lesions almost fully resolved in as little as a month.