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EQUINE GASTROSCOPY

EQUINE GASTROSCOPY

Gastric ulceration is a known disease that affects competition horses, most commonly race horses. Gastric ulceration is a serious condition that causes poor performance, anaemia, lack lustre coat and weight loss. The only thing that we know in fact about gastric ulcers in race horses is that YOU NEVER KNOW WHICH horses have them until you scope them. For example the trainer never suspected his 3 year old race horse that just finished second in a 1400m race had an ulcer. However the gastroscope revealed a GRADE 5 BLEEDING ULCER!.

GASTROSCOPY CAN ALSO IDENTIFY TUMOURS, INFECTIONS, OBSTRUCTIONS, OESOPHAGEAL DISEASES SUCH AS CHOKE AND SWALLOWING PROBLEMS.

The horse must fast (no food and water) for 12 hours prior to the procedure to ensure food does not obstruct the surfaces. Once a diagnosis is made e.g. Ulcerated gastro intestinal tract, the treatment will consist of:

• ULCER MEDICATION FOR 6 WEEKS
• DIET MODIFICATIONS
• ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES

Thereafter a repeat gastroscopy is ideal to evaluate the
stomach for healing.

Author : June Katzwinkel

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