General Information About Equine Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy is a procedure where a 10-foot-long, one-centimeter-in-diameter tube with a small camera on the end of it is inserted through your horse's nose and into the stomach. The camera is used to capture images of the inside of your horse's upper GI tract.
Fasting for Gastroscopy
Dr. Youngblood will discuss with you what you need to do for your horse prior to the procedure. For instance, your horse will need to fast for 12 hours before having gastroscopy. He or she may not have any food during this time but can still have water. Depending on when your appointment is, this may mean your horse gets to have dinner like normal and still eat meals the following day, just on a slightly altered schedule.
How Your Horse Feels During Gastroscopy
The procedure isn't painful for your horse. He or she receives a mild sedative to ease the discomfort. As a result, the insertion of the tube only feels like a tickling sensation.
What Gastroscopy Can Diagnose
Gastroscopy is a procedure our vet uses to diagnose ulcers because it's the only way to accurately diagnose an ulcer and determine the type. Two main types of ulcers exist, and testing for them through stool samples isn't as accurate.
Additionally, you can use it to diagnose impactions, tumors, and other upper GI tract problems.
Treating Issues After Gastroscopy
After our practitioner confirms any issue, your horse will receive treatment.
For ulcers, the standard treatment is medication or a combination of medications. Some examples include omeprazole and misoprostol. Omeprazole, sold under the brand name Prilosec for humans, is a protein pump inhibitor. It reduces the amount of acid your horse's stomach produces. Misoprostol is a treatment that can treat hind gut ulcers and helps heal the mucosa. Sometimes, your horse receives an antibiotic.
Dr. Youngblood will educate you about the ideal diet to help manage the acid in your horse's stomach. Usually, this is a high-fiber diet. In addition, you receive information about a proper feeding and exercise schedule that can assist.
If your horse is having pain or he or she isn't eating right, we encourage you to contact our office.
