Have you noticed a drop in performance or change in the character of your horse?
It’s not news that the challenges of competition,prolonged stabling and intensive training programmes can expose horses to increased levels of stress that in turn result in problems such as Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS).
But it’s not just stress that can induce EGUS – the diet,feeding and management of any horse will impact heavilyon the health of its digestive tract too. Any underlying disease and medication can also play a part in the occurrence of ulcers, which leaves a significant portion of the equine population susceptible to the condition, no matter their job or breed.
Signs of ulceration can be vague and often mistaken forother symptoms or behavioural problems. Clues that your horse may be suffering include:
What to do if you suspect gastric ulcers
The best way to confirm diagnosis is to perform agastroscopy. This involves passing an endoscopic video camera into the stomach to assess the presence ofulceration.
If found, we will grade the ulcers which allows us to monitor healing and evaluate how effective the treatment is.
Video-gastroscopy
Gastroscopy describes a complete examination of the two lining tissues of the horses stomach using a 3m flexible video-endoscope. It is performed under light sedation and images are captured at specific points around the stomach and are graded and defined by type.
Using gastroscopy to visualise the horse’s stomach, we are able to see whether ulcers are present or not and also which type. Once diagnosed, we can offer the most appropriate treatment.
Endoscopy
Endoscopy is mostly used for examining the airways and stomach, although it also can also be used to examine the oesophagus and bladder. Our fibre optic endoscope allows us to examine the whole respiratory system. We are able to diagnose conditions of the larynx, examine the guttural pouches as well as access and sample the lower airways.
The endoscope is passed via a nostril and enables visual assessment of the nasal cavities. In each side of a horse’s nose there are 3 separate channels or ‘meati’. Within these there are complex folded bony structures called nasal conchae and ethmoids. These can be examined with the endoscope for a variety of abnormalities such as infection, cancerous growths or foreign bodies.
It is our aim to work as part of your team of advisors to ensure good quality healthcare that is value for money.
Independent vets, dedicated care
The provision of excellent customer service lies at the heart of what we do. Thanks to our five convenient locations we cover large parts of the south-west. Our reach is wide but our focus remains on the provision of a personal service, offering outstanding veterinary care, to our highly valued clients.