Equine Squamous Gastric Disease
A type of gastric disease affecting the squamous portion of the stomach lining.
Equine Diagnostic Services
Equine Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy is the most accurate way to examine the inside of a horse’s stomach and diagnose conditions such as gastric ulceration.
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Overview
Investigating gastric discomfort and poor performance
Gastroscopy is the most accurate way to examine the inside of a horse’s stomach and diagnose conditions such as gastric ulceration.
At Racetrack Veterinary Services, we use gastroscopy to investigate horses showing signs of gastric discomfort, poor performance, changes in appetite or behaviour, recurrent mild colic and other signs that may be associated with equine gastric ulcer syndrome.
Gastroscopy allows our team of veterinarians to directly visualise the stomach lining, assess the severity and location of any lesions and develop a treatment and management plan based on the findings.
What gastroscopy helps assess
Directly visualise the stomach lining.
Identify the location and severity of lesions.
Investigate signs that may be associated with gastric disease.
Guide an individualised treatment and management plan.
The Procedure
What is equine gastroscopy?
Gastroscopy involves passing a long, flexible video endoscope through the horse’s nostril, down the oesophagus and into the stomach.
The camera allows the veterinarian to examine different regions of the stomach in real time.
This includes the squamous and glandular portions of the stomach, which can be affected by different types of gastric disease.
Because gastric ulcers cannot be reliably diagnosed from clinical signs alone, gastroscopy is the preferred diagnostic test when gastric ulceration is suspected.
When to Investigate
When might a horse need a gastroscopy?
Gastroscopy may be recommended if your horse is showing:
Poor or inconsistent performance
Reduced appetite
Weight loss or difficulty maintaining condition
Behavioural changes
Irritability when being girthed
Sensitivity around the abdomen
Recurrent mild colic
Reluctance to work
Changes in temperament
Poor coat condition
Reduced willingness to eat concentrates
Unexplained drop in performance
Previous gastric ulcers requiring reassessment
Some horses with gastric ulcers show very subtle signs, while others may show no obvious signs at all.
Understanding Gastric Disease
Equine gastric ulcer syndrome
Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome, commonly referred to as EGUS, describes ulcerative disease affecting the stomach.
Two main types are commonly recognised:
Equine Glandular Gastric Disease
A type of gastric disease affecting the glandular portion of the stomach lining.
Diagnosis by gastroscopy
These conditions affect different areas of the stomach and may have different causes, risk factors and treatment approaches.
Gastroscopy allows the veterinarian to identify where lesions are located and assess their severity before recommending treatment.
Horses at Risk
Gastroscopy for racehorses and performance horses
Gastric ulcers in racehorses
Racehorses are at increased risk of gastric ulceration due to factors such as intensive exercise, travel, stable confinement, changes in feeding patterns and the demands of training.
Signs may include:
- Poor performance
- Reduced appetite
- Weight loss
- Behavioural changes
- Reluctance to work
- Mild recurrent colic
- Sensitivity when being saddled or girthed
Racetrack Veterinary Services has extensive experience working with racehorses and can investigate suspected gastric disease as part of a broader poor-performance assessment.
Gastric ulcers in performance horses
Performance horses may also be at increased risk of gastric ulceration, particularly when they are travelling, competing regularly, undergoing intensive training or experiencing changes in routine.
Gastroscopy can be particularly useful when a horse has vague or inconsistent signs that cannot be fully explained by musculoskeletal or respiratory investigation.
Preparing for the Examination
How do I prepare my horse for gastroscopy?
The stomach needs to be empty so that the veterinarian can clearly examine the stomach lining.
This usually requires feed to be withheld for a period before the procedure.
Water may also need to be removed for a shorter period.
Our team will provide specific fasting instructions before the appointment.
It is important to follow these instructions carefully, as food remaining in the stomach can prevent a complete examination.
During the Examination
What happens during a gastroscopy?
The horse is usually lightly sedated and restrained safely.
A long flexible endoscope is then passed through the nostril, down the oesophagus and into the stomach.
Air is introduced into the stomach so that the lining can be examined properly.
The veterinarian will assess the different regions of the stomach and may record images or video of any abnormalities.
The procedure is generally well tolerated and usually takes a relatively short period once the horse has been prepared correctly.
Diagnosis and Care
What can gastroscopy diagnose?
Gastroscopy may identify:
Gastric ulcers
Ulcerative lesions affecting the stomach lining.
Inflammation and erosions
Inflammation, erosions or bleeding lesions affecting the stomach.
Squamous and glandular disease
Changes in the squamous stomach lining, glandular disease and other abnormalities affecting the stomach.
The findings help determine the most appropriate treatment and whether follow-up gastroscopy may be required.
Treatment of gastric ulcers
Treatment depends on the type, severity and location of the gastric lesions.
Management may include:
- Medication
- Dietary changes
- Increasing access to forage
- Changes to feeding frequency
- Adjustments to training or management
- Reducing prolonged periods without feed
- Review of travel and competition routines
Our team of veterinarians will develop a treatment plan based on the horse’s gastroscopy findings and individual circumstances.
Follow-up gastroscopy
In some horses, repeat gastroscopy may be recommended after a period of treatment.
This allows the veterinarian to assess whether lesions are healing and whether treatment or management needs to be adjusted.
Follow-up gastroscopy can be particularly useful in horses with more significant disease, recurrent gastric ulcers or ongoing poor performance.
A Whole-Horse Approach
Gastroscopy as part of a poor performance investigation
Gastric ulceration is only one possible cause of poor performance.
Depending on the horse, a broader investigation may also include:
Lameness assessment
Blood tests
Resting or dynamic endoscopy
Ultrasound
Radiography
Cardiac assessment
Other diagnostic tests based on clinical findings
Our team of veterinarians assess the whole horse rather than assuming that gastric ulcers are the only cause of reduced performance.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can gastric ulcers be diagnosed from symptoms alone?
No. Clinical signs can raise suspicion, but gastroscopy is required to directly visualise the stomach and confirm the diagnosis.
Does every horse with gastric ulcers show signs?
No. Some horses have very subtle signs, while others may have significant gastric disease with few obvious outward symptoms.
Does gastroscopy hurt?
Gastroscopy is generally well tolerated. Horses are usually lightly sedated during the procedure.
Does my horse need to fast?
Yes. The stomach needs to be empty so that the stomach lining can be examined properly. Our team will provide fasting instructions before the appointment.
How long does a gastroscopy take?
The examination itself is usually relatively quick, although preparation and sedation add time to the appointment.
Can gastric ulcers affect performance?
Yes. Gastric discomfort may contribute to reduced appetite, behavioural changes, poor condition and reduced performance in some horses.
Will my horse need another gastroscopy after treatment?
Sometimes. Repeat gastroscopy may be recommended to assess healing, particularly in horses with more severe or recurrent gastric disease.
Need advice specific to your horse? Contact our veterinary team.
Darby Lodge
Gastroscopy days at Darby Lodge
Racetrack Veterinary Services regularly holds dedicated gastroscopy days at Darby Lodge, making it easier for owners and trainers to book horses in for assessment in a suitable, controlled environment.
These days are ideal for horses requiring:
Investigation of suspected gastric ulcers
Assessment of poor performance
Review of recurrent gastric discomfort
Follow-up gastroscopy after treatment
Reassessment of previously diagnosed gastric ulceration
Holding gastroscopy days at Darby Lodge allows our veterinary team to coordinate multiple cases efficiently while ensuring horses are appropriately prepared and examined in a calm setting.
If you think your horse may benefit from gastroscopy, get in touch with our team to register your interest or book in for the next gastroscopy day at Darby Lodge.
REGISTER INTEREST / BOOK A VETBook an Appointment
Book a gastroscopy for your horse
If your horse is showing signs of gastric discomfort, poor appetite, behavioural changes or unexplained poor performance, gastroscopy may help identify whether gastric disease is contributing.
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