A look on the inside…
A Gastroscopy is a diagnostic procedure we perform often, on the farm, to view the inside of a horse’s stomach. The scopes amazing technology and live camera feed attached to the end of the 3 meter flexible scope allows us to visualize and diagnose gastric ulcers on the spot. Being able to see what is going on in the stomach allows us to grade and monitor the ulcerated/irritated regions and prescribe proper medication to best help in the healing process. A follow up gastroscope is suggested 3-4 weeks after the original diagnosis to determine if the medications are doing their job adequately.
Common signs of gastric ulcers include…
Overall grumpiness and/or change in behavior
Unwillingness to move forward
Discomfort and irritation to the girth and sensitivity to being touched especially on the left side of barrel
Poor coat and/or sudden change in coat quality
Sudden weight loss and/or looking extra ribby
What can causes gastric ulcers? STRESS! Common causes of stress include…
Change in environment
Sudden increase in work load/ moving up to more challenging classes
Having little/no access to free range forage ( horses are natural grazers and thrive best with access to forage at all times)
Trailering to/from shows
Having a new turn out/ barn mate
Being in chronic pain; ulcers can form as a secondary issue to a primary injury or traumatic event