Gastroscope
PRICING
- Equine Gastroscope $385.00 + Medication's if required
Equine gastroscopy is the gold standard diagnostic tool used to visualise and diagnose stomach ulcers and other gastrointestinal conditions in horses. It is a safe, highly effective procedure that allows us to examine the horse’s stomach lining using a long, flexible video endoscope.
What Is Gastroscopy and Why Is It Recommended?
Gastroscopy involves passing a 3-metre long video endoscope through the horse’s nose, down the oesophagus, and into the stomach. This enables us to inspect the stomach lining for:
-
Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS)
-
Glandular and squamous ulcers
-
Inflammation or infection
-
Abnormal growths or masses
-
Delayed gastric emptying
We recommend gastroscopy if your horse is showing signs of gastric discomfort, such as:
-
Poor appetite or picky eating
-
Weight loss despite good nutrition
-
Behavioural changes or girthiness
-
Poor performance or reluctance to work
-
Teeth grinding or excessive salivation
-
Colic symptoms or mild recurrent colic
Many performance and leisure horses suffer from gastric ulcers without showing obvious signs, so gastroscopy is an essential diagnostic tool for accurate treatment planning.
Clinic-Only Procedure
To offer the best possible care, gastroscopy is only available in-clinic. This allows us to:
-
Ensure the necessary equipment and team are fully prepared
-
Provide a controlled, clean environment for safe and accurate diagnosis
What to Expect
Before the procedure:
-
Your horse must be fasted for 12–16 hours to ensure the stomach is empty for clear viewing
-
Water is also withheld for 4-5 hours prior to the scheduled gastroscopy appointment
-
We’ll give you specific instructions when booking
During the procedure:
-
Your horse will be sedated for comfort and safety
-
The gastroscope is gently passed through the nose into the stomach
-
The entire procedure takes about 15–60 minutes. The Average time will be 20-25 minutes.
After the procedure:
-
We will discuss the findings with you immediately
-
If ulcers or abnormalities are found, we’ll recommend a tailored treatment plan
-
Your horse can go home the same day
Book Your Horse for Gastroscopy
If your horse is showing signs of gastric discomfort or is in a high-stress environment (such as competition or frequent travel), gastroscopy is the most accurate way to diagnose and manage stomach ulcers.
📞 Contact us today to find out when our next gastroscope day is and reserve your spot.
