Gastroscopy — endoscopic examination of the equine stomach — is the gold standard diagnostic for gastric ulcers, and welfare-conscious protocols can make the procedure much less stressful for horses.
Gastroscopy causes moderate procedural stress that is well-managed with appropriate sedation — horses that are adequately sedated show minimal signs of discomfort during the procedure. The welfare burden of the procedure is primarily the fasting requirement and the nasal passage of the endoscope, which requires careful technique to minimise mucosal trauma. Adequate sedation is the most important welfare factor — inadequate sedation results in a struggling, distressed horse and a more traumatic procedure for both horse and operator. The diagnostic value of gastroscopy — definitively identifying and grading ulcers, guiding treatment decisions, and confirming response to treatment — justifies the procedural welfare cost for horses with suspected EGUS.