Endoscopy in Horses: Respiratory and Gastric Welfare Assessment

Endoscopic examination of the equine airway and stomach provides definitive diagnosis for respiratory and gastric conditions that significantly affect welfare.

Key Facts

Dynamic airway endoscopy during treadmill exercise diagnoses exercise-induced laryngeal hemiplegia and other obstructions
Recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (roaring) affects up to 3% of sport horses and causes respiratory noise and reduced performance
Gastroscopy identifies gastric ulcers (EGUS) - present in up to 70-80% of racehorses and 40-60% of sport horses
EGUS causes discomfort and behavioral changes including girthiness, reluctance to work, and poor appetite
Omeprazole is the gold-standard treatment for EGUS with high response rates
Dynamic endoscopy reveals intermittent conditions invisible at rest that cause significant welfare impact during exercise
Airway endoscopy guides surgical decisions for horses with obstructive respiratory problems

Welfare Considerations

Horses with undiagnosed airway obstruction compete at reduced oxygen delivery, causing cardiovascular stress and potential fear responses to air hunger. Horses with gastric ulcers experience chronic gastric pain that affects willingness to work and quality of life. Endoscopy provides definitive answers that drive appropriate treatment. Treating EGUS based on clinical signs alone without gastroscopy risks undertreating or overtreating - gastroscopy-guided treatment is both more precise and more welfare-positive.

What You Can Do

Pursue gastroscopy for any horse showing behavioral changes under saddle, girthiness, or poor appetite
Investigate respiratory noise during exercise with dynamic endoscopy rather than static examination alone
Treat EGUS with omeprazole for a minimum of 28 days and reconfirm healing by gastroscopy
Implement management changes (reduced straw, more frequent feeding) alongside omeprazole treatment
Discuss surgical options with a specialist for horses with confirmed obstructive airway disease