Companion Animals

Gastroscopy in Horses: Welfare and Diagnostic Value

Welfare guide to gastroscopy in horses -- the gold standard diagnostic tool for equine gastric ulcer syndrome.

Key Facts

Gastroscopy is the only reliable way to diagnose equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) and assess severity
It requires general sedation and oesophageal intubation -- a welfare-relevant procedure
Horses must be fasted for 12-16 hours before gastroscopy to allow visualisation of the stomach
Gastric ulcers affect 37-53% of leisure horses and up to 93% of racehorses -- very common
Without gastroscopy, ulcer diagnosis is essentially guesswork -- treatment without diagnosis risks under or over-treating
The procedure is well-tolerated by most horses with appropriate sedation and skilled operator
2025 portable gastroscopes have made gastroscopy more accessible in field settings
Post-gastroscopy welfare includes monitoring sedation recovery and providing access to hay

Welfare Significance

Gastroscopy welfare involves balancing the temporary discomfort of the procedure against the welfare benefit of accurate diagnosis. Untreated gastric ulcers cause chronic pain that significantly impairs quality of life. The procedure provides certainty that shapes treatment decisions and prevents months of incorrect management. For horses with unexplained poor performance or behaviour changes, gastroscopy is a welfare-advancing diagnostic investment.

What You Can Do

Consider gastroscopy for any horse with unexplained poor performance, reluctance to work, or behaviour changes
Fast the horse appropriately before gastroscopy -- inadequate preparation reduces diagnostic quality
Use experienced equine gastroscopy practitioners to minimise procedure stress and maximise diagnostic accuracy
Repeat gastroscopy after treatment to confirm ulcer healing -- not all horses respond adequately to initial treatment