At Performance Equine Veterinary Service, we offer comprehensive endoscopy services for horses, both at our facility and on-site at your farm. Endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a small camera attached to a flexible tube, known as an endoscope, to capture images inside the horse’s body. This tool can be navigated through various passageways like the esophagus, airways, rectum, and uterus to examine internal structures.
Understanding Endoscopy:
– What It Involves: The endoscope is inserted through a horse’s nostril to explore the upper airway structures like the larynx, trachea, and guttural pouches.
– Examining Airway Health: This procedure is crucial for diagnosing and understanding respiratory diseases, such as pneumonia or conditions impairing racehorse performance, and identifying issues like guttural pouch infections.
– Sedation Practices: While evaluating the laryngeal function, horses are typically restrained without sedation. However, mild sedation might be used to examine other areas to ensure the comfort and safety of the horse.
– Equipment Used: We use a one-meter fiberscope for these examinations, providing detailed insight into the horse’s health.
Common Diagnoses with Endoscopy:
– Respiratory diseases, including pneumonia, conditions affecting racehorse performance, bronchitis, and recurrent airway obstructions.
– Infections or diseases in the guttural pouch.
– Checking for inflammation, mucous, tumors, or foreign bodies in the trachea.
Endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that offers valuable information about your horse’s health, enabling us to diagnose and plan effective treatments. For more information about our endoscopy services or to schedule an appointment, please contact Performance Equine Veterinary Service at (352) 307-3690. We are here to provide the best possible care for your horse’s health and well-being.