Equine gastric ulcers are one of the most common—and often overlooked—causes of poor performance, weight loss, and discomfort in horses. At Woodside Equine Clinic, we offer gastroscopy for horses as the most accurate and reliable method to diagnose Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) and other stomach-related conditions.

 

Whether your horse is showing subtle signs of digestive discomfort or has been struggling with performance or behavior issues, our team provides thorough, evidence-based diagnosis through equine stomach scoping—available both in the clinic and on the farm.

Gastroscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows veterinarians to visually examine the inside of a horse’s stomach using a 3.5-meter-long video endoscope. It is the only definitive way to diagnose equine gastric ulcers and evaluate the extent and location of stomach lesions.

Common signs that your horse may benefit from a gastroscopy include:

While these signs may be subtle, identifying and treating ulcers early is critical to maintaining your horse’s health and comfort.

For optimal visualization, horses must be fasted for 12 to 16 hours before the procedure to allow a clear view of the stomach lining. At Woodside Equine Clinic, we offer the convenience of fasting your horse overnight in our clinic if you're bringing them in for the procedure. This makes scheduling easy and reduces stress for both horse and owner.

The procedure is performed with the horse standing and lightly sedated. The scope is passed through the nostril, down the esophagus, and into the stomach. We evaluate:

The procedure takes approximately 20–30 minutes, and clients are welcome to watch and discuss findings in real time with our veterinarians.

 

Woodside Equine Clinic offers equine gastroscopy both in-house and in the field. Our mobile gastroscopy unit allows us to bring the scope directly to your barn for convenience and comfort. For more involved cases or additional diagnostics, horses can be evaluated at our clinic, where they benefit from a full support team and access to advanced care.

When you bring your horse to the clinic, we can manage fasting on-site, making the process smooth and stress-free.

In cases where we find unusual lesions, inflammation, or masses, we can perform gastroscopic biopsies during the same procedure. Using specialized tools passed through the scope, we take small tissue samples for laboratory analysis.

This is especially useful when:

Our ability to perform gastroscopic biopsy for horses adds another layer of precision and peace of mind when dealing with complex cases.

After the procedure, your horse can return to their normal feeding schedule. If ulcers or other issues are identified, we’ll develop a personalized treatment and management plan, which may include:

We typically recommend a follow-up gastroscopy in 30 days to ensure healing is progressing and treatment is effective.

If you suspect your horse may be dealing with ulcers or gastrointestinal discomfort, don’t guess—scope. At Woodside Equine Clinic, our experienced veterinarians provide comprehensive gastric ulcer diagnosis and treatment using the latest equipment and best practices in the field.

 

Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to discuss whether gastroscopy is right for your horse. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment can make all the difference in your horse’s health and performance.