Equine Endoscopy
A Closer Look at Your Horse’s Airways and More
Why Is It Done?
Endoscopy is most commonly used to evaluate:
- Respiratory issues (e.g., nasal discharge, coughing, poor performance)
- Guttural pouch infections
- Recurrent choke episodes
- Swallowing problems
- Gastric ulcers (when the stomach is examined with an endoscope, the procedure is called a gastroscopy)
How the Procedure Works
- Sedation: Your horse is lightly sedated to ensure comfort and stillness.
- The Scope: A thin, flexible camera is gently passed into the area we’re examining—typically through the nostril and down into the throat or airways.
- Real-Time Imaging: We view live images on a screen and may record or capture pictures for review or comparison later.
- Duration: Most endoscopic exams take about 15–30 minutes.
What We Can Diagnose
- Laryngeal hemiplegia (roaring)
- Dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP)
- Ethmoid hematomas
- Guttural pouch disease
- Signs of infection or inflammation
- Masses or growths
- Internal parasites (in some cases)
Post-Procedure
Your horse will recover quickly from sedation and can typically return to normal activity later that day. If we find any issues, we’ll explain the diagnosis and treatment options.
Safe, Effective, and Minimally Invasive
Endoscopy gives us a clear, up-close look at internal structures without surgery, making it a vital tool for diagnosing many conditions—especially in sport and performance horses.
Veterinary Services in Yuma, AZ
Adoptions
Diagnostic Lab Services
Disbudding/
Dehorning
Endoscopy
Equine Dentistry
Equine Gastroscopy
Equine Veterinary Services
Equine End-of-Life Care
Equine Ultrasound
Equine and Livestock Health Certificates
Equine Endoscopy
Equine Radiology
Equine Lameness Exams
Equine Microchipping
Equine Vaccination
Equine Preventative Care Exam
Equine Osteopathic Adjustments
Feral Cat Care
Gastroscopy
Herd and Flock Exams
Hospice and End-of-Life Care
Home Euthanasia Services
Lameness Exams
Laser Therapy
Livestock & Small Ruminants
Livestock Vaccinations
Microchipping
Nutrition
Osteopathic Adjustments
Parasite Control
Poultry and Waterfowl
Pot Belly and Mini Pig Care
Preventative Herd and Flock Exams
Preventative Care Exam
Radiology
Small Animal Preventative Care Exam
Small Animal Dentistry
Surgery
Spays and Neuters
Small Ruminant Care
Small Animal Services
Small Animal Health Certificates
Ultrasound
Vaccinations