Endoscopy-Endell Veterinary Group

Endoscopy

Endoscopy is frequently used both in the hospital and also at individual stables. This can be used to visualise the internal structures of the horse

Upper respiratory tract
Uterus
Bladder
Stomach

The most frequent use is observing the upper respiratory tract, this can be done either by viewing through the endoscope or by attachment to a video monitor.

endoscopy-1

View of the larynx

Endoscopy of the upper respiratory system is often accompanied by tracheal or bronchoalveolar lavage to obtain secretions from the lungs in an attempt to establish ongoing respiratory disease.

Racehorses and competition horses are routinely tracheal washed to monitor the presence or absence of respiratory disease. This is especially important when there is a fall in performance levels of individual horses or in the yard itself.