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 Videoendoscopy
Endoscopy is a procedure where a long camera is used to look in
tubular organs. Most commonly a 1 or 3 meter (M) endoscope is used
to look in the respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts. The 1 M
endoscope can be used to evaluate the upper respiratory tract
including the nasal passages and guttural pouches. In order to
evaluate the lower respiratory tract or the esophagus and stomach a
3 M endoscope is used.
Some indications for the use of endoscopy are evaluations of horses
with upper respiratory disease such as infection or inflammation,
horses that make a noise with performance or horses with enlargement
in the guttural pouch area. Horses that are suspected to have
gastric (stomach) ulcers are commonly evaluated with the 3 M
endoscope after a period of fasting to ensure that the stomach is
empty at the time of examination.
 Ultrasonography
Ultrasound examination is a method of diagnostic testing that allows
the veterinarian to examine internal structures in a non-invasive
manner. High frequency sound waves are released from this instrument
to allow for examination of various soft tissues, such as the lung
surface, liver, kidneys and outer lining of the gastrointestinal
tract. Ultrasound examination is a common procedure that is used for
reproductive purposes to determine the size of ovaries and the
characteristics of the uterus.
 Computed
tomography
This is a special imaging technique that can be used to examine the
head or lower limbs of adult horses or most regions of a small horse
or foal. The procedure uses cross section images that are
reconstructed by a computer program to define various soft tissue
and bone regions. Most commonly this is a technique that is selected
for an area where conventional radiograph and ultrasound
examinations are not effective for identifying the region of
interest.
 High-speed
treadmill
The use of the high speed treadmill is most common for horses with
dynamic, athletic related issues. An example is a horse that has
poor performance at high speed but at rest has a normal examination.
By placing the horse on the treadmill we can examine the individual
at speed, but in a controlled environment. Examinations that can be
performed on the treadmill include videoendoscopy of the upper
respiratory tract, blood pressure and cardiovascular evaluation or
endurance related issues.
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