Benefits of Gastroscopy

Most horse owners are familiar with equine gastric ulcers, or EGUS (equine gastric ulcer syndrome).  Gastric ulcers are extremely common in horses and likely underdiagnosed. Because horses evolved as grazing animals, their stomachs are designed for continual digestion and eating, continually secreting stomach acid. Management of the modern horse often prevents continual grazing, so periods of time without access to forage allow stomach acid to contact the stomach lining, causing ulcerated areas. Common risk factors include periods of time with an empty stomach (such as stalled horses without grazing access), stress (training, showing, travel), and administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (phenylbutazone and banamine).

The gold standard for diagnosis is gastroscopy, where your veterinarian will examine the stomach and document findings with photos. Gastroscopy allows us to assign a score of severity to the horse’s ulcers as well as demonstrate healing following treatment. Recent technological advances have made this diagnostic modality available in the field, so gastroscopy can now be performed on the farm instead of trailering in to the clinic.

After you and your veterinarian have decided that gastroscopy is indicated for your horse, the most important part of the gastroscopic exam is patient preparation. Preparation requires fasting your horse for about 20 hours before the exam to ensure your horse’s stomach is empty. If there is food remaining in the stomach, your veterinarian will not be able to perform a complete examination. Frequently we recommend applying a muzzle to your horse during fasting since some horses will ingest shavings or straw. Water must be removed 3 hours prior to gastroscopy.

At the appointment, your veterinarian will sedate your horse to allow passage of the scope. The scope is passed up one nostril and to the back of the throat, when your horse will swallow it. During this process, the back of the throat can also be examined. After swallowing, the scope is passed down the esophagus (also examined) and then into the stomach. The upper portion of the stomach is called the squamous/non-glandular portion, based on the cell type composing the lining. The lower portion of the stomach is the glandular portion, where stomach acid is secreted. These 2 areas are divided by a  demarcation called the margo plicatus. Ulcers are most commonly found on the squamous portion of the stomach along the margo plicatus. The entire stomach is examined, including all the way to the exit of the stomach (pylorus) and ideally including the beginning portion of the small intestine (duodenum). A score is assigned to your horse based on location of ulcers and the severity of ulceration, ranging from 1-4. Your veterinarian will then work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment for your horse based on this exam. Ideally, the horse is re-scoped following treatment to ensure adequate healing and response to treatment.

MVS is excited to offer gastroscopy to enable appropriate diagnosis and treatment of EGUS, keeping your horse feeling and performing at his best. Contact us today if you’re interested in gastroscopy or would like to learn more.

Meet the MVS Staff: Spotlight on Dr. Kate Baer

Dr. Kate Baer is a 2012 graduate from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.  She completed a one-year internship with an equine referral and ambulatory practice in New Jersey, and then spent several years in Pennsylvania with a racetrack and ambulatory equine practice. In 2017, she attained certification in veterinary acupuncture through the Medical Acupuncture for Veterinarians. Dr. Baer joined MVS in 2019 and loves being a part of such a great team.

Dr. Baer appreciates the challenge and variety of equine ambulatory medicine. Her professional interests include geriatric horse care, dentistry, wound management, acupuncture, emergency medicine, and podiatry. Dr. Baer enjoys building relationships with clients and their horses, while working together to decide the best approach for each individual horse. She has also organized several educational seminars in the community for 4H, Westernaires, and Pony Club kids – previously in-person and now in an online format.

Outside of work, you will find Dr. Baer riding her off-the-track Thoroughbred, Liam, acquired during her days of racetrack practice in Pennsylvania. She hopes to return to the show ring this spring. She also takes full advantage of Colorado’s outdoor activities, including hiking, snowshoeing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and skiing. In rare moments of downtime, she also enjoys reading, foreign languages, cooking, and baking.

Pictured with Dr. Baer is Nora, vet truck dog in training.

Meet Dr. Kate Baer, the newest member of the MVS team

I grew up outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, spending as much time as possible at the barn. After begging my parents, much babysitting, saving, and stall cleaning, my dream of having my own horse finally came true when I was fourteen. With my first horse, Perfect Timing, I competed mainly in the hunter divisions as a junior. I continued riding in college, serving as captain of the varsity intercollegiate equestrian team while pursuing a dual major in biology and French.

After college, I spent a year teaching English in rural France (and also taking riding lessons in French!) Still, equine veterinary medicine remained on my mind, and I returned to the U.S. to attend veterinary school at the University of Minnesota.

Following graduation, I completed a one-year internship with an equine referral and ambulatory practice in New Jersey, then returned to Pennsylvania to join an equine ambulatory and racetrack practice. While working at the track, I acquired my second horse, Celtic Wonder, and we had the incredible opportunity to compete at the 2016 Thoroughbred Makeover.

After nearly 4 years in Pennsylvania, I was ready for a change in scenery, so I relocated to Colorado in the spring of 2017. I love the variety and challenge of equine ambulatory practice, but I am especially passionate about geriatric horse care, dentistry, wound management, acupuncture, emergency medicine, and lameness/podiatry. Providing advanced, high-quality equine care is my priority. I continually strive to offer my clients the most current treatment options and information. I’m excited to offer acupuncture services and look forward to adding new skills and services to continue providing comprehensive care for your horse.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me exploring Colorado- skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and of course, riding.