Getting something for nothing? - Your thoughts pls

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Benjamin

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OK, last week I attended a very interesting lecture on the Gastric system of the horse. It was arranged by my practice. I was particularly interested in a woman who had done alot of research into Gastric Ulcers in the horse.
Now, whenever I have spoken to the vet about Benjs' crib biting/wind sucking it has always been mentioned that stomach ulcers may have something to do with it.
Although I am concerned about Benj crib biting, it doesn't effect him enough to warrant me paying for a gastroscope. (However self centred that sounds.......I'm sorry)
I now have the opportunity to get Benj scoped, for free, at a demonstration for the Dr who is doing the research.
Would you do it? Put your horse through it? Is it better to know even if he is showing now signs of gastric ulcers?

Just your thoughts......
 
I would do it - it's free and would put your mind at rest.

Oh and btw you don't sound self-centred, none of the owners I know with horses who crib bite have had this done.
 
I would be asking - if there are gastric ulcers there and the gastroscopy shows this, what will happen then? If they need a confirmed diagnosis and can then start some form of treatment then fair enough. If the gastroscopy will only confirm presence or absence but there is no suitable treament after this then is there a point? Alternatively could you try prophylacsis treating gastric ulcers without the actual visual proof and see if there is an improvement. I think what I am trying to say is that if the procedure is likely to result in a positive move forward then maybe it is worth doing. If it is just a procedure for the sake of it then I would not want to put my horse through it. Best to speak at length with the vet first.
 
If a certain grade of ulcer is found then he would be treated with antacids (omeprazol sp?) and my management looked at, although, I believe I am doing the best I can to help my boy out, access to fibre 24hrs etc.....
I was thinking of treating without really knowing but using an antacid when there isn't a problem, I believe, is not a good idea.

Has anyone had their horses go through this? Is it very traumatic for them?

P x
 
Oh yes! In an instant. It really is quite an inconsequential procedure and it will tell you sooo much. Definitely worthwhile in my opinion.
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[ QUOTE ]
Oh yes! In an instant. It really is quite an inconsequential procedure and it will tell you sooo much. Definitely worthwhile in my opinion.
smile.gif


[/ QUOTE ]
Thank you Tia, I was worried that the cons would outweigh the pros on this one!

P x
 
Friend of mine had it done on one of his horses - wasnt very traumatic. It was found that she was suffering from really bad ulcers. She under went a course of treatment for a month and so far so good!
 
I had my horse scoped last year, and it was fine. He wasn't that bothered about it, and it didn't take that long.

I would definitely, 100% do it.
 
Christ,this is my pet subject right now. Yes, if I could have scope done for free I'd it if the horse was a cribber/windsucker (having paid for 4 now!!!) but almost every horse will have some minor low grade ulceration of scarring from low grade ulcers...so it may lead you astray if that turns up...

ETA: If you don't fancy paying for the scope bear in mind that the treatment for ulcers is 2-6 weeks on Ulcergard (omeprazole) which racks in around £50 a tube (4 doses) and you'll be feeding 1/2 doses a day!!
 
Thanks for that Druid!
TBH, I think there is a certain amount of scaremongering going on.
Something like 99% of race horses that were scoped had some form of ulceration, so in essence, I am not really getting something for nothing am I? LOL
 
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