How much to scope for ulcers ?

[Chukkas]

I am debating whether or not to keep a pony I have in for rehoming as he windsucks. Can anyone tell me the process and costs of scoping to check for ulcers ?

 

[be positive]

The process depends on your vets, some have their own scope so take them in, some refer and others get a specialist in to do it at the owners yard which is what we did with one here, cost will depend on how it is done, I think in total for the visiting vet, our own vet and sedation it was around £400, if your vets have the facilities it would be less.

The horse needed to be starved for 12 hours, appointment was for 9am so it was not too bad leaving him with no hay from 9pm, vets arrived, horse sedated and scoping started, horse was fine it took about 40 mins then he was left until he came out of the sedation before going out to the field, very little stress involved and in our case no ulcers found.

The main expense is the Gastrogard at around £30 per day for up to 2 months, the cost of scoping pales into insignificance then!!

 

[Landcruiser]

I seem to remember it was about £300. The horse has to have an empty stomach so in overnight with nothing except water. The actual scoping takes about half an hour, the horse is sedated, and you'll need a helper - it was a 3 person job ie the scoping vet, me, and a helper, if I recall correctly (few years ago now). You'll also need an electricity supply.

 

[Chukkas]

Thank you. Does wind sucking almost always indicate ulcers?

 

[be positive]

Thank you. Does wind sucking almost always indicate ulcers?

It certainly seems to be one of the main signs, one of mine went through a very stressful time and was not coping very well on extended box rest, he had never shown any signs of cribbing previously but one morning I saw him get hold of the partition and take a good gulp of air, he went a few more times while I watched, I contacted my vet immediately and he started straight onto Gastrogard as a precaution, the cribbing stopped and he relaxed very quickly so I guess he had developed ulcers during his period of stress. We didn't scope and gradually took him off the GG hoping that once he was allowed back out he would improve which he has but I think the damage was done so I am still very careful with his management and he has supplements to reduce the chance of too much acid building up.