Endoscopy involves using a small camera on the end of a tube, called an endoscope, to take images of the body as it is passed along the desired surface (i.e. esophagus, airway). Upper and lower airway endoscopy involve examining the airways (trachea) and pharyngeal regions, including the guttural pouches.
How is the procedure performed?
-Horses can be mildly sedated to perform the exam.
-Upper and lower airway exams are performed on your farm or at our clinic.
-The endoscope is passed up one or both nostrils so that the upper airway and associated structures (epiglottis, arytenoid cartilages, guttural pouch, ethymoid turbinates) can be examined.
-Depending on the horses’ problem, the guttural pouches can be viewed or entered to look for discharge or a cause of bleeding.
