ENDOSCOPY
An endoscope enables us to visualise a horse's respiratory tract, using a small camera inside the tubing.
We have several lengths of endoscopes to examine different areas of the horse's respiratory tract. We use a shorter length for examining the upper respiratory tract, such as the larynx, pharynx, gutteral pouches and sinuses. Useful for examining if a horse has a 'Wind' problem. A longer endoscope is used for examining the trachea (windpipe) and entrance to the lungs. This is particularly useful in lower respiratory tract infections and hypersensitivities (COPD). Sometimes a treacheal wash is indicated, where a sample of fluid from the affected area is taken via passing a narrow catheter down a channel in the endoscope and subsequently analysed, in our in house laboratory.
We also offer overground endoscopy which allows the dynamic assessment of upper respiratory tract problems while the horse is being exercised and thus allow diagnosis of abnormalities that would have previously required the horse to have gone away to be exercised on a treadmill. The images collected while the horse is exercising can both be viewed in real time and stored for subsequent, in depth analysis.
If a problem is indicated via endoscopy or overground endoscopy, can formulate the best plan for your horse. We work very closely with Geoff Lane BVetMed DESTS FRCVS (RCVS Specialist in Equine Surgery) (Wind Surgery), particular problems may indicate the decision for 'Wind' surgery under general anaesthetic at the hospital.
Our purpose built hospital, opened in November 2002, nestles on the edge of the Blackdown Hills in a peaceful, tranquil environment yet is easily accessible being only 10 minutes drive from Junctions 26 and 27 of the M5. Servicing the counties of Devon and Somerset, it is a facility second to none in the Westcountry and since opening we have invested in a continued program of development and improvements. This culminated in October 2009 with the award of RCVS Equine Hospital status, the highest level of accreditation available, reflecting the high level of veterinary expertise, nursing care and facilities available.
