EQUINE VETERINARY EDUCATION / AE / OCTOBER 2014


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Fig 1: A correctly oriented view of the stomach looking from the cardia towards the margo plicatus at the greater curvature. The squamous mucosa is to the upper left and the glandular mucosa to the lower right of the image.


Fig 3: A view of the pyloric antrum.


Fig 4: A view of the pyloric antrum.


Fig 2: A view of the lesser curvature of the margo plicatus with the squamous mucosa dorsally and the entry to the pyloric antrum ventrally.


insufflation. Once the stomach is insufflated, the gastroscope is partially withdrawn until it is sitting just inside the stomach at the cardia. At this point, care should be taken to ensure that the


image is correctly oriented with the squamous mucosa visible on the upper left of the screen, the glandular body on the lower right of the screen and the greater curvature of the margo plicatus dividing the 2 (Fig 1). The squamous fundus can be observed by flexing the scope up and to the left. The gastroscope is then inserted further. During insertion, the margo plicatus should be maintained in the centre of the screen, as this facilitates positioning of the gastroscope for entry into the pyloric antrum. As the gastroscope is inserted, the lesser


curvature of the margo plicatus becomes visible with the opening to the pyloric antrum immediately ventral (Fig 2). The gastroscope is then advanced in one smooth motion whilst aiming towards the pyloric antrum (initially down and to the left, and then slightly up and to the left once the level of the lesser curvature has been passed). Commonly, the gastroscope will temporarily drop beneath the level of the gastric fluid, but it typically comes out within the pyloric antrum if inserted further (Figs 3 and 4). If the pyloric antrum is not visible with the gastroscope fully inserted then further insufflation will often result in further stretching of the stomach and the gastroscope rising above the gastric fluid. Once the pyloric antrum has been observed, the


duodenum can be examined, if desired. Whether this is performed in every horse depends mostly on the operator’s preference as duodenal disease is rare in mature horses. To enter the duodenum the gastroscope is pushed further into the stomach with the pylorus kept in the centre of the screen. As


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