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Example Gastroscopy Images |
Gastroscopy (stomach scope) can be performed on the farm for convenience and the horse's comfort. We perform over 100 stomach scopes per year and are able to provide convenient follow up and are well-versed in the most recent advances in medication and management of GI ulceration.
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Squamous Gastric Ulcers:
Our mobile, state-of-the-art gastroscopy units can document mild to severe ulceration |
An ulcerated pyloric polyp:
This can be a source of pain and poor performance |
Pyloric ulceration:
Gastroscopy helps us determine what medications your horse may need |
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Upper Airway Endoscopy Examples |
Upper airway endoscopy allows us to investigate causes of abnormal airway noise, cough, nasal discharge, nose bleeds, and possible causes of fever and poor performance. This can be performed on the farm for convenience and the horse's comfort. We can use the scope to safely and appropriately obtain samples in cases of pneumonia and Heaves (Equine Asthma).
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Normal Guttural Pouch:
This area of the upper airway contains many vital blood vessels and nerves and a bone articulation involved with jaw movement and swallowing. It is important to look in the guttural pouches of animals with head shaking, difficulty eating, certain nerve dysfunctions, nosebleeds, and fever (amongst many other reasons). 
Guttural Pouch Mycosis (fungal infection):
This horse had a nose bleed due to fungal invasion of large blood vessels in out-pouchings of the eustachian tubes (known as the guttural pouches). We can easily access this area with the scope. This horse made a full recovery after a surgical procedure. 
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Tracheal mucus/debris: This image shows flecks of scattered mucus along the trachea (windpipe) of a horse diagnosed with Equine Asthma. We can use a combination of diagnostics, including tracheal endoscopy to help investigate for this common cause of poor performance. 
Tracheal wash using the scope: We are able to use a double-guarded catheter to obtain samples to investigate for pneumonia. This allows us to culture the sample for the presence of bacteria and determine appropriate antibiotic therapy. 
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Upper airway compression:
This image shows compression of the pharynx (back of the throat). This horse had a chronic (long term) abscess that had formed due to scarring down of an opening of the guttural pouch. She underwent an MRI and surgical procedures to facilitate treatment of the abscess and help restore functional anatomy in the area. 
Retropharyngeal lymph node enlargement: In certain bacterial infections the lymph nodes can enlarge within the upper airway and endoscopy is the only way to diagnose since they are undetectable from the outside. These horses often have fevers and lethargy. 
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Ultrasound examples |
The veterinarians of Equine Medicine Specialists of South Florida have 3 state-of-the art ultrasound machines in order to provide ultrasounds of the lungs, abdomen, heart, large vessels, pelvic vasculature and much more!
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Thoracic (lung/chest) ultrasound images:
Lung ultrasound is helpful in investigating lung disease (particularly pneumonia) in horses since it is impossible to obtain quality x-rays on the farm. We can use lung ultrasound to diagnose and track the progress of various forms of respiratory disease and advise on diagnostics and treatment options. The 1st image shows lung surface irregularities in a case of mild pneumonia. The 2nd image shows "consolidated" lung in a moderate case of pneumonia. The 3rd image below shows scar tissue in the chest cavity due to accumulation of infected chest cavity fluid in severe pleuropneumonia. |
Abdominal ultrasound images: Imaging of the abdomen is helpful in cases of acute and recurring colic, fever, poor performance and for many other issues! With the ultrasound we can see portions of the kidneys, liver, stomach, small intestine, and large colons. We often use the ultrasound to determine if portions of the GI tract are thickened, and to look at each abdominal organ for evidence of infection, irritation or other abnormalities. The 1st and 3rd images below show thickened small intestine in a horse with lethargy and lack of appetite. The 2nd image illustrates a suspected infection (small abscess) within the wall of the right dorsal colon. |
Heart ultrasound (echo) images: Imaging of the heart is indicated when a horse has a murmur or arrythmia heard with a stethoscope. It can also be helpful in cases of poor performance, fever, or fluid accumulation in the tissues. The examples below show a bacterial growth on a horses heart valve. The second and third image show how we can use advanced ultrasound technology to detail blood flow and heart chamber size & movements. We can ultrasound the heart of a horse as part of a pre-purchase exam if a murmur is detected. This helps to determine the significance of the murmur and the expected prognosis for competition. |
