Researchers Get a Close-Up of the Equine Small Intestine

Endoscopic examination of the stomach, sometimes referred to as gastroscopy, removed all guesswork from gastric ulcer diagnosis. Japanese researchers are now delving even deeper into the gastrointestinal tract by evaluating portions of the small intestine using a capsule endoscope.

A small group of mature Thoroughbreds was used in the study. The endoscope was inserted into the esophagus via an intranasal catheter and flushed down the gastrointestinal tract by a water stream. Images were captured by the endoscopic system, evaluated by an image reader, and scored using a visual analogue scale.

How far did the endoscope travel? Images were captured from the duodenum, the portion of the small intestine nearest the stomach, and almost the entire length of the jejunum, the next section of intestine. Images revealed differences in mucosal shape, color, and villus structure of intestinal tissue. This technology will allow veterinarians and researchers to assess the health of the small intestine.

The entire article, “Preliminary study of capsule endoscopy in the small intestine of horses,” was printed in the September, 2010 issue of the Australian Veterinary Journal.

Gastrointestinal problems plague horses of all ages and uses. Aside from colic, gastric ulcers and hindgut acidosis, which can lead to ulceration, rank high among problems of the digestive tract. Kentucky Equine Research (KER) has designed products to support gastrointestinal health. EquiShure specifically targets the hindgut, while RiteTrac is a total-tract protectant, keeping ulcers from forming in the stomach and colon.