Med Equus
Choosing the right veterinary endoscope is essential for accurate equine diagnostics, efficient examinations and reliable performance in both veterinary hospitals and ambulatory practice. From routine upper airway examinations to gastroscopy and dynamic respiratory investigations, modern equine endoscopy equipment allows veterinary surgeons to assess a wide range of conditions with greater flexibility and precision.
Advances in high-definition imaging, portable technology and battery-powered systems have transformed how equine vets carry out diagnostic examinations. Equipment that once required large endoscopy towers and dedicated hospital facilities can now be transported directly to the stable, racecourse or training yard.
At MED Equus, we specialise in innovative equine veterinary equipment, offering a comprehensive range of veterinary endoscopes designed specifically for the demands of equine practice.
In this guide, we explore the different types of equine endoscopes, the essential features to consider and how to choose the most suitable system for your veterinary practice.
What Is a Veterinary Endoscope and How Is It Used in Horses?
A veterinary endoscope is a specialist diagnostic instrument fitted with a camera and illumination system, allowing veterinary surgeons to examine internal anatomical structures without the need for invasive exploratory surgery.
In equine veterinary medicine, flexible video endoscopes are widely used to investigate respiratory, gastrointestinal and other conditions.
Common applications of equine endoscopy include:
- Upper airway examinations: Assessing the nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea and guttural pouches.
- Equine gastroscopy: Examining the stomach for gastric ulcers and other abnormalities.
- Dynamic respiratory endoscopy: Investigating airway function while a horse is exercising.
- Lower respiratory investigations: Assessing the trachea and obtaining diagnostic samples where clinically indicated.
- Performance investigations: Identifying respiratory abnormalities that may contribute to abnormal breathing noises, exercise intolerance or reduced athletic performance.
Veterinary endoscopy is particularly valuable in performance horses, racehorses and competition horses, where identifying respiratory abnormalities can help inform treatment and management decisions.
Modern veterinary video endoscopes also allow images and recordings to be saved, reviewed and shared, supporting clinical records, referral consultations and communication with horse owners.
Types of Veterinary Endoscopes for Equine Practice
Not every veterinary endoscope is suitable for every procedure. Equine airway examinations, gastroscopy and dynamic respiratory investigations require different equipment characteristics.
Understanding these differences is essential when investing in a new system.
1. Equine Airway Endoscopes
An equine airway endoscope is used to examine the upper respiratory tract, including the nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, guttural pouches and trachea.
Airway endoscopy is a fundamental diagnostic procedure for equine veterinary surgeons, particularly when investigating respiratory symptoms or poor performance.
Common reasons for performing an airway examination include:
- Abnormal respiratory noises.
- Suspected laryngeal abnormalities.
- Nasal discharge or suspected guttural pouch disease.
- Respiratory inflammation or infection.
- Exercise intolerance or reduced performance.
- Assessment of airway structures before further investigation or treatment.
A suitable equine airway scope should offer clear image quality, smooth tip articulation, appropriate working length and reliable handling.
Recommended MED Equus veterinary endoscopes
MEDView DV1/2 PRO Airway Scope
The MEDView DV1/2 PRO range provides an option for equine vets seeking high-quality airway imaging for routine diagnostic examinations.
Designed for equine respiratory investigations, these systems support examination of the upper airways in both clinical and ambulatory environments.
For veterinary surgeons who regularly travel between yards, the MEDView DV2-X offers a particularly practical solution.
Designed with ambulatory practice in mind, the DV2-X combines lightweight construction, portability and advanced imaging technology.
Its compact design makes it suitable for vets who require reliable diagnostic equipment without transporting a traditional endoscopy tower.
The MEDView DV3 Airway Scope is another option within the MED Equus airway endoscopy range.
It is designed to support detailed equine respiratory examinations, offering veterinary surgeons a specialist solution for clinical and field-based investigations.
The most suitable model will depend on the intended examinations, working length, imaging requirements and preferred equipment configuration.
High-Definition Imaging
Image quality is one of the most important considerations when selecting an equine veterinary endoscope.
Modern digital video endoscopy systems can provide detailed images of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, helping vets identify abnormalities and document findings.
When comparing equipment, consider image resolution, illumination, colour reproduction and the ability to capture clinical photographs or video.
High-quality imaging is particularly valuable when assessing subtle changes in airway structures or gastric mucosa.
Portable Veterinary Endoscopes: Transforming Equine Ambulatory Practice
Equine veterinary work presents unique challenges. Unlike small animal practices, where patients can generally be transported into a dedicated examination room, equine vets frequently travel between yards, racing establishments and competition venues.
Traditional endoscopy systems often required external light sources, monitors, processors and access to mains electricity.
Today, portable veterinary endoscopes provide an alternative, combining advanced imaging technology with lightweight, field-ready equipment.
Why portability matters for equine vets
A portable veterinary endoscope can provide several practical advantages:
- Greater flexibility when examining horses at their own premises.
- Reduced equipment setup and transportation requirements.
- Battery-powered operation where mains electricity is unavailable.
- High-definition images for detailed clinical assessment.
- Easier recording, storage and sharing of diagnostic findings.
- Greater flexibility for ambulatory and hospital-based veterinary teams.
At MED Equus, our portable equine veterinary equipment is developed with these requirements in mind.
Our MEDView systems combine advanced imaging technology with portable configurations, helping vets deliver high-quality diagnostic services wherever their patients are located.
2. Equine Gastroscopes
Equine gastroscopy is an important diagnostic procedure used to examine the stomach and investigate conditions such as Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS).
Horses have a large gastrointestinal anatomy, requiring a substantially longer veterinary endoscope than would be used for routine upper airway examinations.
Equine gastroscopes commonly have working lengths of approximately 3 metres or more, depending on the model and intended patient population.
The scope must be sufficiently long to examine the relevant regions of the stomach, including the squamous and glandular mucosa and, where possible, the pyloric region.
Important gastroscope features include:
- Appropriate working length for adult horses.
- High-definition imaging for mucosal assessment.
- Effective tip articulation and manoeuvrability.
- Air and water functions for visibility during examinations.
- A suitable working channel for diagnostic procedures.
- Durable construction for repeated clinical use.
Recommended: MEDView HD Gastroscope
The MEDView HD Gastroscope is designed specifically for equine gastrointestinal examinations.
Combining high-definition imaging with a portable equipment configuration, it provides veterinary surgeons with a practical option for both hospital and ambulatory gastroscopy.
Clear visualisation is particularly important when assessing gastric mucosal changes, documenting lesions and monitoring response to treatment.
For practices looking to introduce or expand their gastroscopy services, the MEDView HD Gastroscope provides a specialist equine-focused solution.
3. Dynamic Veterinary Endoscopes for Horses
Some equine respiratory conditions are not apparent when a horse is examined at rest.
Dynamic upper airway abnormalities may develop only during exercise, particularly when respiratory demands increase.
This makes dynamic endoscopy an important diagnostic tool when investigating horses with exercise-associated respiratory noises or unexplained performance problems.
Unlike a conventional resting airway examination, dynamic endoscopy allows veterinary surgeons to assess the upper respiratory tract while the horse is working.
Potential findings include:
- Dynamic laryngeal collapse.
- Dorsal displacement of the soft palate.
- Aryepiglottic fold abnormalities.
- Pharyngeal collapse.
- Other exercise-associated upper airway obstructions.
Recommended: MEDView Dynamic Endoscope
The MEDView Dynamic Endoscope is designed to support equine respiratory assessment during exercise.
The system enables recording of the upper airway while the horse is working under conditions relevant to its normal activity.
Features of the MEDView Dynamic system include:
- Portable, horse-mounted recording technology.
- High-quality airway imaging during exercise.
- Integrated GPS functionality.
- Automatic flushing with post-flush aspiration.
- A non-head-mounted equipment configuration.
- Video recording for subsequent clinical assessment.
Dynamic endoscopy is particularly useful for equine referral hospitals, racing veterinary practices, sports horse specialists and ambulatory vets investigating performance-related respiratory conditions.
Portability and Battery Life
For ambulatory equine vets, equipment weight, portability and battery performance are important purchasing considerations.
MED Equus offers portable configurations designed for field use, with battery-powered systems capable of providing up to six hours of operation, depending on the equipment and configuration.
This helps reduce reliance on external power supplies when carrying out examinations at yards and other locations.