The Importance of Stiffness in Equine Gastroscopy: Efficiency & Safety Beyond 3 Meters
Performing gastroscopy in horses presents unique challenges, particularly when using a scope longer than three meters. One of the most critical design elements in an equine gastroscope is stiffness—without the right balance, efficiency and safety are compromised.
When navigating the equine stomach, a scope that is too flexible can lead to excessive looping, making it difficult to reach the pylorus and beyond. Worse, resistance within the stomach can cause the scope to retroflex back into the horse’s mouth, creating a frustrating and potentially hazardous situation for both the clinician and the patient.
This is where Rutledge Medical’s graduated stiffness technology sets a new standard in equine gastroscopy. Our scopes are engineered with a proximal-to-distal stiffness gradient, ensuring the rigidity needed for efficient advancement while maintaining the necessary flexibility for precise maneuvering. This design minimizes retroflexion risk, allowing veterinarians to confidently navigate through the stomach and into the duodenum without unnecessary repositioning.
The result? Greater procedural efficiency, reduced examination time, and improved diagnostic accuracy. Clinicians can focus on identifying gastric ulcers, pyloric abnormalities, and other conditions without fighting against their equipment.
When working in a field where every detail matters, the right level of stiffness is not just a feature—it’s a necessity. With Rutledge Medical’s advanced equine gastroscopes, you get the stability, control, and confidence needed to perform high-quality gastroscopies with ease.
Learn more about how our innovative design And View Example Footage of the scope’s high-definition image here: https://endoscopes.vet/equine-endoscope/
