The esophagus and stomach anatomical study in crossbred horses using endoscopic examination

Abstract

Most anatomical studies of horse esophagus involve dissection, and reference materials providing detailed information on the horses' esophagus are also limited. This research aims to examine the anatomical characteristics of the upper digestive tract, including the pharynx, esophagus, and stomach of horses, as visualized through endoscopic examination. Additionally, the study investigates the length of the equine esophagus by comparing external body measurements with those obtained through endoscopic assessment. The average measured distance from the nose to the pharynx is 37.77 centimeters and from the pharynx to the cardiac sphincter measures 101 centimeters. The data on the length and internal characteristics at the esophageal sites affect the choice of surgical site because the left side of the neck is the easiest area for surgery. Additionally, this can be applied beneficially to surgical procedures performed by equine healthcare practitioners involving the equine esophagus. The study identified variations in tissue coloration, ranging from white, gray, pink, and dark pink to red, as well as differences in moisture levels across different sections. These variations are due to the varying density of mucus-secreting glands in different areas. This pilot study involved nine mixed-breed horses from the experimental animal facility at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mahanakorn University of Technology, along with horses from a governmental institution tasked with managing and preventing diseases in horses used for community service, including equine-assisted therapy.