Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome
Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is not a new problem; however, advances in diagnostic techniques have highlighted condition.
Horses in the wild will graze up to 16hours a day which will reduce the acidity in the horses stomach by the roughage consumed.
Gastric ulcers are the unfortunate result of erosion of the stomach lining which is due to the prolonged exposure to the digestive acids, therefore domesticated horses are suffering with this problem.
This condition is becoming more apparent, as we are keeping our horses stabled for longer periods of time and on higher concentrate diets with limited access to roughage. This causes the acidity in the stomach to increase which therefore increasing the risk of ulcers forming.
What causes Gastric Ulcers?
The main causes of ulceration are due to bile which is refluxed back into an empty stomach, and also the formation of cereal (high concentrate) feed in the stomach. This is why gastric ulcers are most commonly seen in racehorses and competition horses who are feed highly concentrated feeds.
Other factors which can cause ulcers are:
- Drugs, such as Non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Stress
- Gastric Cancer
- Crib biting
- Parasites, mainly bots
- Bacterial infections
Diagnosis
Many horses will not show any signs of gastric ulcers, which can prove difficult of a correct diagnosis.
However, if your horse is not his usual self, displaying signs of discomfort, a lack of ‘zest for life’ or generally misbehaving, you may want to look out for other signs, which include:
- Difficulty maintaining body condition
- A reduced appetite
- Change in general attitude and an overall reluctance to work
- Reduced performance
- Occasionally low-grade colic
Foals are also prone to gastric ulcers, signs include:
- Diarrhoea
- Poor appetite
- Grinding teeth
- Intermittent colic
- Excessive salivation
If your horse is showing these signs, then your vet may presume that your horse is suffering from gastric ulcers. A conclusive diagnosis can only be made by your vet who will use a fibre-optic endoscope which will be used to look at the stomach lining of your horse. This is known as a Gastric Endoscopy. Ensuring you have vet fee cover on your horse insurance will allow you to have further investigative tests which will allow you and your vet to assess the severity of the situation in order to treat accordingly.
Treatment for Equine Gastric Ulcers
Once you have a correct diagnosis, you can then treat the ulcers accordingly. There are a few medications which your vet can advise you on which will prevent further flare ups, however, careful management is vital to the success of treatment.
You should allow your horse plenty of time out in the field, this will reduce stress and help him relax. Ideally he should socialise with other horses which should have a calming influence on him.
Allowing him to eat more forage, ad-lib hay when he is stabled will help to reduce the acidity levels in his stomach. Coupled with reducing the concentrate levels in his hard feed will prove beneficial.
Give your horse time to relax by taking the pressure off his training. Let him enjoy long, stress free hacks which will allow him a chance to recover from previous flare ups. This time can be spent reigniting the special bond with your equine friend.
If you are concerned that your horse is suffering from Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome, Animal Friends Equine Insurance recommends that you seek veterinary advice to obtain a correct diagnosis.
