Understanding Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS)
Gastric ulcers are a prevalent health concern among horses, affecting a significant portion of the equine population. This condition, known as Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS), can develop in any horse, though certain breeds appear particularly susceptible. Understanding the risk factors and developing suitable management strategies is crucial for horse owners and veterinarians alike.
Breed Susceptibility to Gastric Ulcers
While all horses may experience gastric ulcers under unfavorable conditions, some breeds show higher vulnerability. Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds lead in susceptibility, with Equine Squamous Gastric Disease (ESGD) prevalence rates hitting 70-90% during rigorous training. The intense demand of race training, coupled with specific management and feeding practices, creates an ulcer-prone environment.
In comparison, Warmbloods involved in dressage and jumping frequently suffer from Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD). These horses face considerable stress associated with their athletic disciplines, which seems to play a role in their high ulceration rates.
Meanwhile, Arabian horses, particularly those in endurance events, have a vulnerability rate between 60-90% for ulcers, influenced by prolonged physical exertion and feeding schedules needed for endurance competition.
The Science Behind Breed Susceptibility
The propensity for certain breeds to develop EGUS stems from a mix of genetic, physiological, and management factors. Selectively bred for speed and performance, Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds might inherently be more prone to high gastric acid production. Exercise further exacerbates ulcer risk by boosting gastric acid creation while reducing blood flow to the gut, exposing the upper stomach to acidic conditions.
Additionally, common management practices, such as restricted forage access and infrequent feeding, disrupt natural acid neutralization by saliva, increasing ulcer vulnerability, especially in training and competition settings.
Factors Contributing to EGUS
A variety of modifiable and inherent factors can elevate the risk of gastric ulcers in horses:
- Feeding Practices: Limited forage, infrequent meals, and high-grain diets increase ulcer risk.
- Exercise Intensity: The intensity of training correlates with ulcer prevalence and severity.
- Environmental Stress: Stress from housing changes, transport, and other disruptions play a role.
- Medication Use: High doses of NSAIDs are well-known ulcer contributors.
- Management Conditions: Minimal turnout and long training intervals worsen ulcer situations.
Effective Prevention and Management
Recognizing the susceptibility of specific breeds can guide effective preventive measures. For at-risk horses, management changes are vital:
- Ensure constant forage availability and consider hay nets during travel to maintain a steady feed intake.
- Reform feeding schedules to provide smaller, more frequent meals, reducing long fasting periods.
- Incorporate high-fat, low-starch diets to minimize gastric upset, enhancing Thoroughbred performance while lowering ulcer risk.
- Scale down training intensity when ulcers are a concern, and enhance pasture access where feasible.
- Use preventive omeprazole therapy in high-stress scenarios, especially for horses with past ulcer episodes.
Gastroscopy: Crucial for Diagnosis
Despite the widespread occurrence of EGUS, diagnosing it remains challenging without specific signs or lab tests. Gastroscopy is essential for a definitive diagnosis, allowing veterinarians to visually assess the stomach for ulcerations. This method also distinguishes between squamous (ESGD) and glandular (EGGD) ulcers, critical for effective treatment and management.
Concluding Thoughts
While not all gastric ulcers are preventable, understanding breed susceptibility to EGUS enables informed management choices. For breeds at high risk, consistent forage access, properly structured feeding routines, and stress-reducing strategies can significantly mitigate ulcer risks, promoting healthier and more capable performance horses.
References: Keyflow Feeds
