Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome affects fitness parameters in poorly performing Standardbred racehorses.

The research investigated the relationship between Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) and fitness parameters in poorly performing Standardbred racehorses.

Study Overview

• The researchers performed a retrospective study to assess any correlations between the severity of EGUS, further classified into Equine Squamous Gastric Disease (ESGD) and Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD), and certain fitness indices measured during an incremental treadmill test undertaken by racehorses in training.
• The data was sourced from historical performance evaluations of 87 Standardbred racehorses, all of which had previously undergone comprehensive diagnostic evaluations due to underperformance.
• The researchers assigned a score (from 0-4) to gauge the extent of ESGD, whereas EGGD was evaluated as being either present or absent. The cumulative EGUS score was calculated by adding 1 point to the ESGD score in horses exhibiting concurrent EGGD.

Fitness Parameters Evaluated

• Fitness characteristics including speed at a heart rate of 200 bpm (V200), speed and heart rate at a blood lactate level of 4 mmol/L (VLa4, HRLa4), peak lactate, lactate and heart rate 30 minutes post-exercise, maximum speed, minimum blood pH, and maximum hematocrit level were measured.

Data Analysis

• The relationships between EGUS and ESGD scores and the measured fitness factors were probed using Spearman correlation.
• A Mann-Whitney test was used to identify any differences between the fitness parameters of horses with EGGD and those without it.
• A value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Key Findings

• The study identified an inverse correlation between EGUS severity and V200 and minimum pH. Similarly, the severity of ESGD was inversely related to V200 and VLa4.
• There appeared to be a trend suggesting an effect of EGGD on V200, however, this effect did not reach statistical significance. Nevertheless, horses with EGGD consistently exhibited a lower minimum blood pH.
• The findings indicate that aerobic capacity (fitness) is negatively impacted by EGUS, specifically ESGD.

Future Directions

• The mechanisms through which EGUS influences fitness are not well understood. The authors suggest possible causes may include abdominal discomfort and reduced appetite as a result of lactic acid build up, but further study is needed to provide clarity.
• The authors also highlight the need for additional research to determine if EGUS is a cause or a consequent reaction to early lactic acid accumulation and post-exercise acidosis in racehorses.