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Home / Equine Research Bank / N Z Vet J / Equine gastric ulcer syndrome in adult horses: a review.
New Zealand veterinary journal2007; 55(1); 1-12; doi: 10.1080/00480169.2007.36728

Equine gastric ulcer syndrome in adult horses: a review.

Abstract: In recent years, gastric ulceration has been recognised as a common, possibly performance-limiting disease of adult horses. Here, we aim to provide the reader with a useful review of recent literature covering all aspects of equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) in adult horses. The anatomy and physiology of the stomach, with particular reference to secretion of acid and mucosal protective mechanisms, are reviewed, as are the differing theories relating to the aetiopathogenesis of gastric ulceration. We also explore the possible influence of various management factors on development of the disease. The prevalence of the disease in racehorses has been reported to be as high as 100%. In general, horses that are in active training for racing tend to have a prevalence of around 90%, whereas pleasure horses in full work have a reported prevalence of approximately 60%. Emerging diagnostic tests which could obviate the need for gastroscopy are introduced and current recommendations for treatment are summarised, focussing on proton pump inhibitors, in particular omeprazole, administered orally. The oral administration of omeprazole has been shown to be effective in both treating horses with gastric ulceration and at preventing re-occurrence whilst the horses are in training, provided that daily dosing is maintained.
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Publication Date: 2007-03-07 PubMed ID: 17339910DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2007.36728Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article reviews current knowledge and literature on equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS), a disease that commonly affects adult horses, detailing its anatomy, causes, and potential treatments, such as oral administration of omeprazole.

Anatomy and Physiology of the Horse Stomach

  • The article first reviews the anatomy and physiology of a horse’s stomach, focusing on the processes of acid secretion and the protective mechanisms of the stomach’s mucosa.
  • Understanding these aspects might provide valuable insight into why and how gastric ulcers form in horses.

Possible Causes of Equine Gastric Ulcers

  • Various theories of the cause (aetiopathogenesis) of gastric ulcers in horses are presented in the article. While no consensus seems to exist, certain management factors could potentially influence the development of EGUS.
  • The authors suggest further research is needed to fully understand the various contributing factors to the disease.

Prevalence of Equine Gastric Ulcers

  • The article highlights the unexpectedly high prevalence of EGUS among racehorses. Some reports suggest that up to 100% of racehorses could suffer from this condition.
  • For pleasure horses in full work, the prevalence drops slightly, but remains significant at around 60%.
  • These figures underscore the significance of gastric ulcers as a health concern in adult horses.

Diagnostic Tests and Treatments

  • The researchers mention emerging diagnostic tests that may eliminate the need for gastroscopy, a more invasive diagnostic procedure.
  • They summarize current treatment recommendations, focusing on proton pump inhibitors, especially omeprazole, which are administered orally.
  • Omeprazole has proven effective in treating equine gastric ulcers and preventing recurrence during training, as long as daily administration is upheld.

In conclusion, this article provides a comprehensive review of equine gastric ulcer syndrome, touching upon its anatomy, potential causes, prevalence, diagnostics, and current treatment strategies. It highlights the need for further research in this area, especially in developing non-invasive diagnostic techniques and more effective treatment strategies.

Cite This Article

APA
Bell RJ, Mogg TD, Kingston JK. (2007). Equine gastric ulcer syndrome in adult horses: a review. N Z Vet J, 55(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1080/00480169.2007.36728

Publication

New Zealand veterinary journal
ISSN: 0048-0169
NlmUniqueID: 0021406
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 55
Issue: 1
Pages: 1-12

Researcher Affiliations

Bell, R J W
  • Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand. robinjw@gmail.com
Mogg, T D
    Kingston, J K

      MeSH Terms

      • Animal Husbandry / methods
      • Animals
      • Anti-Ulcer Agents / therapeutic use
      • Gastric Mucosa / metabolism
      • Horse Diseases / drug therapy
      • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
      • Horse Diseases / pathology
      • Horses
      • Omeprazole / therapeutic use
      • Physical Conditioning, Animal / adverse effects
      • Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
      • Prevalence
      • Stomach / anatomy & histology
      • Stomach / physiology
      • Stomach Ulcer / drug therapy
      • Stomach Ulcer / epidemiology
      • Stomach Ulcer / pathology
      • Stomach Ulcer / veterinary
      • Treatment Outcome

      References

      This article includes 116 references

      Citations

      This article has been cited 15 times.
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