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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Gastric ulceration in mature thoroughbred horses.
Equine veterinary journal1986; 18(4); 284-287; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1986.tb03629.x

Gastric ulceration in mature thoroughbred horses.

Abstract: Routine post mortem examination of 195 Thoroughbreds in Hong Kong revealed that 66 per cent suffered from gastric ulceration. Racehorses killed straight out of training suffered a significantly greater incidence of ulceration (80 per cent) than those having been retired for a month or more (52 per cent). The macroscopic findings post mortem enabled a classification of equine gastric ulceration to be suggested (Types 1, 2, 3), according to severity. Severe lesions (Types 2 and 3) were present in 45 per cent of horses put down from training and 5 per cent of retired horses. This difference was significant. Lesions appeared to be chronically progressive during training, but to regress during retirement. The observed difference of gastric ulceration between the two groups of horses was similar for different age groups.
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Publication Date: 1986-07-01 PubMed ID: 3758006DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1986.tb03629.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Comparative Study
  • Journal Article

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.

The study investigated the prevalence of gastric ulceration in racehorses in Hong Kong and found a higher occurrence in horses straight out of training compared to those retired for a month or more.

Study Population and Findings

  • The researchers studied a total of 195 Thoroughbred horses in Hong Kong and discovered that approximately 66% of them suffered from gastric ulceration. This is a condition where sores form in the lining of the horse’s stomach.
  • On further analysis, it was observed that racehorses that were straight out of training had a significantly higher incidence of gastric ulcers, with 80% exhibiting the condition. This was much higher compared to horses that had been retired for a month or more where the incidence was 52%.

Gastric Ulceration Classification

  • Based on the macroscopic findings post mortem, researchers proposed a classification for equine gastric ulceration with Types 1, 2 and 3, indicating severity.
  • Severe lesions, categorized as Types 2 and 3, were present in 45% of horses straight out of training and 5% of those retired. The difference in occurrence between the two groups was statistically significant.

Nature of the Lesions

  • The study found that the lesions appeared to progress chronically during the training period but regressed or healed during retirement.
  • The observed pattern of gastric ulceration was similar among the horses irrespective of their different ages, implying that age was not a determining factor for the incidence of gastric ulceration.

Implication of the Study

  • The findings suggest a strong correlation between the rigorous training regimen of racehorses and the incidence of gastric ulceration.
  • However, retirement and rest appear to aid in the regression of these lesions, highlighting the role of reduced physical stress in managing gastric ulcers in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Hammond CJ, Mason DK, Watkins KL. (1986). Gastric ulceration in mature thoroughbred horses. Equine Vet J, 18(4), 284-287. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1986.tb03629.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 18
Issue: 4
Pages: 284-287

Researcher Affiliations

Hammond, C J
    Mason, D K
      Watkins, K L

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Hong Kong
        • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
        • Horse Diseases / pathology
        • Horses
        • Stomach Ulcer / epidemiology
        • Stomach Ulcer / pathology
        • Stomach Ulcer / veterinary

        Citations

        This article has been cited 13 times.
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