Prevalence of gastric ulcer syndrome in high-level endurance horses.

This research study examines the prevalence of equine gastric ulcers syndrome (EGUS) in high-level endurance horses, finding that a significant number exhibited symptoms of the condition, particularly during competition season. Various influencing factors such as housing, feeding and training, as well as attributes like age, breed, and gender of the horse were taken into account during the investigation.

Research Methodology

• The study involved 30 high-level endurance horses.
• Two gastroscopic examinations were conducted on each horse; the first during the interseason period and the second during the competition season, specifically 2-3 days following a ride of 90-160 kilometers.
• Information on each horse’s environment (housing, feeding, training system) and characteristics (age, breed, gender) were recorded.

Key Findings

• The prevalence of gastric ulcers was found to be 48% during the interseason period and 93% during the competition season, a statistically significant difference.
• Most ulcer lesions were located in the squamous portion of the horse’s stomach, but glandular lesions were also found in 33.3% of the horses.
• Training and performance level was found to have a significant influence on the gastric score, with higher scores found in horses that have been ridden longer distances.
• The type of housing had a significant influence on the gastric scores of the horses, with a higher score observed in horses that were exclusively kept in pastures as compared to those in a mixed environment (stable + pasture).
• No influence was found on the gastric scores by age, breed, or gender of the horses.

Conclusions and Implications

• The study hence concludes that the high prevalence of gastric lesions in high-level endurance horses could be due to the high level of training and performance that these horses are subjected to.
• The found prevalence rate of EGUS in these horses was comparable to that observed in racing horses, suggesting a commonality in high-performance equine settings.
• Given this significant prevalence rate, the research suggests EGUS could be a potential cause of poor performance and should be taken into consideration by equine veterinarians.

This research provides valuable insights into the physiological challenges faced by high-performance horses, particularly endurance horses, and underscores the need for veterinary practices to adapt to these unique issues.