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Equine veterinary journal2011; 43(2); 141-144; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00129.x

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

Abstract: Equine gastric ulcers syndrome (EGUS) prevalence studies are rare in the endurance horse and none has been carried out to date in horses competing at high level. Objective: To determine the prevalence of EGUS in high-level endurance horses. Methods: Thirty endurance horses competing at high level were selected and submitted to 2 gastroscopic examinations. The first gastroscopy was performed during the interseason period, and the second during the competition season within 2-3 days following a ride of 90-160 km. Data related to housing, feeding, training system as well as age, breed and gender were recorded for each horse. Results: The prevalence of squamous gastric ulcers was 48% during the interseason period (mean score 0.85 ± 0.13 on a scale from 0-4) and 93% during the competition season (mean score 1.60 ± 1.15) with a highly significant difference between the seasons (P = 0.001). Most of the lesions were situated in the squamous portion of the stomach but 33.3% of horses showed also glandular lesions. Significant influence of training and performance level on the gastric score (according to the distance of the ride preceding the second gastroscopy) was shown (P = 0.038). There was also a significant influence of housing on the gastric score (P = 0.002) showing higher scores in the horses kept totally on pasture (mean score: 2.14 ± 0.14) vs. horses housed in a mixed environment (stable + pasture, mean score: 1.43 ± 0.17). Both the pastured and (stabled + pastured) groups were receiving a grain supplement but the pastured group received a higher daily starch intake, which might explain the higher ulcer prevalence. There was no influence of age, breed or gender on the gastric scores. Conclusions: The high prevalence of gastric lesions observed in this study is probably related to the high level of training and performance of the horses examined compared to the population of horses included in the prior study. Conclusions: This prevalence of EGUS in high-level endurance horses is comparable to the prevalence established in racing horses. The equine veterinarians may take into consideration EGUS as a potential cause of poor performance.
© 2010 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2011-05-20 PubMed ID: 21592206DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00129.xGoogle 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 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.

Cite This Article

APA
Tamzali Y, Marguet C, Priymenko N, Lyazrhi F. (2011). Prevalence of gastric ulcer syndrome in high-level endurance horses. Equine Vet J, 43(2), 141-144. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00129.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 43
Issue: 2
Pages: 141-144

Researcher Affiliations

Tamzali, Y
  • Equine Internal Medicine, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire, France.
Marguet, C
    Priymenko, N
      Lyazrhi, F

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Female
        • Horse Diseases / pathology
        • Horses
        • Male
        • Physical Conditioning, Animal / adverse effects
        • Physical Endurance / physiology
        • Sports
        • Stomach Ulcer / pathology
        • Stomach Ulcer / veterinary

        Citations

        This article has been cited 26 times.
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