Prevalence of gastric ulcers in Thoroughbred broodmares in pasture: a preliminary report.

This study investigates the occurrence of stomach ulcers in Thoroughbred broodmares, with shocking results showing around 71% of individuals affected. No significant differences were found in relation to pregnancy status or other variables recorded.

Study Overview

The study was carried out in a single breeding farm with 62 Thoroughbred broodmares participating. The mares consisted of both pregnant (33) and non-pregnant (29). The investigators gathered data on age, pregnancy status, race earnings, last race start, herd size, medical history, number of live foals, breeding years, type and frequency of feed. In addition, assessments were made regarding coat condition and body condition score. Twenty-one mares were examined further after giving birth, recording the foaling date, foal weight at birth and placenta weight.

Gastroscopic Examinations and Findings

• A gastroscopy, an examination using a small camera to observe the stomach and the upper part of the digestive system, was carried out on the mares.
• The examinations showed that a startlingly high prevalence of gastric ulcers was found, affecting 70.9% of the mares.
• The severity of the ulcers, scored between 2 and 5, had a median score of 3.0.
• Most ulcers were located on the squamous portion of the stomach, whilst two mares suffered from ulcers in the glandular region.

Key Conclusions

The research did not find any significant association between the presence of gastric ulcers and the variables measured. This includes the relationship between pregnancy status and ulcer incidence – both pregnant and non-pregnant mares seemed to be equally affected. The prevalence of gastric ulcers amongst the horses of this study is surprisingly high, prompting the need for further investigations. The factors contributing to this high prevalence rate could not be determined from this study’s findings and warrant more comprehensive research.