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Equine veterinary journal2009; 41(7); 625-630; doi: 10.2746/042516409x441929

Risk factors associated with equine gastric ulceration syndrome (EGUS) in 201 horses in Denmark.

Abstract: The prevalence (up to 93% in Thoroughbred racehorses) and severity of equine gastric ulceration syndrome (EGUS) has been associated with type of training and differing management practices. However, there have been few studies to confirm these findings in nonracehorses in Europe. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of EGUS in a population of Danish horses, during winter when the horses had been housed and fed for at least 8 weeks and to analyse the influence of feed, work level and environment on the risk of EGUS of > or = grade 2 in severity. Methods: A total of 201 horses, not in active race-training, were evaluated, representing 23 different stables from all 5 regions within Denmark. All horses were considered to be healthy and not on medical treatment for EGUS. Endoscopically observed ulcer lesion scores were based on the number present (0-4) and severity (0-5). Univariate and multivariable mixed effects logistic regression models were developed using EGUS score as the dependent variable. An ulceration severity score of > or = 2 was regarded as being clinically significant. Separate models were developed for horses with ulcers in either the glandular or nonglandular regions of the stomach graded > or = 2 (EGUS > or = 2) and for those horses that had nonglandular ulcers graded > or = 2 (NG > or = 2). Results: In this population, 53% (107/201) of horses were graded as having EGUS > or = 2 with 95 (47%) horses having NG > or = 2. Three variables were significantly (P<0.05) associated with EGUS > or = 2: straw being the only forage available; exceeding 2 g/kg bwt of starch intake/day or >1 g/kg bwt/meal; and water not being available in the turn out paddock. Risk of NG > or = 2 significantly increased when straw was the only forage available, 1 g/kg bwt of starch/meal was exceeded, water was not available in the turnout paddock and the interval between forage feeding was >6 h. Conclusions: This study has confirmed that components of the diet, readily modifiable, may have an important impact on the risk of EGUS in the nonracehorse. Differences in the multivariable models produced for all ulcers and nonglandular ulcers support differences in the aetiology of ulcers in different locations of the stomach.
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Publication Date: 2009-11-26 PubMed ID: 19927579DOI: 10.2746/042516409x441929Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • 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.

This research examines factors related to the high prevalence of equine gastric ulceration syndrome (EGUS) in Danish horses, during winter season. The study specifically looks at the influence of feed, exercise level, and environment on the risk and severity of EGUS. The research findings indicate that components of the diet and certain management practices have a significant impact on the risk of EGUS in horses.

Research Methodology

  • The study centered on a total of 201 horses, not in active race-training, representing 23 different stables from all 5 regions of Denmark.
  • These horses were considered healthy and were not on medical treatment for EGUS.
  • The evaluation of the horses involved endoscopically observed ulcer lesion scores. The scores were based on the number of ulcers present (0-4) and severity (0-5).
  • To analyse the data, both univariate and multivariable mixed effects logistic regression models were developed, using the EGUS score as the dependent variable.
  • Ulceration severity scores of 2 and above were deemed clinically significant and separate models were developed for horses with ulcers in either the glandular or non-glandular regions of the stomach or for those horses with non-glandular ulcers only.

Results and Findings

  • In the population studied, 53% (107/201) of horses were graded as having EGUS of grade 2 or above. Out of these, 47% had ulcers in non-glandular areas.
  • Three variables were significantly associated with EGUS of grade 2 or above: straw being the only forage available; exceeding 2 g/kg body weight of starch intake per day or more than 1 g/kg body weight per meal; and no water availability in the turn-out paddock.
  • Risk of EGUS grade 2 or above in non-glandular areas increased when straw was the only forage available; when starch intake per meal exceeded 1 g/kg body weight; when water was not available in the turnout paddock, and when the interval between forage feeding was more than 6 hours.

Conclusions

  • The study confirms that readily modifiable components of the horse’s diet can significantly impact the risk of EGUS. Changes in dietary and management practices can thus help to control the prevalence of EGUS in non-racehorses.
  • Moreover, the differences observed in the multivariable models produced for all ulcers and non-glandular ulcers signify possible differences in the causes of ulcers in different regions of the stomach.

Cite This Article

APA
Luthersson N, Nielsen KH, Harris P, Parkin TD. (2009). Risk factors associated with equine gastric ulceration syndrome (EGUS) in 201 horses in Denmark. Equine Vet J, 41(7), 625-630. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516409x441929

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 41
Issue: 7
Pages: 625-630

Researcher Affiliations

Luthersson, N
  • Hestedoktoren I/S, 4360 Kr. Eskilstrup, Denmark.
Nielsen, K Hou
    Harris, P
      Parkin, T D H

        MeSH Terms

        • Animal Husbandry
        • Animals
        • Cluster Analysis
        • Data Collection
        • Denmark / epidemiology
        • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
        • Horse Diseases / etiology
        • Horses
        • Risk Factors
        • Seasons
        • Stomach Ulcer / complications
        • Stomach Ulcer / epidemiology
        • Stomach Ulcer / veterinary
        • Surveys and Questionnaires

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