Risk factors for equine glandular and squamous gastric disease in show jumping Warmbloods.

The research paper explores the risk factors of equine glandular and squamous gastric disease in show jumping Warmbloods. Increased exercise and high competition levels are found to influence the occurrence of the diseases and feeding beet pulp is shown to decrease their odds.

Objective

The main goal was to identify the factors related to the management of show jumping Warmbloods that lead to equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD). This study also aimed to identify the factors leading to equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD).

Methods

• The study used a cross-sectional method.
• Gastroscopies (a procedure using a thin tube with a camera on the end to view the horse’s stomach) were performed on the horses after they had fasted for 12 to 16 hours.
• A questionnaire was completed for each horse to gather information on their management.
• Risk factors were identified using multivariable logistic regression modelling, a type of statistical analysis that predicts the outcome variable.

Results

• There were 83 horses included in the final analysis.
• Exercising six or more days per week increased the odds of EGGD compared to less frequent exercise.
• Being in a current show increased the risk of higher grades of EGGD, but competing at international level decreased the odds.
• Increased intensity of exercise raised the odds of ESGD.
• Feeding beet pulp lowered the odds of both types of gastric disease.

Conclusions

• The study used a convenience sample of horses from a relatively small geographic area (within approximately 200km).
• The number of horses in the study, especially those competing at an international level, was relatively small.
• The results suggest that how much and how intensely horses are trained, how they are fed, as well as the level of competition they take part in, could influence their risk of developing EGGD and ESGD.
• Further studies could look at the impact of different amounts and intensities of exercise on how the horse’s stomach works, to understand better the role exercise plays in gastric disease.