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Equine veterinary journal2018; 50(6); 747-751; doi: 10.1111/evj.12949

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

Abstract: Prevalence of, and risk factors for, equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) are well established. Limited data exists on risk factors for equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD). Objective: To identify management factors associated with EGGD in show jumping Warmbloods in training. A secondary objective was to identify management factors associated with ESGD. Methods: Cross-sectional. Methods: Gastroscopies were performed in horses following a 12-16 h fast. Management questionnaires were collected for each horse. Risk factors were determined using multivariable logistic regression modelling. Results: Eighty-three horses were included in the final analysis. Exercising ≥6 days per week increased the odds of EGGD grade ≥1/4 (odds ratio [OR] = 3.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-10.7) compared to less frequent exercise. Currently showing increased the risk of EGGD grade ≥2/4 (OR = 10.2; 95% CI, 1.04-100), while competing at the international level decreased the odds of EGGD grade ≥2/4 (OR = 0.11; 95% CI, 0.01-0.97). Exercise intensity increased the odds of grade ≥1/4 ESGD (OR = 2.8; 95% CI, 1.03-7.8) and feeding beet pulp decreased odds (OR = 0.22; 95% CI, 0.07-0.7). Exercise intensity (OR = 3.8; 95% CI, 1.1-12.8) increased the likelihood of grade ≥2/4 ESGD and feeding beet pulp decreased the odds of grade ≥2/4 ESGD (OR = 0.1; 0.02-0.64) respectively. Conclusions: This study used a convenience sample of horses within a relatively small (approximately 200 km) geographic radius. The sample size was relatively small, particularly within the international competition level group. Conclusions: Training and feeding strategies and competition level appear to influence the occurrence of EGGD and ESGD. Prospective studies evaluating the impact of training frequency, duration, and intensity on gastric physiology may clarify the role of exercise in gastric disease.
© 2018 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2018-05-12 PubMed ID: 29660168DOI: 10.1111/evj.12949Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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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.

Cite This Article

APA
Pedersen SK, Cribb AE, Windeyer MC, Read EK, French D, Banse HE. (2018). Risk factors for equine glandular and squamous gastric disease in show jumping Warmbloods. Equine Vet J, 50(6), 747-751. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.12949

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 50
Issue: 6
Pages: 747-751

Researcher Affiliations

Pedersen, S K
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
  • TD Equine Veterinary Group, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Cribb, A E
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Windeyer, M C
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Read, E K
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
French, D
  • TD Equine Veterinary Group, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Banse, H E
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

MeSH Terms

  • Animal Feed
  • Animals
  • Beta vulgaris
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Epithelial Cells / pathology
  • Female
  • Gastric Mucosa / pathology
  • Gastroscopy / veterinary
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Horse Diseases / etiology
  • Horses
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Physical Conditioning, Animal / statistics & numerical data
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors
  • Sports
  • Stomach Diseases / epidemiology
  • Stomach Diseases / etiology
  • Stomach Diseases / veterinary
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Citations

This article has been cited 21 times.
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