[Stomach ulcers in the horse–clinical and gastroscopic findings in 12 horses (1989-1990)].

The research paper focuses on a study of 12 horses showing symptoms of gastric disorders, which were then examined through gastroscopy. The study aimed to identify the presence of stomach ulcers and found a relation between the severity of clinical symptoms and the type of ulceration present.

Methodology Used in Research

• The study began with the selection of 12 horses that were exhibiting clinical symptoms of a gastric disorder. These symptoms included periprandial colic, bruxism, ructus, and reflux.
• Prior to the gastroscopy, a diagnostic procedure that enables the study of the horse’s esophagus, stomach, and beginning of the small intestine, the horses were fasted for 24 hours. However, they were not denied water during this period.
• The gastroscopy was performed using a 2.5m long fiberscope with an outer diameter of 11mm.

Findings of the Research

• Through the gastroscopy, it was discovered that all 12 horses had ulcers in the squamous fundus, a part of the horse’s stomach. However, only one horse showed ulceration in the glandular fundus, another section of the stomach.
• The study showed a link between the severity of gastric disorder symptoms and the nature of the ulceration. Horses with solitary ulcers near the margo plicatus, the boundary between the squamous and glandular regions of the horse’s stomach, demonstrated mild clinical symptoms.
• On the other hand, horses with diffuse gastroesophageal ulceration, which covers a more extensive region, exhibited severe clinical symptoms.
• Among the group, four horses suffered from an acute gastroesophageal ulceration, which led to gastric reflux and subsequent aspiration pneumonia. Particularly, two of these four horses developed acute gastric ulceration 3-4 days following a laparotomy, a surgical procedure that involves making a large incision through the abdominal wall to gain access into the abdominal cavity.

Treatment Administered

• All horses in the study were treated with Cimetidine, a medication used to treat ulcer problems. They were administered this drug at a dosage of 5 mg/kg body weight four times daily, until the clinical symptoms ceased.