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Equine veterinary journal2009; 41(7); 619-624; doi: 10.2746/042516409x441910

The prevalence and anatomical distribution of 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) have been correlated with the type of training and associated management practices. However, there have been few reports to confirm these findings in nonracehorses in Europe. Objective: To describe the prevalence, anatomical distribution, severity and number of gastric ulceration lesions in a population of Danish pleasure horses; and to investigate differences for groups based on age, breed type and workload. Methods: A total of 201 horses not in active race-training, age 7 months-27 years, were evaluated, representing 23 different stables from all 5 regions of Denmark. These horses were considered to be healthy by the owner and not on veterinary treatment for EGUS. Endoscopically observed ulcer lesion scores were based on the number present (0-4) and severity (0-5). The presence or absence of ulcers in the glandular and/or nonglandular regions of the stomach was recorded and which site the most severe ulcers were found. Results: The prevalence of EGUS severity score > or = 2 was 53%. The most severe lesions were commonly observed at the margo plicatus. Although older horses were not more likely to be affected by clinically significant EGUS they were more likely to have lesions in both the glandular and nonglandular regions. Differences in location of EGUS lesions were identified in different age groups, breed types and in horses exposed to different levels of work. Conclusions: This study confirms that gastric ulceration can be prevalent in a group of apparently clinically normal horses, not in intensive work. Further investigation of reasons for differences in EGUS location between different populations may aid toward the development of novel preventive measures.
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Publication Date: 2009-11-26 PubMed ID: 19927578DOI: 10.2746/042516409x441910Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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This research article investigates the occurrence and anatomical distribution of equine gastric ulceration syndrome (EGUS) in horses in Denmark that are not racehorses. The study concludes that gastric ulceration can be prevalent even in apparently healthy horses not doing intensive work, and that ulcer location varies based on factors like age, breed, and workload.

Research Objective

  • The aim of this research was to investigate the occurrence (prevalence), anatomical distribution, severity and number of gastric ulcers in non-racehorses in Denmark. In particular, the study sought to compare these aspects among groups of horses distinguished by factors like age, breed, and amount of work they are subjected to.

Methodology

  • The study was conducted on 201 horses, owned by 23 different stables throughout Denmark’s five regions, which were not in active race-training. The ages of these horses ranged between seven months and 27 years and they were considered healthy by their owners, and not undergoing treatment for EGUS.
  • The study employed endoscopic observation methods to measure ulcer severity based on a scale of 0-5 and the number of ulcers using a 0-4 scale. This allowed researchers to record the presence or absence of ulcers in different regions of the horses’ stomachs and identify the most severe ulcers’ location.

Results

  • The results revealed a prevalence of EGUS with a severity score of 2 or higher in 53% of the horses. The most severe lesions were often located at the margo plicatus.
  • Even though older horses were more likely to have ulcers in both the glandular and nonglandular regions of the stomach, they didn’t necessarily suffer more from clinically significant EGUS. There were also variations in the locations of EGUS lesions among different age groups, breed types, and workload levels.

Conclusions

  • The study confirms that gastric ulcers can be commonly found even in horses that are not in highly intensive work and are otherwise considered healthy. The variations in ulcer location among different groups of horses may prompt further exploration to identify causes and develop preventive measures.

Cite This Article

APA
Luthersson N, Nielsen KH, Harris P, Parkin TD. (2009). The prevalence and anatomical distribution of equine gastric ulceration syndrome (EGUS) in 201 horses in Denmark. Equine Vet J, 41(7), 619-624. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516409x441910

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 41
Issue: 7
Pages: 619-624

Researcher Affiliations

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

        MeSH Terms

        • Age Distribution
        • Animals
        • Denmark / epidemiology
        • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
        • Horse Diseases / pathology
        • Horses
        • Physical Conditioning, Animal
        • Prevalence
        • Stomach / pathology
        • Stomach Ulcer / epidemiology
        • Stomach Ulcer / pathology
        • Stomach Ulcer / veterinary

        Citations

        This article has been cited 26 times.
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