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New Zealand veterinary journal2007; 55(1); 13-18; doi: 10.1080/00480169.2007.36729

The prevalence of gastric ulceration in racehorses in New Zealand.

Abstract: To establish the prevalence and factors influencing the prevalence and severity of gastric ulceration in racehorses in New Zealand. Methods: Horses (n=171) in active training for racing by trainers (n=24) located throughout New Zealand were examined using gastroscopy during 2003 and 2004. Images of the examination were recorded and reviewed, and an ordinal grade based on the severity of gastric ulceration present was assigned, using the grading system proposed by the Equine Gastric Ulcer Council (EGUC). Information about the horses such as age, breed, sex, stabling, time at pasture, pasture quality, and presence of clinical signs consistent with equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) was recorded. Results: Of the 171 horses in the study, 133 (78%) were Thoroughbreds and 38 (22%) were Standardbreds. Evidence of gastric ulceration was present in 151 (88.3%) of these. Prevalence of ulceration was higher at the lesser curvature (LC) and greater curvature (GC) of the stomach than at the saccus caecus (SC; p<0.01), and ulceration was more severe at the LC than at either the GC (p=0.02) or the SC (p<0.001). The prevalence of ulceration did not differ between the two breeds (p=0.51) or between horses of differing ages (p=0.56). Gastric ulceration was evident in 125/141 (89%) horses kept at pasture for at least 4 h/day, in all 13 (100%) horses kept at pasture full time, and in 16/17 (94%) horses stabled full time. Prevalence and severity of ulceration did not differ between horses stabled full time, kept at pasture for part of the day or kept at pasture full time (p=0.33 and 0.13, respectively), and for horses grazed on pasture severity of ulceration did not vary significantly with the quality of the pasture (p=0.12). Neither prevalence (p=0.26) nor severity (p=0.49) of gastric ulceration varied significantly with duration of training. Conclusions: The prevalence of gastric ulceration in racehorses in New Zealand is similar to that reported elsewhere for horses in active training for racing. Access to pasture for some or all of the day did not appear to be protective.
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Publication Date: 2007-03-07 PubMed ID: 17339911DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2007.36729Google Scholar: Lookup
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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 article investigates the prevalence and influencing factors of gastric ulceration in racehorses based in New Zealand over the period of 2003 and 2004. It uses data gathered from examining 171 racehorses and finds that gastric ulceration is not only common but its presence and severity are not significantly influenced by breed, age, housing conditions, or training duration.

Methods and Subjects

  • The study examined 171 horses, including 133 Thoroughbreds and 38 Standardbreds, in active training for racing in New Zealand during 2003 and 2004.
  • The horses were examined using gastroscopy, a procedure involving the insertion of a scope to visualise the stomach.
  • The severity of gastric ulceration present was determined using the grading system proposed by the Equine Gastric Ulcer Council (EGUC).
  • Data on the horses’ age, breed, sex, stabling conditions, time spent at pasture, quality of pasture, and presence of clinical signs consistent with equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) were recorded.

Results

  • The results revealed that 151 of the 171 horses (88.3%) exhibited evidence of gastric ulceration.
  • Ulcers were more prevalent and severe at the lesser curvature (LC) and greater curvature (GC) of the stomach compared to the saccus caecus (SC), an observation that is statistically significant.
  • The differences in ulcer prevalence between Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds, and among different ages, were not statistically significant.
  • A large percentage of the horses kept at pasture (either part-time or full-time) showed signs of gastric ulceration. However, the prevalence and severity of ulceration did not significantly differ among horses kept in different housing conditions, including full-time stabling, part-time pasture, and full-time pasture.
  • Additionally, the quality of the pasture was not significantly associated with ulcer severity for horses grazed at pasture.
  • The length of training did not significantly influence the prevalence or severity of gastric ulceration.

Conclusions

  • The study concludes by asserting that gastric ulceration in racehorses trained in New Zealand is as prevalent as in other regions. The severity of the disease is not significantly influenced by factors such as the horses’ breed, age, housing conditions, pasture quality, or duration of training.
  • Contrary to expectations, the study found that access to pasture for either part or all of the day was not protective against gastric ulceration.

Cite This Article

APA
Bell RJ, Kingston JK, Mogg TD, Perkins NR. (2007). The prevalence of gastric ulceration in racehorses in New Zealand. N Z Vet J, 55(1), 13-18. https://doi.org/10.1080/00480169.2007.36729

Publication

New Zealand veterinary journal
ISSN: 0048-0169
NlmUniqueID: 0021406
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 55
Issue: 1
Pages: 13-18

Researcher Affiliations

Bell, R J W
  • Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand. robinjw@gmail.com
Kingston, J K
    Mogg, T D
      Perkins, N R

        MeSH Terms

        • Age Factors
        • Animal Feed
        • Animal Husbandry / methods
        • Animals
        • Female
        • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
        • Horse Diseases / pathology
        • Horse Diseases / prevention & control
        • Horses
        • Male
        • New Zealand / epidemiology
        • Physical Conditioning, Animal / adverse effects
        • Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
        • Poaceae
        • Prevalence
        • Risk Factors
        • Severity of Illness Index
        • Sex Factors
        • Stomach Ulcer / epidemiology
        • Stomach Ulcer / pathology
        • Stomach Ulcer / prevention & control
        • Stomach Ulcer / veterinary
        • Time Factors

        Citations

        This article has been cited 17 times.
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