Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) affects a significant portion of the horse population, with particularly high prevalence in performance horses [1]. According to Andrews (2022), the prevalence of EGUS in racehorses in active training and racing has been estimated to be at least 90% [2]. This painful condition can severely impact a horse's health, performance, and overall well-being. Modern management practices often contribute to its development, making prevention and proper treatment crucial. The complexities of managing this condition require a comprehensive understanding of its causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches.
Understanding Equine Gastric Anatomy
The horse's stomach presents a unique design with distinct regions serving different functions and showing varying susceptibilities to ulceration. The squamous region, comprising the non-glandular upper portion of the stomach, has limited protective mechanisms against acid exposure, making it particularly vulnerable to ulceration [2]. This area most commonly develops ulcers due to its minimal natural defenses against acidic conditions.
The glandular region, located in the lower portion of the stomach, produces both acid and protective substances [2]. This area maintains better natural protection against ulceration through various physiological mechanisms, including mucus production and specialized cell structures. Understanding these anatomical differences proves crucial for proper treatment and prevention strategies.
Prevalence and Risk Factors
The prevalence of gastric ulcers varies significantly across different equine populations, reaching particularly high levels in certain groups. Racehorses in training show the highest prevalence, with approximately ninety percent affected [2]. Performance horses across disciplines experience a sixty percent prevalence rate, while leisure horses maintain a lower but still significant rate of thirty to forty percent [2]. Even foals show substantial vulnerability, with about fifty percent developing ulcers during their early months of life.
Multiple risk factors contribute to ulcer development. Current management practices often challenge the horse's natural digestive processes, with limited grazing time and high-grain diets creating conditions conducive to ulcer formation. Irregular feeding schedules and extended periods without food particularly stress the digestive system, as the horse's stomach continuously produces acid regardless of food presence [3].
Exercise factors significantly impact ulcer development, especially in performance horses [2]. Intense training programs, competition stress, and limited recovery time all contribute to increased risk. The physical aspects of exercise, including increased abdominal pressure during work, can exacerbate the condition.
Environmental stressors play a crucial role in ulcer development. Transportation, changes in routine, and social isolation can all trigger or worsen ulcers [4]. Limited turnout time prevents horses from engaging in natural grazing behaviors that help maintain gastric health.
Clinical Signs and Symptoms
Horses suffering from gastric ulcers may display various signs indicating discomfort and distress [2] [5]. Poor appetite often appears as one of the first symptoms, with some horses becoming increasingly picky about their feed [2] [5]. Weight loss frequently follows, even in cases where feed availability remains adequate [2] [5]. The horse's coat may become dull and rough, reflecting the impact of compromised nutrition absorption.
Behavioral changes often accompany ulcer development, with horses showing increased irritability or anxiety [5]. Performance typically decreases as discomfort affects the horse's ability to work effectively. Some horses experience mild to moderate colic symptoms, while others may grind their teeth, indicating discomfort. Changes in attitude and reluctance to train can signal underlying gastric pain.
Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis requires a systematic approach centered on gastroscopy, which remains the gold standard for identifying ulcers [5]. This procedure allows direct visualization of the stomach lining, enabling veterinarians to assess both the presence and severity of ulceration. The ability to grade ulcer severity helps guide treatment decisions and monitor healing progress.
Clinical assessment provides crucial context for diagnosis. Veterinarians evaluate the horse's history, looking for risk factors and management practices that might contribute to ulcer development. Physical examination may reveal secondary signs of ulcers, while monitoring response to treatment helps confirm the diagnosis. Behavioral analysis often provides valuable insights into the impact of ulcers on the horse's daily life.
Treatment and Management Strategies
Successful treatment of gastric ulcers requires a multi-faceted approach addressing both the immediate condition and underlying causes. Medical treatment typically forms the cornerstone of initial therapy, with acid suppression medications helping create an environment conducive to healing. Mucosal protectants may supplement primary treatment, while pain management becomes necessary in some cases. Treatment duration varies based on ulcer severity and individual response.
Dietary management plays a crucial role in both immediate treatment and long-term prevention. Increasing forage access helps maintain a more natural stomach environment, while reducing grain intake lessens acid production. Regular meal timing helps stabilize gastric conditions, and appropriate supplements can support healing and maintenance of stomach health.
Environmental modifications support medical treatment by reducing stress factors. Increased turnout time allows for more natural feeding patterns, while reduced stress factors support healing. Exercise programs may require modification during treatment, and stable conditions should promote relaxation and comfort.
The Role of EquiNectar® in Management
Within the context of gastric ulcer management, EquiNectar® provides valuable digestive support through its specialized formulation. Derived from malted barley, this supplement preserves the natural goodness of the grain while delivering a powerful complex of active digestive enzymes. The enzyme profile includes amylase for improved starch digestion, fructanase for breaking down complex sugars, and cellulase for enhanced fiber processing, all working together to optimize feed utilization and reduce digestive stress.
The supplement's comprehensive enzyme system, including phytase, xylanase, and beta-glucanase, helps ensure thorough feed breakdown and nutrient absorption in the foregut. This efficient digestion process can help reduce the overall acid load in the stomach and minimize stress on the gastric tissues. EquiNectar®'s natural B-vitamin content, particularly its high levels of folate and niacin, supports the maintenance and repair of gastric tissues while promoting overall digestive health.
One particularly valuable aspect of EquiNectar® in horses with gastric issues is its palatability. Horses suffering from gastric ulcers often show reduced appetite or selective eating behavior, making it crucial that any supplement be readily accepted. EquiNectar®'s pleasant taste encourages horses to consume their feed completely, supporting consistent nutrient intake and helping maintain body condition during treatment and recovery.
Prevention Strategies
Preventing gastric ulcers requires attention to feeding management as a primary consideration. Providing constant access to forage helps maintain proper stomach function by ensuring consistent buffering of acid production [6]. Small, frequent meals prove preferable to large, infrequent feedings, while maintaining consistent schedules helps stabilize digestive patterns.
Environmental management significantly impacts ulcer prevention. Maximizing turnout time allows horses to engage in natural grazing behaviors, while maintaining social contact reduces stress [6]. Identifying and reducing stressful situations helps prevent ulcer development, and providing adequate exercise supports overall digestive health.
Training considerations must balance performance goals with gastric health. Implementing appropriate conditioning programs helps prevent excessive stress, while adequate recovery time allows for physical and mental restoration. Exercise intensity should match the horse's condition and ability level, with proper balance between work and rest periods.
Conclusion
Gastric ulcers represent a significant challenge in equine health management, particularly affecting performance horses. Success in preventing and treating this condition requires a comprehensive approach incorporating medical treatment, dietary management, and environmental modifications. Understanding risk factors and implementing appropriate preventive measures can significantly reduce ulcer incidence and severity, leading to improved health and performance.
References
- Lo Feudo, C. M., Stucchi, L., Conturba, B., Stancari, G., Zucca, E., & Ferrucci, F. (2022). Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome affects fitness parameters in poorly performing Standardbred racehorses. Frontiers in veterinary science, 9, 1014619.
- Andrews, F. (2022, June). Gastric Ulcers in Horses. MSD Veterinary Manual.
- Kranenburg, L. C., van der Poel, S. H., Warmelink, T. S., van Doorn, D. A., & van den Boom, R. (2023). Changes in Management Lead to Improvement and Healing of Equine Squamous Gastric Disease. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 13(9), 1498.
- Padalino, B., & Raidal, S. L. (2020). Effects of Transport Conditions on Behavioural and Physiological Responses of Horses. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 10(1), 160.
- Sykes, B. W., Hewetson, M., Hepburn, R. J., Luthersson, N., & Tamzali, Y. (2015). European College of Equine Internal Medicine Consensus Statement--Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome in Adult Horses. Journal of veterinary internal medicine, 29(5), 1288–1299.
- Godfrey, H. (2024, June 1). 12 Best Ways to Naturally Prevent Ulcers in Horses. MD Mad Barn.
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