Gastric ulcers are a common problem in today’s horse population. Studies have shown that gastric ulcers occur in up to 37% of non-performance horses, 63% of performance horses and in 93% of racehorses in training.
Not only adults are affected…
Around 50% of foals develop gastric ulcers, especially during the first 6 months of life. Unlike in adults, gastric ulcers in foals can be fatal.
Clinical Signs are often vague…
- Dull coat
- Weight loss
- Poor appetite
- Behavioural changes or depression
- Poor performance
- Mild or recurrent colic
- Teeth grinding
- In foals: Intermittent nursing, dorsal recumbency (lying on their backs), diarrhoea (or a history of diarrhoea), excessive salivation, rough hair coat.
Gastric ulcers tend to be under-diagnosed as many horses show no outward clinical signs.
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Normal stomach |
Ulcers in a horse in training |
Risk factors for the development of gastric ulcers…
- Intensive exercise or training
- Diet – high concentrates, prolonged periods without food
- Transportation
- Stable confinement
- Psychological stress
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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications at high doses.
Gastric ulcers can be of varying severity…
- Inflamed but intact epithelium
- Superficial erosions or scarring
- Discreet or widespread erosions or ulcers
- Bleeding erosions or ulcers
- Deep ulcers with necrotic centres
- Perforation – usually fatal (usually only in foals).
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Diagnosis…A presumptive diagnosis can be made based on clinical signs. However, the only way to make a definitive diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan is with a 3-meter video endoscope. We now have this facility available at the clinic. Treatment…
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Prevention and Management Recommendations…
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