Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is a broad term used to describe a wide range of clinical symptoms resulting from the erosion/ulceration of the horse’s stomach lining due to ongoing, excessive exposure to acid produced by the stomach. This syndrome is considered a multifactor disease because there are a plethora of risk factors that have been associated with gastric ulceration. EGUS can prevent your horse from performing at his best, cause lasting damage to the stomach lining or even death. Common risk factors for EGUS include: diets high in fermentable carbohydrates, feed deprivation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as phenylbutazone and Banamine, lack of paddock or pasture turnout as well as exercise program. Clinical signs of the disease can present as acute or recurrent colic, poor body conditioning scores, decreased appetite (especially for grain), poor performance, grinding of teeth, recurrent impactions or changes in the animal’s attitude. Diagnosis of the disease is based on clinical signs, endoscopic examination and response to treatment. An endoscopic examination is used to help determine the presence of ulcerations, along with the location and severity of the lesions. Endoscopic exam will also help predict the response to treatment. The location of the ulceration may help to identify the cause of the disease. For example lesions located in the portion of the stomach that connects it to the small intestine could be associated with NSAID use. Treatment options for EGUS include the use of an FDA approved omeprazole product such as GastroGard®, sucralfate or a histamine type 2 receptor antagonist (cimetidine or ranitidine). If you suspect that your horse is showing signs of ulcers it is important to contact your veterinarian and discuss diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.
Posted on: Sat, 10 May 2014 13:00:00 +0000
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