Equine Gastric Ulceration Syndrome and Gastroscopy
Equine gastric ulceration syndrome is a condition that affects many horses. Traditionally it was a condition that many thought only affected racehorses, but through better diagnostics and a better understanding of the disease it has become apparent that all horses are at risk of developing the disease.
Horses that are in higher levels of training are more at risk of the disease, however many pleasure horses also suffer from gastric ulceration. Often symptoms of gastric ulcers in horses can vary greatly between different types of horses:
- Sports horses may show poor exercise intolerance.
- Event horses may be reluctant to gallop.
- Dressage horses have poor tolerance to lateral work, sweat up a lot, and stop.
- Endurance horses have slower race times and post-race heart rates are higher.
The symptoms vary greatly between individuals however the more common clinical signs in adults are listed:
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss
- Poor bodily condition
- Poor hair coat
- Acute and recurrent colic
- Excessive lying down
- Stretching to urinate
- Poor performance and not reaching expected goals
- Attitude and behavioural changes
- Discomfort on girth tightening
- Resents being grooms
- Possible link to crib biting
There are many factors that can influence the development of gastric ulceration syndrome in horses. Most commonly these are related to the level of work and the management and feeding of the horse. However retired horses that developed ulcers years previously may still suffer from gastric ulceration.
Since the symptoms of Gastric ulceration vary greatly, an accurate diagnosis is very important. Diagnosis can be made by passing a camera called a gastroscope into the stomach of the horse. When inside the stomach any ulcers can be visualised on a large video screen. At Oakhill Veterinary Centre we have a 3 metre gastroscope that can pass into the stomach of even the biggest of horses.
If gastric ulcers are present in the stomach there is a very effective treatment that can resolve gastric ulcers within a couple of weeks. Once the ulcers are under control it is important that management and feeding regimes are optimised so as to prevent the reoccurrence of gastric ulcers
Weanlings and foals are also at risk from developing gastric ulcers, particularly at times of stress such as illness, and excessive handling. The common symptoms are listed:
- Colic
- Excessive rolling
- Lying on their backs
- Restlessness
- Poor appetite
- Intermittent nursing
- Poor weight gain
- Teeth grinding
- Excessive salivation
- Diarrhoea
If you think that your horse may be suffering from gastric ulcers please contact the surgery at your convenience.
Please follow this link for further information about Equine Gastric Ulceration Syndrome.