Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is prevalent in our equine population and can be a cause of suboptimal performance and behavioral issues.It has been estimated that approximately one to two thirds of adult horses have gastric ulcers depending on level of work and management practices.

There are two syndromes of EGUS that have different predisposing factors ¨C gastric ulceration in the squamous portion, and gastric ulceration in the glandular portion. The glandular portion of the stomach secretes acid and other compounds. It has intrinsic protective mechanisms to deal with acid and is accustomed to acid exposure. Ulceration in this portion is due to both an increased acid exposure as well as a decrease in its protective mechanisms. Gastric ulcers are more commonly seen in the squamous portion, which is not accustomed to nor equipped for acid exposure. The majority of gastric ulcers in the squamous portion of the stomach are along the margo plicatus, which is closest to the glandular acid-producing portion.

Factors that predispose horses to glandular ulceration include stress and administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as phenylbutazone and flunixin meglumine). Stress decreases the stomach's natural protective mechanisms. NSAIDs also decrease the stomach's natural protective mechanisms, more often with high doses or long duration of treatment.

Factors that predispose horses to squamous ulceration include infrequent feedings, high concentrate diets, and intensive training.Stress and NSAID administration can augment these processes.Feed deprivation or infrequent feeding has been found to cause gastric ulcers because when the stomach is small and contracted the squamous portion of the stomach is exposed to acid.The byproducts from fermentation of high concentrate diets can also

Most gastric ulceration probably goes unrecognized.Interestingly, the severity of a horse's clinical signs does not correlate with the degree of gastric ulceration. A horse with EGUS can present with mild recurrent colic or a more severe acute colic episode. Horses with EGUS may grind their teeth, have excessive salivation, poor appetite, weight loss, rough hair coat, colic immediately after eating, poor performance, poor body condition, and changes in attitude (the horse may seem "grumpy").

Research is focused on a new sucrose absorption blood test, which would help to screen horses with possible EGUS and determine the need for gastroscopy. Gastroscopy would still be the diagnostic of choice to confirm the presence and severity of ulceration.

Several types of drugs are available and commonly used to treat EGUS. Antacids (such as aluminum or magnesium hydroxide and calcium carbonate) can help relieve immediate clinical signs, but do not effectively treat the ulceration. Antacids have a short duration of effect and need to be administered orally every 2 to 3 hours. Ulcer-coating agents are designed to adhere to ulcerated portions of the stomach as well as help promote some of the stomach's own protective mechanisms. Strong evidence is lacking for their efficacy, however many veterinarians feel that they are helpful. A group of drugs called "histamine type 2 receptor antagonists" effectively suppress acid secretion by the stomach. There are oral and intravenous forms, which need to be given 3 to 4 times daily. Gastrogard(TM) (omeprazole) is a drug that directly blocks acid secretion. It is formulated as a flavored oral paste given once daily and has been proven to effectively cure gastric ulceration.

Gastrogard(TM) given at a quarter dose once daily is effective at preventing the formation of gastric ulcers. Corn oil added to the feed has also been shown to help increase gastric pH (i.e. decrease the amount of acid), although some horses can become "hot" with corn oil supplementation. Prevention of EGUS involves recognition of situations that may predispose a horse to gastric ulceration. Horses on high doses of NSAIDs or long-term treatment with NSAIDs are theoretically at higher risk for EGUS however EGUS is not frequently seen secondary NSAID administration in most clinical practices. Horses in training or who are fed high concentrate meals without access to roughage are at an increased risk. Performance horses are not the only horses at risk for EGUS, as severe ulceration has been diagnosed in recreational and retired horses in seemingly calm environments. It is important to keep EGUS in mind if a horse is being exposed to potential stresses, particularly those horses that have had EGUS in the past. Recognition of clinical signs and diagnosis and treatment of EGUS could improve attitude, performance, and quality of life.