Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is extremely common in horses under any management system, causing chronic pain. Evidence-based treatment and prevention protocols significantly improve equine welfare.
Gastric ulcers represent one of the most widespread and undertreated welfare problems in horses. The chronic acid burn of an unprotected stomach causes constant low-grade pain that affects behavior, training responses, and overall quality of life. Many behavioral problems attributed to "attitude" or "resistance" in horses are actually expressions of gastric pain. Treatment with omeprazole is effective but requires 28-day courses at appropriate doses, with frequent under-dosing being a significant problem. More importantly, treating ulcers without addressing their management causes means recurrence within weeks of stopping medication. True welfare-centered management addresses root causes: increasing roughage access, reducing training and social stress, providing adequate turnout, and minimizing fasting periods.