Companion Animal Welfare

Horse Gastric Ulcer Prevention and Welfare

Equine gastric ulcer syndrome affects a majority of performance horses and is strongly linked to management practices.

Key Facts

EGUS affects over 90% of racehorses and 60-70% of competition horses when scoped
Gastric acid exposure increases during exercise and when the stomach is empty
Small frequent forage meals and ad libitum hay access reduce ulcer risk substantially
Stress from isolation, transport and competition contributes to ulcer development
Omeprazole is highly effective treatment but prevention through management is preferable

Welfare Considerations

Gastric ulcers cause chronic pain affecting eating, exercise and behaviour in horses. Management practices that maintain forage access, reduce stressors and allow horses to express natural behaviours substantially reduce prevalence.

What You Can Do

Ensure horses have continuous or near-continuous access to forage to buffer gastric acid
Minimise periods of fasting including before competition to reduce ulcer risk
Discuss gastroscopy assessment with your vet if your horse shows performance or behaviour changes