Horse Gastric Ulcer Syndrome: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is widespread in performance horses and significantly affects welfare. Understanding risk factors allows prevention alongside effective treatment.

Key Facts

Over 90% of racehorses and 60% of sport horses have gastric ulcers on endoscopy
Squamous and glandular regions of the stomach are affected by distinct disease processes
Intermittent feeding and high concentrate diets are primary risk factors
Omeprazole is effective for squamous disease; glandular disease is more treatment-resistant
Clinical signs include poor performance, change in temperament, and weight loss
Continuous access to forage maintains gastric buffering and reduces acid damage

Welfare Considerations

Gastric ulcers cause chronic pain that affects horse temperament, performance, and quality of life. Horses with significant ulcer burdens may appear to have behavioural problems when pain is the actual cause. The irony is that the management practices used to maximise performance - high concentrates, restricted turnout, intensive exercise - directly cause the welfare problem. Reforming management to prioritise forage access and reduced concentrate feeding prevents most cases of squamous disease.

What You Can Do

Ensure horses have continuous access to forage (hay, haylage, or grass) throughout the day
Reduce grain and concentrate feeding; use unmolassed fibre feeds to maintain condition instead
Seek endoscopic diagnosis if clinical signs suggest ulcers before starting omeprazole
Allow at least 2 hours of forage before work to buffer gastric acid during exercise
Review management factors (box time, concentrate feeding, work intensity) with your vet