Overview: Updated 2025 welfare assessment for equine gastric ulcer syndrome, covering diagnosis, treatment, and management advances.
Key Welfare Facts
Gastric ulcers affect up to 90% of racehorses and 50-60% of leisure horses under modern management conditions.
Equine squamous gastric ulcer disease (ESGD) is driven by acid exposure on the vulnerable squamous mucosa.
Equine glandular gastric ulcer disease (EGGD) has a different pathophysiology and may require different management.
Signs include poor performance, girthiness, weight loss, and behavioural changes that owners often miss initially.
Gastroscopy provides definitive diagnosis and grade assessment to guide treatment decisions accurately.
Omeprazole is highly effective for ESGD; EGGD may require sucralfate and misoprostol for optimal healing.
Welfare Assessment
Gastric ulcers cause chronic pain and welfare compromise that is often underrecognised. Modern management including restricted stabling, access to forage, and stress reduction prevents the majority of ulcer formation in horses across disciplines.
What You Can Do
Provide ad libitum forage access to maintain buffering of gastric acid throughout the day
Minimise stabling duration and ensure exercise is preceded by a small forage feed
Seek gastroscopic diagnosis for any horse showing performance decline or girth resentment
Implement stress reduction strategies including turnout, social contact, and reduced competition pressure