Equine gastric ulcer syndrome
Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is an increasingly common problem
in the Thoroughbred racehorse, causing a range of symptoms from
depression to aggression, and often impacting negatively on performance.
Diagnosis is sometimes difficult, although there are methods by which
they can be swiftly identified and treated. Equine gastric ulcers are
graded on a scale of 0 to 4 where 4 is the most severe. A grade of 2 or
more is clinically significant and usually warrants treatment. The
primary objectives of treatment of equine gastric ulcers are to
facilitate healing and relieve symptoms. This can be accomplished by the
use of antacids, histamine receptor antagonists or acid pump
inhibitors. Ulcers are an issue - especially for racehorses- as they can
be a source of chronic pain, leading to reduced appetite, loss of
condition and sometimes colic. The clinical signs of the problem are
often intermittent, and can vary tremendously depending on the horse and
the types of discipline they compete in.
Rachel Queenborough (10 July 2008 - Issue 9)