Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome Flashcards
Where does 80% of ulcers occur?
in the non-glandular area of the stomach
Glandular tissue in the stomach:
-secretes mucus
-more resistant to acid
Where does 20% of ulcers occur?
the glandular area of the stomach
Role of high concentrate diet
volatile fatty acids are formed
-change in pH
-change in microflora
Role of forage in diet
-increase salivation
-creates basketball-sized bolus that absorbs gastric acidity
Role of alfalfa in diet
-high in Ca
-high in Mg
-high in protein
Risk factors of gastric ulcers
-lifestyle (in training, stalled 24/7, out with a herd, etc.)
-transport
-mediations: NSAIDS (will cut off prostaglandins)
-management (turnout, stress, feeding practices, access to water)
-breed
-discipline
-intensity
If a horse has been eating forage for awhile, what should you feed them first?
hay (not concentrates)
Exercise intensity that is a risk factor:
-racing (abdomen is getting squeezed)
-drilling dressage
Breeds that are at higher risk:
-Thoroughbreds
-Arabians
-with exceptions
What % of endurance horses suffer from gastric ulcers?
95%
What % of racing horses suffer from gastric ulcers?
85%
What % of Thoroughbred broodmares suffer from gastric ulcers?
60-65%
-don’t usually show signs because they have all access forage
What level of jumpers has more ulcers?
the lower level
-the upper level horses may be able to cope with life better
What % of quarter horses suffer from gastric ulcers?
40%
-quiet breed but intense disciplines
Role of training and ulcers:
-pH probe in cardiac valve during exercise (walk vs trot)
-faster gaits (push stomach contents into the nonglandular region; more jarring/slushing effects)
-horses in turnout spend most of their time walking or standing
-horses in training prolong their exposure of squamous region to acid
Why are foals VERY prone to gastric ulcers?
-liquid diet
-frolicking (slosh’s the liquid)
-laying down a lot
(a little less affected when they start to eat forage)
Clinical signs of gastric ulcers in adults:
-acute colic
-recurring colic
-excessive recumbency
-poor body condition
-poor appetite
-poor performance/training
-behavioral changes
-pain when girthing
-dull haircoat
-reluctance to move during riding
-chronic diarrhea
Clinical signs of gastric ulcers in foals:
-diarrhea
-abdominal pain
-restlessness
-rolling
-colic
-excessive salivation
-bruxism
-intermittent nursing
-poor appetite
How is gastric ulcers diagnosed?
-physical exam/bloodwork
-response to treatment
-endoscopy
What is the only way to 100% diagnose gastric ulcers?
endoscopy
-esophagus
-stomach
-duodenum
have to fast the horse 12 hours before
What color should a non-ulcer stomach be?
non-glandular: light pink
glandular: dark pink/red
What is the grading scale for Squamous ulcers?
Grade 0 (normal) - Grade 4 (bad)
What is the grading scale for Pyloric lesions?
normal - severe/raised hemorrhagic
What is the best treatment choice for ulcers?
omeprazole (ulcerguard or gastroguard)
-given 1/day
-for 28 days minimum
What is another form of omeprazole?
-used in Australia
-injectable
-give 1/week
-thick liquid put into neck
-4 rounds/4 weeks
What other treatments are available and how often are they given?
-Cimetidine (tagament) - 2/day
-Antacids (Neigh-lox) - every 2 hrs.
-Sucralfate (carafate) - BID-QID
How long is treatment?
generally 28 days
What supplements can be used to help treatment?
-pectin-lecithin complex
-corn oil
-U7
-polysaccharides (hyaluronic acid, beta glucans)
-aloe vera
-antacids pre-exercise
-hay pre-exercise
What are changes in management you can make to decrease ulcer risk?
-modify diet (add alfalfa)
-modify feeding practices (hay first then grain)
-address training issues
-decrease stress (pasture mates, routine)
-modify exercise practices (feed hay, antacids)
What should you not do with a racehorse immediately after they retire?
turn them out
-should transition slowly
-it can cause stress because of the sudden change in routine and feeding schedule
