[Gastric ulceration in horses: etiology, diagnosis, and therapy: a review]

Abstract

Since it has become possible to make an ante-mortem diagnosis of gastric ulceration in horses by means of endoscopy, interest in the presence and treatment of this syndrome has increased. Several endoscopic surveys have indicated that the frequency of gastric ulceration in Thoroughbreds in training is fairly high. Less is known about other breeds and horses that are kept under different (training) conditions. The equine stomach is covered by two different kinds of mucous membranes: squamous and glandular. These two areas differ from one another in the incidence and aetiology of ulceration and, therefore, the therapeutic approach is not similar. Clinical signs that typically are associated with gastric ulceration include recurrent colic, poor appetite, weight loss, and, in foals, diarrhoea. Often symptoms are less obvious (such as poor performance), or not even noticeable. Treatment is possible with, for example, H2-antagonists or proton pump inhibitors. Management measurements are important in preventing ulcer recurrence.