The past decade has witnessed a large increase in the diagnosis and treatment of gastric ulcers in horses. It is known that around 60% of hunter, jumper and dressage horses , 40% of Quarter Horses and 90% of race horses suffer from gastric ulcers. The equine stomach is divided into an upper squamous portion and a lower glandular portion that includes the pylorus. The line dividing the two portions is called the margo plicatus. Disease of the two portions of the stomach represents two separate syndromes that have different causes and distinctly different treatments.
Disease in the squamous portion of the stomach is largely due to splashing of acid rich fluid held in the glandular portion. The acid splashing can cause thickening of the squamous epithelia and progress to mild to severe ulceration. The cause of glandular/pyloric disease is less well understood.
There are many clinical signs a horse might exhibit that may be associated with gastric disease including grooming resentment, discomfort when the girth/cinch is tightened or poor performance including kicking out when asked to go forward.
Gastroscopy is the only way to definitively diagnose squamous and glandular ulcers. This procedure gives you the best idea of the extent of your horse’s problem. In addition, the treatments for squamous or glandular disease are distinctly different. We can perform gastroscopy at your barn, the procedure usually takes around 45 min, and takes light to moderate sedation of your horse. We are happy to talk with you and discuss your concerns about your horse’s performance issues. We can help form a plan for diagnosing and treating problems that may include gastric ulceration.
Dr. Vivrette is board certified in veterinary internal medicine and stays up to date on the diagnosis and treatment of gastric ulcers in horses. Attached is our instruction sheet to help you prepare your horse for gastroscopy.