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Understanding Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS)
Gastric ulcers are a common but often overlooked health issue in horses. Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) can affect horses of all ages and disciplines, from leisure ponies to top-level competition horses. Understanding what causes EGUS, how to spot the signs, and what you can do to help prevent and manage it is vital for every responsible horse owner.
What is Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome?
EGUS refers to ulceration of the horse’s stomach lining. Horses have a unique digestive system: their stomach is divided into two sections – the squamous (upper) and glandular (lower) regions. Ulcers can develop in either, but are most common in the squamous area, which lacks the protective mucus found in the glandular region.
What Causes Gastric Ulcers in Horses?
Horses are naturally designed to graze for up to 18 hours a day, producing stomach acid continuously. Modern horse management – such as stabling, meal feeding, intense exercise, and limited turnout – can disrupt this natural balance, leading to excess acid and, ultimately, ulcers.
Common risk factors include:
- Long periods without forage
- High-grain/low-forage diets
- Intense training or competition
- Stress (travel, new environments, herd changes)
- Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Signs and Symptoms of EGUS
Ulcers can be tricky to detect, as symptoms are often subtle and vary between horses. Some common signs include:
- Dull coat and poor condition
- Reluctance to eat, especially hard feed
- Weight loss or difficulty maintaining weight
- Changes in behaviour or attitude (irritability, girthiness)
- Poor performance or reluctance to work
- Mild, recurrent colic
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to consult your vet for a proper diagnosis.
Diagnosing Gastric Ulcers
The only definitive way to diagnose EGUS is via gastroscopy – a procedure where a vet uses a small camera to examine the stomach lining. This allows them to see the location and severity of any ulcers and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Managing and Preventing Gastric Ulcers
1. Forage First:
Provide ad-lib access to good-quality forage. Hay or haylage buffers stomach acid and encourages natural chewing and saliva production, which helps protect the stomach lining.
Provide ad-lib access to good-quality forage. Hay or haylage buffers stomach acid and encourages natural chewing and saliva production, which helps protect the stomach lining.
2. Small, Frequent Meals:
If hard feed is necessary, split it into smaller, more frequent meals rather than one or two large feeds.
If hard feed is necessary, split it into smaller, more frequent meals rather than one or two large feeds.
3. Reduce Stress:
Minimise changes in routine, provide ample turnout, and maintain a calm environment whenever possible.
Minimise changes in routine, provide ample turnout, and maintain a calm environment whenever possible.
4. Careful Use of Medications:
Only use NSAIDs and other medications under veterinary guidance, as some can increase ulcer risk.
Only use NSAIDs and other medications under veterinary guidance, as some can increase ulcer risk.
5. Consider Digestive Supplements:
Some supplements can support gastric health by soothing the stomach lining and helping maintain a healthy gut environment. Look for products containing ingredients such as pectin, lecithin, or natural buffers.
Some supplements can support gastric health by soothing the stomach lining and helping maintain a healthy gut environment. Look for products containing ingredients such as pectin, lecithin, or natural buffers.
Treatment Options
If your horse is diagnosed with EGUS, your vet may prescribe medication to reduce stomach acid and allow ulcers to heal (such as omeprazole). Dietary and management changes are also crucial for long-term prevention.
Final Thoughts
Gastric ulcers are a real concern for today’s horses, but with the right knowledge and management, they can be prevented and effectively managed. If you suspect your horse may be suffering from EGUS, don’t hesitate to seek veterinary advice.
Looking for gastric health supplements or advice?
Browse our range of horse supplements or contact us at info@chestnutmill.co.uk for tailored recommendations.