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9
EQUINE MATTERS
GA S T R I C U L C E R S
Veterinary Surgeon
Jo Sutton
XLVets Equine practice
Bishopton Veterinary
Group
What is Equine Gastric Ulcer
Syndrome (EGUS)?
Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is the term used to describe
the group of diseases resulting in ulcers in the lower oesophagus,
stomach and upper duodenum in horses.
Jo Sutton BVSc MrCVS,
Bishopton Veterinary Group
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Weight loss
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Hair coat changes
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Poor performance
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Behavioural changes
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Girthing pain
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Recurrent colic
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Poor appetite
The stomach comprises two main areas
(figure 1)
and in mature horses, gastric ulcers
are categorised into two disease types
depending on the location of the ulceration:
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Equine Squamous Gastric Ulcer Syndrome
(ESGUS) affecting the upper, non-glandular
part of the stomach
(figure 2)
where the
lining is unprotected and vulnerable to acid
attack.
Figure 1. Diagram showing regions of the equine stomach and location of ulcer types
Figure 2. Gastroscopy image from horse affected by ESGUS
Symptoms vary widely with some horses showing some quite obvious signs and others
appearing quite normal. Signs of EGUS can include some or all of the following: