Horse Colic Facts: What Is Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome?
Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is a type of horse colic ailment, commonly known as "equine gastric ulcer".
Scientifically, it is defined as the erosion of the horse's abdominal lining due to excessive and prolonged contact with acid that is produced by the stomach.
The horse's stomach is different from humans as their stomachs produce acid constantly.
So when a horse skips a meal or two, the acid produced will damage the stomach lining causing severe horse colic pain.
Gastric ulcer may range from a mild inflamed stomach lining to a more severe and widespread wearing down of the stomach lining leading to bleeding.
Generally, foals tend to have a thinner cell lining and are more prone to gastric ulceration than horse adults.
2 Types of Gastric Ulcer:
As the horses' stomach continuously produces acid for digestion, irregular meals will lead to ulceration.
Concentrated feeds will also contribute to the development of ulcer.
Exercise.
This is the most common cause of ulcers among race horses.
By fact, blood aids in removing acid in the stomach.
Since exercise slows down the flow of blood to the stomach, and increases pressure in the abdomen area, the acid produced will then be pushed up to the stomach lining causing ulceration.
Stress and Illness.
Like humans, horses are more prone to gastric ulcer during physiological stress, shock, injury or a respiratory disease.
It is also said by research that equine transportation and confinement leads to stress factors causing ulceration.
Medication.
Some medications can have adverse effects in the gastric area of horses.
Some medications inhibit the production of internal substances which help protect the horse's stomach.
Treatment for Gastric Ulcer: Generally, equine medication for horse colic (caused by gastric ulcer) is safe.
Some medications, such as omeprazole, are effective in the treatment and prevention of recurring gastric ulcers.
Be attentive of the dosage level and read the label carefully on equine pharmaceutical packages, as excessive dosage of equine medications will lead to more severe case of horse colic conditions.
Scientifically, it is defined as the erosion of the horse's abdominal lining due to excessive and prolonged contact with acid that is produced by the stomach.
The horse's stomach is different from humans as their stomachs produce acid constantly.
So when a horse skips a meal or two, the acid produced will damage the stomach lining causing severe horse colic pain.
Gastric ulcer may range from a mild inflamed stomach lining to a more severe and widespread wearing down of the stomach lining leading to bleeding.
Generally, foals tend to have a thinner cell lining and are more prone to gastric ulceration than horse adults.
2 Types of Gastric Ulcer:
- Squamous Ulceration - this happens in the dorsal region of the stomach where it is covered by squamous epithelium.
Ulcers happen here as a result of acid secretion. - Glandular Ulceration - this happens in the ventral region where it is filled with glandular epithelium which serves as the protective layer in the stomach wall.
Ulceration happens in this area when the mucus layer is torn down by acid.
As the horses' stomach continuously produces acid for digestion, irregular meals will lead to ulceration.
Concentrated feeds will also contribute to the development of ulcer.
Exercise.
This is the most common cause of ulcers among race horses.
By fact, blood aids in removing acid in the stomach.
Since exercise slows down the flow of blood to the stomach, and increases pressure in the abdomen area, the acid produced will then be pushed up to the stomach lining causing ulceration.
Stress and Illness.
Like humans, horses are more prone to gastric ulcer during physiological stress, shock, injury or a respiratory disease.
It is also said by research that equine transportation and confinement leads to stress factors causing ulceration.
Medication.
Some medications can have adverse effects in the gastric area of horses.
Some medications inhibit the production of internal substances which help protect the horse's stomach.
Treatment for Gastric Ulcer: Generally, equine medication for horse colic (caused by gastric ulcer) is safe.
Some medications, such as omeprazole, are effective in the treatment and prevention of recurring gastric ulcers.
Be attentive of the dosage level and read the label carefully on equine pharmaceutical packages, as excessive dosage of equine medications will lead to more severe case of horse colic conditions.
