Gastroscopy & endoscopy
Gastric ulcers in horses
With poor performance, weight loss, variable appetite, behavioural changes (for example when girthed) or recurrent mild colic.
Gastric ulcers are grouped under the term equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS). Two forms are distinguished: lesions of the upper, non-glandular part of the stomach (equine squamous gastric disease, ESGD) and lesions of the glandular part (equine glandular gastric disease, EGGD).
The two forms have different risk factors and often require different treatment. Clinical signs are non-specific, so the distinction cannot be made on symptoms alone. Gastroscopy shows which form is present and how severe the lesions are.
In sport horses, ulcers can recur or worsen during the competition season. Gastroscopic monitoring allows treatment and management to be based on what is actually seen in the stomach.
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