Understanding Gastric Ulcers in Horses: A Detailed Insight
Unknown to most horse owners, equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) affects a staggering percentage of horses, both domestic and those in the wild. EGUS includes two distinct conditions - equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) and equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD). Here, we delve deep into these two diseases, what they entail, and how you can prevent and manage them in your horse.
Understanding ESGD and EGGD
ESGD refers to ulcers in the squamous region of the horse's stomach, while EGGD refers to issues in the glandular region of the stomach. Contrary to popular belief, these two diseases are separate, meaning that even if your horse has both, they may not be interlinked.
The Causes Behind ESGD and EGGD
ESGD arises when the squamous mucosa, a section of the horse's stomach that lacks any built-in protection against acidity, is exposed to the acid produced in the glandular region. Fibre and saliva, which act as a physical barrier to acidity, protect the squamous mucosa, emphasizing the importance of a fibre-rich diet for maintaining gastric health.
On the other hand, EGGD originates in the glandular region of the stomach, which continuously secretes digestive compounds, even when the horse isn't feeding. Here, stress and exercise have been found to significantly increase the chances of EGGD.
Managing Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome
Even though EGGD isn't directly linked to diet, the same feeding management as for ESGD, which involves reducing starch intake and increasing fibre intake, is recommended. It's crucial to note that only medicines can treat, prevent or cure gastric ulcers, not feed or supplements.
Recent studies have found that even elite sports horses can be maintained on rations of hay and alfalfa with less than 10% cereals. Other important aspects of managing EGGD include minimising stress and providing at least two rest days per week.
Why Choosing the Right Feed Matters
Choosing a suitable feed can greatly reduce the chances of EGUS. The British Equestrian Trade Association has developed a strict criterion for the Approval Mark for horses prone to EGUS, which vets endorse. The Approval Mark is an excellent indicator of a product's suitability for horses and ponies that are prone to EGUS.
Alfalfa, known for its high calcium content, is particularly beneficial for horses as it serves as an alternative energy source compared to cereals, with no detriment to performance. Various studies endorse alfalfa for both ESGD and adult horses with EGGD.
Key Takeaways
To summarise, ESGD and EGGD are different diseases that may not always occur together. ESGD is primarily caused by acid exposure due to lack of fibre and starch-rich diets, while stress is a major contributing factor to EGGD. Alfalfa is a safe and beneficial feed for horses with EGUS. Lastly, feeding a minimum of 1.5% of bodyweight on a dry matter basis is crucial for long term gastric and digestive health.
References:Martin et al (2023) Effect of high-starch or high-fibre diets on the energy metabolism and physical performance of horses during an 8-week training period. Front. Physiol. 14:1213032. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1213032
Swanhall et al (2018) Mineral and Vitamin Supplementation Including Marine Derived Calcium Increases Bone Density in Thoroughbreds. Proceedings of the Australasian Equine Science Symposium