Diagnosis, treatment and management of EGUS is an significant aspect of the veterinary care of our performance horses as it is very common. EGUS in both forms has been identified in horses to varying degrees but on average we can see it in around 50% of our pleasure horses, 75% of our performance horses and up to 100% of our racehorses. The causes and risk factors for EGUS vary depending on the type of disease present but may include: housing in busy or stressful environments, operate in performance disciplines, habitual travel, cribbing, training more than 5 days per week, lack of professional experience, meal feeding (as opposed to free choice) and a diet higher in grains.
Although a diagnosis of EGUS can be a daunting prospect, there is good news: once the diagnosis is made, we have a good range of management and treatment options to keep affected horses comfortable and improve their overall performance. You might want to make an appointment to have your horse checked for gastric ulcers if you notice some of the following, more common signs associated with EGUS: recurrent colic, weight loss or “difficulty holding”, impoverished coat, decreased appetite, diarrhea, hypersalivation, previous anti-inflammatory administration, behavioral changes (nervousness, aggressiveness, girth pressure, etc.), and/or impoverished performance.
