Gastric ulcers are very common in horses with up to 50-90% of the horse population being affected and many horses may show subtle or no obvious signs.
Gastric ulcers are classified as either:
- Equine Squamous Gastric Disease (ESGD): most commonly diagnosed. These ulcers occur in the upper part of the stomach in the non-glandular area, where there is minimal protection from the acid secretions. These ulcers typically respond well to treatment.
- Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD): These ulcers are found in the glandular portion of the stomach at the level of the pylorus. Treatment can be difficult and prolonged.
Signs your horse may be suffering from gastric ulcers include:
- Changes in attitude
- weight loss or poor appetite
poor performance including reluctance to work or being unsettled in training
- Girthiness
- Intermittent colic or diarrhoea
- Dull dry coat
- Grinding teeth, Crib-biting, wind-sucking
Horses can develop ulcers due a range of factors including:
- Restricted feed intake or periods of starvation
- Diets high in grain and low in roughage
- Certain medications
- Stress, travel, intense training
- Hospitalisation
- Use of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs
Gastroscopy is the only definitive way to diagnose gastric ulcers . This quick procedure is performed under standing sedation, allowing us to visualise the gastric mucosa and confirm the presence, severity and location of the ulcers. This allows us to create a targeted treatment plan for your horse.
Our next gastroscope day is: MARCH 2026
Price is : TBA
Call 3396 9733 to book