Mechanisms and risk factors contributing to equine gastric ulcer syndrome

Summary

# Editorial Summary: Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome — Stress and Exercise as Primary Drivers Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) remains a significant clinical concern in performance horses, yet the precise mechanisms underlying ulceration have only recently become clearer through emerging research. Linda and Banse's 2024 review synthesises current understanding of EGUS pathophysiology, identifying stress and exercise as the two most influential contributing factors in the syndrome's development and progression. Their work builds on earlier observations that athletic populations suffer disproportionately high prevalence, moving beyond simple acid-secretion models to examine how training intensity, management practices, and psychological stress directly compromise gastric mucosal integrity. For practitioners across farriery, veterinary medicine, and coaching disciplines, this distinction matters considerably: it suggests that ulcer prevention and management require attention to the whole horse's environment and training load, not merely pharmacological acid suppression. Whether you're evaluating lameness, adjusting nutrition, or designing competition schedules, understanding how stress and exercise interact with gastric health positions you to recognise at-risk individuals and advocate for integrated management strategies that address underlying triggers rather than symptoms alone.

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Key Findings

• •Equine gastric ulcer syndrome is highly prevalent in domestic horses, particularly those in athletic work
• •Stress and exercise are identified as two of the most significant pathophysiological factors in EGUS development
• •Recent research advances have improved understanding of EGUS mechanisms, though gaps in knowledge remain

Conditions Studied