Risk Factors for Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome Incidence in Adult Icelandic Riding Horses.
Authors: Luthersson Nanna, Þorgrímsdóttir Úndína Ýr, Harris Patricia A, Parkin Tim, Hopster-Iversen Charlotte, Bennet Euan D
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
Equine gastric ulcer syndrome presents a significant clinical challenge, with both squamous (ESGD) and glandular (EGGD) forms affecting performance and welfare; this Icelandic study of 211 horses across 21 establishments used gastroscopy to identify risk and protective factors specific to this population, where ESGD prevalence was relatively modest at 27% (significant lesions) but EGGD affected nearly half the cohort. The transition from pasture to training within the first four weeks emerged as a critical risk window for squamous ulcer development, whilst longer periods in work proved protective—suggesting that management during this acute phase warrants particular attention—though interestingly, body condition, cresty neck score, exercise intensity and age showed no significant associations. Geldlings demonstrated greater susceptibility to both ESGD and EGGD than mares and stallions, and horses showing clinical signs consistent with ulceration were significantly more likely to have confirmed lesions on endoscopy. Moderate stabling (>2 hours daily paddock access versus full turnout or minimal turnout) and feeding complementary feed with low non-structural carbohydrate content (<1 g/kg bodyweight per meal) both protected against significant ESGD, findings that align with contemporary management recommendations yet underscore a stark contrast: whilst squamous disease remains relatively controlled in this population through current practices, the persistently high EGGD prevalence suggests these protective strategies are insufficient for glandular lesion prevention and warrants investigation into distinct aetiological factors.
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Practical Takeaways
- •EGGD is highly prevalent (46%) in Icelandic horses in training; screen for glandular ulcers even in absence of clinical signs, as this differs from lower ESGD prevalence
- •Allow ≥5 weeks transition when bringing horses from pasture into training to reduce ESGD risk; the first 4 weeks represents a critical vulnerability window
- •Provide >2 hours daily paddock access combined with stabling, plus low-NSC complementary feed (<1g NSC/kg/BW/meal), to protect against gastric ulceration during training
Key Findings
- •Gastroscopically significant ESGD was found in 27% of horses and severe ESGD in ~10%, while significant EGGD was found in 46.4% of Icelandic riding horses
- •Coming off pasture into training for ≤4 weeks was a significant risk factor for gastroscopically significant and severe ESGD compared to ≥5 weeks
- •Stabling with >2 hours/day paddock time and complementary feed (<1g NSC/kg/BW/meal) were protective for gastroscopically significant ESGD
- •Geldings were significantly more likely to have gastroscopically significant ESGD than mares and stallions, and more EGGD than stallions
- •Body condition score, cresty neck score, stable/turnout behaviour, exercise intensity/frequency, and age were not significantly associated with ulcer severity