The prevalence and anatomical distribution of equine gastric ulceration syndrome (EGUS) in 201 horses in Denmark.
Authors: Luthersson N, Nielsen K Hou, Harris P, Parkin T D H
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: EGUS Prevalence and Distribution in Danish Pleasure Horses Whilst equine gastric ulceration syndrome (EGUS) has been extensively documented in racehorses (with prevalence rates reaching 93%), evidence from European non-racing populations remains limited. Luthersson and colleagues conducted gastroscopic examinations of 201 Danish pleasure horses across five regions, ranging from 7 months to 27 years of age and representing diverse breeds and workloads, recording ulcer location, number and severity using standardised scoring criteria. Over half the cohort (53%) presented with clinically significant lesions (severity score ≥2), despite owners reporting the horses as healthy and receiving no EGUS treatment; notably, the margo plicatus emerged as the most common site of severe ulceration. Whilst age did not predispose to clinically significant disease, older horses showed a higher tendency towards lesions spanning both glandular and nonglandular regions, and distinct patterns in ulcer distribution were evident across different age groups, breeds and workload intensities. These findings underscore that EGUS is surprisingly prevalent amongst apparently sound leisure and competition horses not subjected to intensive training regimes, suggesting that established risk factors associated with racing may not fully explain ulcer development in pleasure horses, and that targeted investigation of aetiological differences between populations could inform novel prevention strategies beyond conventional management modifications.
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Practical Takeaways
- •EGUS is highly prevalent in apparently healthy, non-racing horses — clinical signs are not reliable indicators of gastric ulceration status; endoscopy may be warranted even in asymptomatic horses
- •Management factors beyond intensive racing (age, breed, workload level) influence ulcer location and severity; tailored preventive strategies should account for individual horse characteristics and work demands
- •Regular monitoring and preventive care protocols may reduce ulcer development, particularly in populations with specific risk profiles identified in this study
Key Findings
- •53% of apparently healthy Danish pleasure horses not in intensive training had clinically significant EGUS (severity score ≥2)
- •The margo plicatus was the most common site for severe ulcer lesions
- •Older horses were more likely to have lesions in both glandular and nonglandular stomach regions, though not necessarily more clinically significant ulcers
- •Location and distribution of EGUS lesions varied significantly by age group, breed type, and workload exposure