Is There a Difference in the Prevalence of Gastric Ulcers between Stallions Used for Breeding and Those Not Used for Breeding?
Authors: Busechian Sara, Bindi Francesca, Pieramati Camillo, Orvieto Simona, Pisello Lorenzo, Cozzi Selene, Ortolani Flaminia, Rueca Fabrizio
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
Equine gastric ulcer syndrome encompasses two distinct conditions—squamous (ESGD) and glandular (EGGD) disease—with unclear sex-related risk factors, prompting Sara Busechian and colleagues to examine whether breeding status influences ulcer prevalence in 101 intact male horses undergoing gastroscopic examination. The researchers documented comprehensive breeding history, exercise activity, management practices, and clinical signs, then applied statistical analysis to determine associations between these variables and both the occurrence and severity of gastric ulceration. Breeding activity alone showed no significant relationship with either ESGD or EGGD prevalence or severity; however, exercise activity—particularly when combined with breeding duties—emerged as a notable risk factor specifically for glandular disease development. Only the grade of squamous ulceration correlated with clinical signs in this cohort, suggesting that glandular ulcers may progress asymptomatically. These findings suggest that farriers, vets, and coaches should recognise exercise intensity rather than reproductive status as the primary modifiable risk factor for glandular disease in stallions, whilst acknowledging that squamous ulceration severity may better predict observable clinical presentation.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Whether a stallion is used for breeding or not does not predict gastric ulcer risk—focus on exercise management and training intensity instead
- •Horses in combined breeding and exercise programs may warrant closer gastric monitoring, particularly for glandular disease prevention
- •Clinical signs visible in affected horses correlate only with squamous ulcers; glandular disease may be silent, requiring gastroscopy for diagnosis in at-risk populations
Key Findings
- •No significant relationship found between breeding activity and occurrence or severity of ESGD or EGGD in 101 intact male horses
- •Exercise activity and combined exercise-breeding activities were associated with increased occurrence of EGGD
- •Clinical signs were only correlated with ESGD grade, not with EGGD presence in this cohort
- •Breeding status alone did not emerge as a risk factor for gastric ulceration in stallions examined via gastroscopy