Prevalence of gastric ulcers in horses from the French Republican Guard cavalry regiment and association with plasma gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity.
Authors: Hardy Lorenzo, Martin Marion, Barré Charles, Tanquerel Ludovic
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Gastric Ulcers and Blood Markers in Sport Horses Equine gastric ulceration syndrome (EGUS) affects a substantial proportion of sport and performance horses, yet gastroscopy—the diagnostic gold standard—remains costly and labour-intensive, driving interest in accessible blood-based screening tools. Researchers at the French Republican Guard cavalry examined 59 horses using gastroscopy alongside plasma biochemical analysis, measuring gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) activity as a potential non-invasive marker of gastric disease. The prevalence of EGUS proved remarkably high at 88%, with squamous mucosal disease (ESGD) in 80% and glandular disease (EGGD) in 42% of horses examined; notably, horses with EGGD demonstrated substantially elevated GGT levels (28.2 IU/L versus 9.7 IU/L in unaffected horses), and receiver operating characteristic analysis suggested a GGT threshold of 21 IU/L could identify EGGD cases with 80% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Whilst these findings are encouraging for practitioners seeking objective diagnostic support, the association between GGT and EGUS more broadly did not reach statistical significance, and limitations including small sample size and incomplete gastroscopic visualisation warrant cautious interpretation. Further work with larger cohorts and standardised protocols is needed before GGT can reliably support clinical decision-making, though the specific promise for glandular disease detection warrants closer investigation in future studies.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Gastric ulcers are extremely common in sport horses (88% prevalence), suggesting routine screening should be considered for performance horses with nonspecific signs
- •Plasma GGT activity shows promise as a non-invasive screening tool specifically for glandular ulcers (EGGD), but cannot reliably diagnose squamous ulcers or EGUS generally
- •Environmental or management factors specific to different cavalry squadrons appeared to influence ulcer risk, highlighting the importance of assessing stabling, feeding, and training protocols in ulcer prevention
Key Findings
- •EGUS prevalence was 88% (95% CI 80-96%) in cavalry sport horses, with ESGD at 80% and EGGD at 42%
- •Horses with EGGD had significantly higher mean plasma GGT activity (28.2 IU/L vs 9.7 IU/L in unaffected horses)
- •Plasma GGT threshold of 21 IU/L showed 80% sensitivity and 100% specificity for EGGD diagnosis
- •EGUS prevalence was significantly associated with cavalry squadron but not with plasma GGT activity overall