Risk factors for equine glandular and squamous gastric disease in show jumping Warmbloods.
Authors: Pedersen S K, Cribb A E, Windeyer M C, Read E K, French D, Banse H E
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Equine Gastric Disease in Competition Warmbloods: Training and Feeding Matter Both equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) and equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD) represent significant health concerns in performance horses, yet management risk factors for EGGD remain poorly characterised compared to its squamous counterpart. Pedersen and colleagues conducted gastroscopic examinations on 83 show jumping Warmbloods following a 12–16 hour fast, pairing endoscopic findings with detailed management questionnaires to identify associated risk factors using multivariable logistic regression modelling. High-frequency training (≥6 days weekly) tripled the odds of EGGD development (OR = 3.5), whilst currently competing at regional level increased the risk of moderate–severe EGGD tenfold (OR = 10.2)—a finding that paradoxically reversed at international competition level, where disease severity decreased significantly (OR = 0.11). For ESGD, exercise intensity emerged as a key driver of both mild and moderate–severe disease (OR = 2.8 and 3.8 respectively), whereas supplementing beet pulp proved protective, reducing odds by 78–90% across disease grades. These findings suggest that training volume and intensity, rather than competition alone, warrant scrutiny in clinical practice; practitioners might consider moderating exercise frequency in susceptible individuals and exploring beet pulp supplementation as part of a gastric disease mitigation strategy, though prospective studies examining the relationship between exercise physiology and gastric mucosal changes are needed to fully elucidate these associations.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •High-frequency training (≥6 days/week) in show jumpers is associated with increased glandular gastric disease; consider periodized training schedules with adequate recovery days
- •Beet pulp supplementation shows a protective effect against squamous gastric disease and should be considered as part of gastric health management strategies
- •Training intensity appears more significant than frequency for squamous disease development; evaluate exercise prescription intensity alongside frequency when managing gastric health
Key Findings
- •Exercising ≥6 days per week increased odds of EGGD grade ≥1/4 by 3.5-fold compared to less frequent exercise
- •Currently showing increased risk of EGGD grade ≥2/4 (OR=10.2), while international competition level decreased odds (OR=0.11)
- •Exercise intensity increased odds of ESGD grade ≥1/4 by 2.8-fold and grade ≥2/4 by 3.8-fold
- •Feeding beet pulp decreased odds of ESGD grade ≥1/4 by 78% and grade ≥2/4 by 90%