1. Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome
Corey Finlay
Animal Nutrition
April 16, 2012

2. Horses Effected By Equine Gastric
Ulcer Syndrome

Fairly Common
− Overlooked

Discrepancy in how
many horses are
actually effected

Believed
− 50% of foals
− 35% of stalled
adults

3. What is Equine Gastric Ulcer
Syndrome

EGUS is when a horse
suffers from gastric
ulcers
− Gastric ulcers are
erosions in the
lining of the
stomach

Caused by
high
concentrations
of
hydrochloric
acid

4. Causes of Equine Gastric Ulcer
Syndrome

Feed
− Chances lowered
by constant
grazing and a diet
high in roughage
− Higher chances
with higher
concentrated feed
diets

5. Causes of Equine Gastric Ulcer
Syndrome

Amount of exercise
− High amounts of
exercise can cause
a build up of acid
in the stomach
− Can also increase
stress which can
decrease blood
flow to the
stomach which
can lower its
defense agains
acid

6. Causes of Equine Gastric Ulcer
Syndrome

Medication
− A prolonged use
of non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory
(bute) decreases
the production of a
chemical that
decreases acid
production

7. Symptoms of Equine Gastric Ulcer
Syndrome

In adult horses
− Poor or lose of
appetite
− Change in attitude
− Decrease in
performance
− Poor body
condition
− Rough hair coat
− Weight loss
− Low grade colic

8. Symptoms of Equine Gastric Ulcer
Syndrome

In foals
− Intermittent colic
− Interrupted
nursing
− Poor appetite
− Grinding teeth
− Excessive
salivation

9. Treatment for Equine Gastric Ulcer
Syndrome

Acid blocking
medication

Acid neutralizing
medication

Dietary changes