Post by IH Health on Jan 21, 2009 13:06:59 GMT 1
Gastric Ulcers
Also known as
Stomach Ulcers
What is it?
Gastric Ulcers are small areas of erosion within the stomach lining - this can range from a small inflamed area where no stomach lining is lost to complete perforation in the stomach. They can be extremely painful and affect the digestive process.
Types
There are two types of Ulcers –
Squamous Ulceration – Ulcers in the squamous epithelium (upper area of stomach and especially around oesophagus) caused by prolonged exposure to stomach acid. Foals can be prone to this condition due to the epithelium being thinner than an adult horse.
Glandular Ulceration – Ulceration of the glandular epithelium (lower area of stomach) due to the protective mucus layer being affected by medication etc.
There is also a 5 point grading system developed by vets to score the severity of ulcers:
Grade 0 – Intact stomach lining with no reddening/inflammation (ie normal, healthy horse!)
Grade 1 – Intact stomach lining with areas of reddening/inflammation
Grade 2 – Stomach lining is ulcerated with small single or multiple ulcers
Grade 3 – Stomach lining is ulcerated with large single of multiple ulcers
Grade 4 – Wide-spread damage to stomach lining with areas of deep ulceration caused by merging of multiple ulcers
Those Grade 2 or higher are considered to be “clinically significant”*
Causes
Ulcers are caused by prolonged exposure to stomach acid, trauma, stress, intensive exercise or by medications that erode the stomach wall. It is estimated that up to 98% of cases of ulcers are seen in racehorses due to their environment and workload.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ulcers can be confused with other conditions or hard to spot but can include:
In foals symptoms such as teeth grinding, lying down and infrequent nursing can also be present. These are similar to colic signs so a vet is recommended if any of these signs show.
Diagnosis
Ulcers can only be diagnosed using an endoscope by a vet. This is a think optical cable which is passed normally through the nose of a horse into the stomach. It can be done at a stable under sedation.
Treatment
The first port of call is stopping the excess acid to halt the growth of ulcers. This includes allowing ad-lib hay, feeding frequently to stop over production of acid, cutting down on carbohydrates, grain and concentrates, reducing workload and reducing stress (especially when stabled or travelling). Ant-acids and products such as Settlex, Gastroguard, Gastri-X and Aloe Vera are currently being trialled.
Websites (click on title for link)
Equine Gastric Ulcers
Horse and Hound
Previous discussions (click on title for link)
Stomach Ulcers – updated with diagnosis
One step forward – ulcers confirmed
Ulcers in horses and feeding
Boris re ulcers
Jack not well again
Ulcers in Horses in H&H
Best supplement for ulcers/excess acid?
Gastric ulcers
Gastric Ulcers
Gastric Ulcers
+ many more on the search facility!
Please post below any information you have on this subject or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.
* Andrews F, Bernard W, Byars D et al. Recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS). The Equine Gastric Ulcer Council. Equine Vet Ed 1999; 11: 252-272. From www.equinegastriculcers.co.uk/what_are.html
Also known as
Stomach Ulcers
What is it?
Gastric Ulcers are small areas of erosion within the stomach lining - this can range from a small inflamed area where no stomach lining is lost to complete perforation in the stomach. They can be extremely painful and affect the digestive process.
Types
There are two types of Ulcers –
Squamous Ulceration – Ulcers in the squamous epithelium (upper area of stomach and especially around oesophagus) caused by prolonged exposure to stomach acid. Foals can be prone to this condition due to the epithelium being thinner than an adult horse.
Glandular Ulceration – Ulceration of the glandular epithelium (lower area of stomach) due to the protective mucus layer being affected by medication etc.
There is also a 5 point grading system developed by vets to score the severity of ulcers:
Grade 0 – Intact stomach lining with no reddening/inflammation (ie normal, healthy horse!)
Grade 1 – Intact stomach lining with areas of reddening/inflammation
Grade 2 – Stomach lining is ulcerated with small single or multiple ulcers
Grade 3 – Stomach lining is ulcerated with large single of multiple ulcers
Grade 4 – Wide-spread damage to stomach lining with areas of deep ulceration caused by merging of multiple ulcers
Those Grade 2 or higher are considered to be “clinically significant”*
Causes
Ulcers are caused by prolonged exposure to stomach acid, trauma, stress, intensive exercise or by medications that erode the stomach wall. It is estimated that up to 98% of cases of ulcers are seen in racehorses due to their environment and workload.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ulcers can be confused with other conditions or hard to spot but can include:
- No or poor appetite
- Weight Loss or inability to hold weight
- Dull coat and eyes
- Poor performance
- Behavioural changes such as wind sucking or crib biting
- Mild or recurrent colic
- Diarrhoea
- Excessive salivation
In foals symptoms such as teeth grinding, lying down and infrequent nursing can also be present. These are similar to colic signs so a vet is recommended if any of these signs show.
Diagnosis
Ulcers can only be diagnosed using an endoscope by a vet. This is a think optical cable which is passed normally through the nose of a horse into the stomach. It can be done at a stable under sedation.
Treatment
The first port of call is stopping the excess acid to halt the growth of ulcers. This includes allowing ad-lib hay, feeding frequently to stop over production of acid, cutting down on carbohydrates, grain and concentrates, reducing workload and reducing stress (especially when stabled or travelling). Ant-acids and products such as Settlex, Gastroguard, Gastri-X and Aloe Vera are currently being trialled.
Websites (click on title for link)
Equine Gastric Ulcers
Horse and Hound
Previous discussions (click on title for link)
Stomach Ulcers – updated with diagnosis
One step forward – ulcers confirmed
Ulcers in horses and feeding
Boris re ulcers
Jack not well again
Ulcers in Horses in H&H
Best supplement for ulcers/excess acid?
Gastric ulcers
Gastric Ulcers
Gastric Ulcers
+ many more on the search facility!
Please post below any information you have on this subject or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.
* Andrews F, Bernard W, Byars D et al. Recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS). The Equine Gastric Ulcer Council. Equine Vet Ed 1999; 11: 252-272. From www.equinegastriculcers.co.uk/what_are.html