Very Common
Less Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome, EGUS (in Adult)
Summary
EGUS is the erosion of the stomach lining due to prolonged exposure to stomach acids. It is an extremely common syndrome in racehorses, performance horses and more common than expected in other horses in work. This condition also is more common in horses that have a history of long-term anti-inflammatory treatment for chronic conditions.
The development and widespread use of the 3-meter endoscope has given vets a tool to visualize the inside of a horse's stomach and definitively diagnose this problem. Horses with EGUS can exhibit a wide variety of signs, some of which are very subtle.
Treatment should be based on a diagnosis made with an endoscope.
The development and widespread use of the 3-meter endoscope has given vets a tool to visualize the inside of a horse's stomach and definitively diagnose this problem. Horses with EGUS can exhibit a wide variety of signs, some of which are very subtle.
Treatment should be based on a diagnosis made with an endoscope.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
The prognosis is good with proper diagnosis and treatment, as long as this is the primary problem and is not associated with another underlying disease process.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
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Recurrent Colic Episodes without a Diagnosis
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Not Eating, Loss of Appetite, Not Hungry
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Abdominal Pain, Colic Signs
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Agitated, Anxious, Nervous or Stressed
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Bute, Banamine®, NSAID Overdose, Excessive Amount Given
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Worsening Attitude or Performance Under Saddle
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Weight Loss, Thin, Losing Weight
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Not Eating Grain
Less Common
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Slobbering, Drooling or Salivating
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Bute, Banamine®, NSAID Overdose, Excessive Amount Given
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Depressed, Dull, Sick or Lethargic
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Teeth Grinding (in Adult)
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Backing into Corner of Stall
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Circling, Pacing or Weaving in Stall
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Lip Curl, Flehmen Response
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Licking More Than Normal
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Burping or Belching
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Dull or Poor Haircoat
Rare
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Fearful, Flighty or Spooky Under Saddle
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Irritability, Moodiness, or Aggression Toward People
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Dunks or Soaks Hay in Water Bucket
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Pawing
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Extending or Stretching Out Neck
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Hypersensitive to Touch on Flanks & Belly
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Manure is Black or Very Dark
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Biting or Trying to Bite People
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Kicks at Stall Walls, Doors or Fences
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- Will this condition return after treatment?
- Is there value to the preventative medications available over the counter?
Prevention
Feed multiple times per day versus fewer larger feedings, to ensure that horses do not go for long periods on an empty stomach. Increase turnout, increase long stem roughage, decrease grain and try to minimize stressful events.
Alfalfa has been found to reduce stomach acidity (due to comparatively higher calcium carbonate and protein which buffers or neutralizes stomach acid) and so may be beneficial. Dietary oils like corn oil may have a mild protective effect.
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health
Outside Resources
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