Scoping programme shows extent of ulcer problem
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Scoping programme shows extent of ulcer problem
A nationwide scoping programme in the US by animal health company Merial has highlighted the worrying predominance of gastric ulcers.
For the past three years, Merial has hosted gastroscopy events across the US, with results consistentlying showing stomach ulcers are a threat to horses of all breeds and disciplines.
From 2008 through 2010, veterinarians scoped 3354 horses, with more than 58 per cent of them identified with some grade of stomach ulcer.
In 2010 alone, 644 horses of varying disciplines from 30 states had some ulceration as identified by gastroscopy:
Ulceration was present in 74 per cent of racing horses (113 participating), 60 per cent of hunter jumper horses (119 participating), and 55 per cent of dressage horses (116 taking part).
"Equine stomach ulcers, also called Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome or EGUS, create a painful condition that can reduce your horse's performance and can lead to colic, weight loss or loss of condition," said veterinarian April Knudson, equine specialist for Merial's Large Animal Veterinary Services.
"And wherever there is stress, there can be stomach ulcers," she said.
"A horse is sensitive and may experience stress when exposed to situations one would think of as normal.
"Transporting a horse, increased stall time, limited turnout, training and competition can all contribute to EGUS.
"More surprising, a horse can develop stomach ulcers in as few as five days."
The only definitive way to diagnose a horse with stomach ulcers is for a veterinarian to look at the stomach with an endoscope.
Because there are few endoscopes in the country, Merial co-ordinated with universities and veterinary practices to bring in the equipment to have these horses evaluated by experienced veterinarians.
Knudson said the scoping results confirmed what studies have found previously - that horses of all competitive disciplines are at risk for stomach ulcers.
Despite the data that supports the prevalence of equine stomach ulcers, about 75 per cent of veterinarians in a 2008 study "agreed or strongly agreed" that EGUS is under-diagnosed, even though it can negatively impact a horse's performance and disposition".
Results from 2010 market research show that while 74 per cent of horse owners have some concern about equine stomach ulcers, most have not used an EGUS therapy in the past 12 months.
"Clearly, there is still a significant need for continued education about EGUS, as well as the importance of prevention," Knudson said.
"Merial remains committed to raising awareness about this serious health threat. In addition to the scoping events, we participate in numerous equine events throughout the country each year where we have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with horse owners, trainers and veterinarians.
"For competitive horse owners, it's critically important to discuss stomach ulcer prevention, because ulcers can diminish the hard work, training and commitment both horse and rider have worked so hard to achieve."
Merial produces Gastrogard, containing omeprazole, to treat ulcers. It is the only FDA-approved product to treat and heal stomach ulcers in horses in the US.
It also produces a related product, Ulcergard, with the same active ingredient, which is FDA-approved as a preventive measure.
February 25, 2011A nationwide scoping programme in the US by animal health company Merial has highlighted the worrying predominance of gastric ulcers.
For the past three years, Merial has hosted gastroscopy events across the US, with results consistentlying showing stomach ulcers are a threat to horses of all breeds and disciplines.
From 2008 through 2010, veterinarians scoped 3354 horses, with more than 58 per cent of them identified with some grade of stomach ulcer.
In 2010 alone, 644 horses of varying disciplines from 30 states had some ulceration as identified by gastroscopy:
- 328 horses, or 28 per cent, had grade 1 ulcers (mild ulcers with small lesions or damaged tissue)
- 232 horses, or 20 per cent, had grade 2 ulcers (moderate ulcers with large lesions)
- 84 horses, or 7 per cent, had frade 3 ulcers (extensive lesions with deep ulceration and bleeding).
Ulceration was present in 74 per cent of racing horses (113 participating), 60 per cent of hunter jumper horses (119 participating), and 55 per cent of dressage horses (116 taking part).
"Equine stomach ulcers, also called Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome or EGUS, create a painful condition that can reduce your horse's performance and can lead to colic, weight loss or loss of condition," said veterinarian April Knudson, equine specialist for Merial's Large Animal Veterinary Services.
"And wherever there is stress, there can be stomach ulcers," she said.
"A horse is sensitive and may experience stress when exposed to situations one would think of as normal.
"Transporting a horse, increased stall time, limited turnout, training and competition can all contribute to EGUS.
"More surprising, a horse can develop stomach ulcers in as few as five days."
The only definitive way to diagnose a horse with stomach ulcers is for a veterinarian to look at the stomach with an endoscope.
Because there are few endoscopes in the country, Merial co-ordinated with universities and veterinary practices to bring in the equipment to have these horses evaluated by experienced veterinarians.
Knudson said the scoping results confirmed what studies have found previously - that horses of all competitive disciplines are at risk for stomach ulcers.
Despite the data that supports the prevalence of equine stomach ulcers, about 75 per cent of veterinarians in a 2008 study "agreed or strongly agreed" that EGUS is under-diagnosed, even though it can negatively impact a horse's performance and disposition".
Results from 2010 market research show that while 74 per cent of horse owners have some concern about equine stomach ulcers, most have not used an EGUS therapy in the past 12 months.
"Clearly, there is still a significant need for continued education about EGUS, as well as the importance of prevention," Knudson said.
"Merial remains committed to raising awareness about this serious health threat. In addition to the scoping events, we participate in numerous equine events throughout the country each year where we have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with horse owners, trainers and veterinarians.
"For competitive horse owners, it's critically important to discuss stomach ulcer prevention, because ulcers can diminish the hard work, training and commitment both horse and rider have worked so hard to achieve."
Merial produces Gastrogard, containing omeprazole, to treat ulcers. It is the only FDA-approved product to treat and heal stomach ulcers in horses in the US.
It also produces a related product, Ulcergard, with the same active ingredient, which is FDA-approved as a preventive measure.