Gastric ulcer in horses

Abstract

Equine gastric ulcer comprises a complex of diseases associated with ulceration of the esophageal, gastric or duodenal mucosa. Ulceration occurs on nonglandular (squamous) and glandular gastric mucosa, with an average prevalence of 5% in pasture horses, 93% in racehorses and between 25% and 57% in foals. The incriminated causes are diet and incorrect feeding, stress and the administration of anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Medication for gastric ulcers includes proton pump inhibitors, histamine (H2) receptor antagonists, prostaglandin analogs, and sucralfate.