After confirming EGGD via gastroscopy, Banse suggested veterinarians use both of the available scoring systems to characterize disease severity and monitor improvement. | Photo: Courtesy Danny Holbrook, Tryon Equine Hospital

At the 2017 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention, held Nov. 17-21 in San Antonio, Texas, Heidi Banse, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM (LA), described how to manage the more problematic of these two diseases: EGGD.

Equine squamous gastric disease affects the upper squamous region of the horse’s stomach, which is unprotected from gastric acid. Equine glandular gastric disease involves the lower region. Its prevalence depends on riding discipline and horse breed but ranges from 10% to 65%, said Banse, a veterinary specialist in Louisiana State University’s Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, in Baton Rouge.

The condition’s prevalence is high among Warmbloods and sport horses (46-65%). In preliminary findings from one study, she said, exercise frequency and performance level were associated with an increased risk of EGGD in show jumping Warmbloods, while feeding and exercise regimens appear to contribute to increased risk of EGGD in Thoroughbred racehorses