Warmbloods used for dressage might have a higher risk of developing EGGD. | Shelly Paulson
Q: Are there any genetic, breed, or behavior predispositions to developing gastric ulcers, or can any horse be equally at risk?
A: Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is highly prevalent across multiple breeds and disciplines, but risk for developing EGUS might not be evenly distributed among breeds. Gastric ulcers can be caused by an interplay of genetic, breed-related, physiological, and behavioral or personality predispositions, combined with environmental and management factors. While any horse can develop gastric ulcers, certain horses consistently show as more vulnerable. However, it is difficult to separate breeds from discipline or management conditions in most situations and certainly in scientific literature.
Research suggests that Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds exhibit the highest prevalence of equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD), with rates reported between 70–90% in those engaged in active race training. Feed type and timing, management, and high-intensity exercise play significant roles in the development of ESGD, regardless of breed, likely influencing this reported prevalence. Warmbloods, especially those used in dressage and jumping, have higher reported rates of equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD) than horses of other breeds and disciplines in some scientific reports. However, some variability exists amongst these reports. Warmbloods involved in lower level (national versus international competition) jumping and those exercising an increased number of days were more prone to develop EGGD than others in one study.
Endurance horses, most commonly Arabian horses, are another group frequently reported to have increased ulcer rates, with 60–90% suffering from gastric ulceration when in competitive periods. In this group, elite horses were more likely to be affected. Feeding practices and intense exercise probably contribute to gastric ulceration in this population as well.
Behavioral predisposition to EGUS is difficult to assess scientifically. However, many experts conclude that how horses cope with stress, anxiety, and environmental change impacts the animals’ likelihood of developing EGUS. Physiological stress results in increased gastric acid production and reduced gastric mucosal defense mechanisms. For this reason, excitable horses are often suspected of having EGUS, but this is not always the case. Rather, how the individual responds to stressors, such as daily management protocols, could be a predisposing factor more than true behavior.
All horses could develop gastric ulcers when environmental and management circumstances are such that gastric acid production, stomach buffering capacity, and mucosal defense mechanisms become overwhelmed. Factors shown to be associated with EGUS development include infrequent feeding, frequent intense exercise, fasting, dehydration, and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Additional risk factors include lack of direct contact with other horses, solid barriers between horses instead of rails, and talk rather than music radio in the barn.
Take-Home Message
Gastric ulcers can affect any horse, but horses of some breeds and disciplines face higher risks based on genetics, stress response, and daily management. High-intensity work, inconsistent forage access, stressful environments, and certain feeding or housing practices can put a horse at risk for EGUS. Focusing on consistent forage access, balanced training schedules, and low-stress management can help protect your horse from gastric ulcers.
Do you have a question about equine gastric ulcers? We want to hear from you! Submit your question below.
Phoebe Smith, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, is a Kentucky native, graduating from Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, in Alabama, and completing residency training at the University of California, Davis. She is a board-certified internal medicine specialist with referral hospital, private practice, and academic experience. Smith owns and operates Riviera Equine Internal Medicine & Consulting, a specialty practice based on the central coast of California.
What Horses Are Most Likely to Develop Gastric Ulcers?
Q: Are there any genetic, breed, or behavior predispositions to developing gastric ulcers, or can any horse be equally at risk?
A: Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is highly prevalent across multiple breeds and disciplines, but risk for developing EGUS might not be evenly distributed among breeds. Gastric ulcers can be caused by an interplay of genetic, breed-related, physiological, and behavioral or personality predispositions, combined with environmental and management factors. While any horse can develop gastric ulcers, certain horses consistently show as more vulnerable. However, it is difficult to separate breeds from discipline or management conditions in most situations and certainly in scientific literature.
Research suggests that Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds exhibit the highest prevalence of equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD), with rates reported between 70–90% in those engaged in active race training. Feed type and timing, management, and high-intensity exercise play significant roles in the development of ESGD, regardless of breed, likely influencing this reported prevalence. Warmbloods, especially those used in dressage and jumping, have higher reported rates of equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD) than horses of other breeds and disciplines in some scientific reports. However, some variability exists amongst these reports. Warmbloods involved in lower level (national versus international competition) jumping and those exercising an increased number of days were more prone to develop EGGD than others in one study.
Endurance horses, most commonly Arabian horses, are another group frequently reported to have increased ulcer rates, with 60–90% suffering from gastric ulceration when in competitive periods. In this group, elite horses were more likely to be affected. Feeding practices and intense exercise probably contribute to gastric ulceration in this population as well.
Behavioral predisposition to EGUS is difficult to assess scientifically. However, many experts conclude that how horses cope with stress, anxiety, and environmental change impacts the animals’ likelihood of developing EGUS. Physiological stress results in increased gastric acid production and reduced gastric mucosal defense mechanisms. For this reason, excitable horses are often suspected of having EGUS, but this is not always the case. Rather, how the individual responds to stressors, such as daily management protocols, could be a predisposing factor more than true behavior.
All horses could develop gastric ulcers when environmental and management circumstances are such that gastric acid production, stomach buffering capacity, and mucosal defense mechanisms become overwhelmed. Factors shown to be associated with EGUS development include infrequent feeding, frequent intense exercise, fasting, dehydration, and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Additional risk factors include lack of direct contact with other horses, solid barriers between horses instead of rails, and talk rather than music radio in the barn.
Take-Home Message
Gastric ulcers can affect any horse, but horses of some breeds and disciplines face higher risks based on genetics, stress response, and daily management. High-intensity work, inconsistent forage access, stressful environments, and certain feeding or housing practices can put a horse at risk for EGUS. Focusing on consistent forage access, balanced training schedules, and low-stress management can help protect your horse from gastric ulcers.
Do you have a question about equine gastric ulcers? We want to hear from you! Submit your question below.
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Written by:
Phoebe A. Smith, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM
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