Gastric Ulceration in Horses Exposed to Training and Activities Typical for Recreational Showing

摘要

Activities that are typical in the training and use of horses for recreational showing can induce gastric ulcers within 5-7 days. Intensive training and management conditions are not necessary for ulcers to develop in horses. Equine Gastric Ulcer syndrome (EGUS) has been shown to be highly prevalent in horses used for many competitive activities including racing, dressage and show jumping, endurance, and Western performance. Ulcer prevalence rates in these horses have ranged from 40% to 93%; and thehighest prevalence of ulcers is found in racing horses. Based on the results of these and other studies, it has been generally considered that EGUS is primarily a disorder of horses in intensive training, usually at a professional level. However, it wasreported that 37% of horses used for light activities had gastric lesions, and many horses presented for examination for EGUS are not stereotypical of horses at risk for EGUS.