Clinical syndromes of gastric ulceration in foals and mature horses

Occurrence of gastric ulcers in horses exercised on a treadmill

“…Regarding clinical signs, it is known that adult horses with gastric ulcer may present capricious appetite, behaviour changes, weight loss and colic (ANDREWS & NADEAU, 1999). However, nonspecific clinical signs, such as apathy or decreased performance, are quite frequent, while many animals with gastric ulceration may not display obvious signs (JONES, 2006).…”

Association Between Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Gastric Ulceration in Horses and Ponies

“…The practical experience of the authors of this chapter supports the above mentioned informations about clinical signs; monitoring ten ponies with untreated gastric ulcers (diffuse or localized hemorrhagic lesions), kept in free paddocks for eight months, revealed that 90% had no signs of bruxism, sialorrhea, decrease in appetite, rough hair-coat, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, colic or any other sign of gastrointestinal tract involvement. Studies have shown that foals may also develop gastric ulcers without apparent clinical manifestation (Murray et al, 1987;Marqués, 2007); thus, silent gastric ulceration is a common condition in these animals (Andrews & Nadeau, 1999). Léveillé et al (1996) also reported a lack of clinical signs in three foals aged from 7 to 10 days that were given phenylbutazone 5 mg/kg bwt orally every 12 h during 7 days.…”

“…Abdominal pain, weight loss, and loss of performance may be seen. On the other hand, asymptomatic cases (Murray et al, 1987, MacAllister et al, 1992MacAllister & Sangiab, 1993;Andrews & Nadeau, 1999;Murray & Pipers, 2001;Murray, 2002) diagnosed by gastroscopy have been described. Reports have shown a poor correlation between ulcer severity and clinical signs (Murray et al, 1987;MacAllister & Sangiab, 1993;Murray, 2002;Marqués, 2007;le Jeune et al, 2009); thus, animals with deeper lesions may have relatively mild signs, while others presenting with more significant abdominal discomfort may have only superficial erosions (Murray, 2002).…”

Efficacy of the Administration of a Natural Feed Supplement in the Management of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome in 7 Sport Horses: A Field Trial

“…EGUS has a negative impact on horse's health and performance. The most common clinical sings are weight loss (Murray et al, 1989;Dionne et al, 2003), poor performance and gastrointestinal symptoms (Andrews and Nadeau, 1999;Dionne et al, 2003). EGUS treatment aims to promote ulcers healing, eliminate clinical signs and prevent the onset of recurrences (Buchanan and Andrews, 2003).…”