Comparative endoscopic evaluation of normal and ulcerated gastric mucosae in Thoroughbred foals

Abstract

To contribute to early diagnosis and treatment of gastric ulcer of foals, we examined the gastric mucosa of healthy and affected foals using an endoscope. In healthy foals, the characteristic changes in the development of the squamous mucosa were seen mainly in the squamous mucosa, and maturation of the squamous mucosa in the greater curvature (GC-S) occurred more slowly than that of the squamous mucosa in the lesser curvature (LC-S). Epithelial desquamation in the LC-S and GC-S was observed between 6 and 90 days but was not observed in the LC-S at about 60 days, whereas it was observed in the GC-S until 90 days old. These findings suggest that there is a difference in the development of the gastric mucosa by region and that desquamation continues over a term longer than studies have reported in the past. In the affected foals, the minimum age at which gastric ulcer was observed was 4 days old. Gastric ulcers formed predominantly in the squamous mucosa (LC-S and GC-S) of foals with an immature mucosa before the weaning period, and the peak incidence occurred between 61 and 90 days old. The differences in the ulceration sites were considered to depend on the difference in the development (maturation) stage of the squamous mucosa. The grading score of the gastric ulcer increased with the growth of the affected foals. The gastric ulcer might be enhanced greatly by stress in the weaning period.

Diagnostic accuracy of blood sucrose as a screening test for equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) in weanling foals

“…When considering gastric permeability in the foal, changes in the gastric mucosal lining of the stomach (epithelial desquamation) that occurs in the first 6 months of life may alter epithelial permeability to sucrose when compared with adult horses [ 6 , 16 , 17 ]. In this study, the blood sucrose cut-off for discriminating between normal foals and foals with EGUS was approximately five times higher when compared with adult horses [ 15 ], suggesting that foals in this age group do in fact have increased gastric permeability, irrespective of their disease status.…”

“…When considering gastric permeability in the foal, changes in the gastric mucosal lining of the stomach that occur in the first 6 months of life may alter epithelial permeability to sucrose when compared with adult horses [ 6 , 16 , 17 ].…”

“…Sucrose permeability testing represents a simple, economical alternative to gastroscopy for screening purposes, and the diagnostic accuracy of a blood sucrose test in adult horses has been reported [ 15 ]. Although the test was neither sensitive nor specific for detecting EGUS in adult horses with naturally occurring ulcers, direct extrapolation of the performance characteristics of the test from adults to foals is not possible, as fundamental changes in the gastric mucosal lining of the stomach that occur in the first 6 months of life may significantly alter epithelial permeability to sucrose when compared with adult horses [ 6 , 16 , 17 ]. Furthermore, the clinical syndromes demonstrated by foals with EGUS are different to that of adult horses, suggesting potential differences in the underlying pathophysiology that may be reflected as altered permeability to sucrose [ 13 ].…”

Effect of Vegetable Oils Feed Additives on Endoparasites Associated with Dewormed Racing Horses

“…This is particularly recommended for horses with gastric problems and stomach ulcers. It possesses a protective effect on the mucosa of the digestive system, preventing food-induced irritation and supports peristaltic movements [30]. Likely due to these properties, linseed oil was listed among potentially anthelmintic natural substances applied to horses in the mid-20th century [17,18].…”