Gastric Ulcers in Standardbred Racehorses: Prevalence, Lesion Description, and Risk Factors

Abstract

This study was performed to estimate the prevalence of gastric ulcers in Standardbred racehorses, to describe the lesion score and location, and to identify potential risk factors. Two hundred seventy-five (275) Standardbred horses from 5 training centers and 2 racetracks in Quebec, Canada, were studied. Historical data for the 2 months before examination were recorded for each horse, and the presence of gastric ulcers was determined by gastroscopy. A previously reported scoring system that used grades 0-3 for gastric lesions was used. Overall, 121 horses (44.0%; 95% CI, 38.1-50.1%) had gastric ulcers. The prevalence of gastric ulcers was significantly higher (P < .0001) in actively racing horses (63.3%; 95% CI, 54.7-71.2%) than in horses at rest. Multivariate analysis defined that horses in racing (OR = 9.29; 95% CI, 3.55-24.3) were significantly more likely to have gastric ulcers than horses at rest and that trotters (OR = 2.23; 95% CI, 1.28-3.86) were more likely to have gastric ulcers than pacers. The number of lesion sites (P < .0001) and poor body condition (P < .0001) were significantly associated with lesion scores. Gastric ulcers are highly prevalent in Standardbred racehorses. Furthermore, actively racing horses and trotters are more likely to have gastric ulcers. Also, poor body condition in Standardbred racehorses may be an indication that gastric ulcers are present and that lesion scores are high. The cause-and-effect relationship between poor body condition and the presence of gastric ulcers is unclear.

Assessment of Gastric Ulceration and Gastrin Response in Horses with History of Crib-Biting

“…In mature horses, gastric ulcers occur primarily in the squamous mucosa adjacent to the margo plicatus [24] and the area bordering the margo plicatus is frequently exposed to high acidity [14]. Damage to the gastric mucosa has been associated with bruxism and behavioral signs of colic [25].…”

Peptic Ulcer and Exercise

“…One French study found that, outside of the main racing season, 48 % of high-level endurance racehorses had gastric ulcers, and 93 % were affected at times of the year when the animals were competing frequently [7]. Other investigations in New Zealand, North America and Sweden have noted a similar high prevalence of peptic ulcers among racehorses [8][9][10][11][12]. Ulcers seem somewhat more frequent in trotters than in pacers [13] and, although the number of lesions decreases during detraining [14], a substantial prevalence remains [15], with an adverse effect on maximal oxygen consumption and other aspects of the animal's physical performance [16].…”

The impact of colic on the emergence of equine gastric ulcers (EGUS) in hospitalized horses

“…On day 4 intact gastric mucosa was found in only 7 % (n = 2), while 53 % showed gastric lesions of type I and II in the (Vatistas et al 1994, Hammond et al 1996. Dabei ist die Prävalenz bei Renn-und Sportpferden (Dörges et al 1995und Deegen et al 1992) sowie bei Fohlen besonders hoch (Lundberg et al 1996, Begg und O'Sullivan 2003, Dionne et al 2003, Roy et al 2005, Johnsson und Egenvall 2006. Diese Zahlen zeigen die Notwendigkeit, sich mit dieser Erkrankung genauer auseinanderzusetzen, um die Pathogenese von Magenschleimhautläsionen besser verstehen zu können.…”