Management factors and clinical implications of glandular and squamous gastric disease in horses

Abstract

BackgroundTo date, risk factors for equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD) have not been described in Thoroughbred racehorses.ObjectivesTo determine management factors associated with EGGD, identify clinical signs in affected horses, and compare these to equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD).AnimalsThe study was carried out on 109 Thoroughbred racehorses from 8 training yards (3 in the United Kingdom and 5 in Australia).MethodsGastroscopic examination alongside a questionnaire regarding management, feeding, exercise, and health.ResultsManagement factors and clinical signs were different for EGGD versus ESGD. Exercising ≥5 days per week was associated with a 10.4 times (95% CI [confidence interval]: 1.34‐26.9) increased risk of EGGD. Horses racing below expectation were 3.7 times (95% CI: 1.1‐16.7) more likely to have EGGD. Trainer was also identified as a risk factor for EGGD. Time in work ≤6 weeks was associated with a decreased risk of ESGD (odds ratio [OR] 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1‐0.99). Horses aggressive to humans were less likely to have ESGD (OR 0.12; 95% CI: 0.03‐0.54). Horses with stereotypies were more likely to have ESGD (OR 5.0; 95% CI: 1.6‐15.9).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe findings of our study further support the notion that EGGD should be considered as a distinct disease entity to ESGD. Exercising ≤4 days per week could reduce the risk of EGGD. Horses with EGGD are more likely to perform below expectation and, as such, EGGD might be performance limiting in some affected individuals. Stress minimization could reduce the risk of EGGD.

A study investigating the treatment of equine squamous gastric disease with long‐acting injectable or oral omeprazole

“…Horses with concurrent EGGD were over‐represented in the LAIO group. Although there is no known reason why the concurrence of EGGD would affect ESGD healing, understanding of EGGD is poor and delayed gastric emptying has been proposed as a mechanism by which EGGD might be related to ESGD (Sykes, Bowen, Butcher, Green, & Hallowell, ). Responses to treatment for EGGD in the same population of horses are discussed in a parallel study (S. Gough, unpublished data 2019).…”

An online survey investigating perceived prevalence and treatment options for stereotypic behaviours in horses and undesirable behaviours associated with handling and riding

“…It is noteworthy that 82% (40/49) of respondent veterinarians believed there were no medications available that could significantly improve stereotypic behaviours without causing sedation. This combined with the relatively high perceived prevalence of stereotypic behaviours, and the risks and de-valuation associated with these behaviours (McBride and Long 2001;Hillyer et al 2002;Archer et al 2004;Grenager et al 2010;Scantlebury et al 2011;Sykes et al 2019), suggests that further investigation into effective and humane pharmacological treatment is warranted.…”

“…Stereotypic behaviours are viewed as a welfare and management issue (Wickens and Heleski 2010;Sarrafchi and Blokhuis 2013) and have been linked to increased risk of health concerns (Hillyer et al 2002;Archer et al 2004;Scantlebury et al 2011Scantlebury et al , 2015Sarrafchi and Blokhuis 2013;Escalona et al 2014;Roberts et al 2017;Sykes et al 2019).…”

Inter‐observer variability of two grading systems for equine glandular gastric disease

“…2 Equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD) is now considered a separate entity to equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) with regard to risk factors, clinical signs, pathophysiology, treatment and prognosis. [3][4][5] The incomplete understanding of the pathophysiology of glandular disease makes sub-classification of lesions difficult and means that grading systems for squamous disease may not be accurate for EGGD. The current recommendation is to use descriptive terminology, which classifies lesions based on four categories; severity, distribution, shape and appearance.…”

“…Currently, no validated scoring system exists for EGGD, and recent published work has reverted to the original EGUS scale to group data and facilitate statistical analysis. 4,13,14 The main objectives of this study were (a) to determine inter-observer reliability of descriptive terminology and a verbal rating scale (VRS) for EGGD and (b) to assess if agreement improved with gastroscopy experience, specialist training or familiarity with the descriptive system. It was hypothesised that there would be poor agreement for both scales and that agreement would be better among experienced endoscopists, those with specialist training and those familiar with the descriptive system.…”