Equine glandular gastric disease: prevalence, impact and management strategies

Abstract

Heidi E Banse, Frank M AndrewsEquine Health Studies Program, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge LA, USAAbstract: Equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD) is an increasingly recognized disease of the glandular mucosa of the equine stomach. Diagnosis is confirmed by gastric endoscopy and scored based upon one of several different endoscopic scoring systems. Prevalence appears to be variable, depending upon breed and discipline. Primary identified risk factors include exercise frequency, and stress; therefore, management strategies are focused on reducing exercise and stress. Limiting grain intake and increasing pasture turnout may also be helpful preventative measures. Pharmacologic treatment consists primarily of an approved omeprazole product with or without misoprostol or sucralfate. Further research into the pathophysiology of EGGD may allow for identification of other targeted treatments.Keywords: gastric ulcer, inflammation, exercise, stress, omeprazole, misoprostol

Keywords

• Gastric ulcer
• inflammation
• exercise
• stress
• omeprazole
• misoprostol