GASTRIC-ULCERS IN ADULT HORSES

Gastric ulceration is a prevalent disorder in foals and adult horses. The economic and health effects of ulcers differ between foals and horses. Although ulcers are potentially more devastating in foals, the overall economic impact in adults is greater. The primary considerations of equine practitioners with regard to gastric ulceration in adult horses are horses at risk, potential causes of ulcers, clinical signs, diagnosis, cost-effective treatment options, and prevention. Most ulcers in adult horses occur in the squamous epithelial mucosal lining. Every horse probably develops ulceration at some time; however, the presence of a lesion does not always indicate a clinical problem. The pathogenesis, treatment, and prevention of ulcers is specific for the squamous and glandular mucosal lining of the stomach. Ulceration of the squamous epithelial mucosa can be considered to result principally from excessive acidity, whereas ulceration of the glandular mucosa typically is primarily a consequence of diminished mucosal protection. Even when endoscopy is available, it is challenging to accurately match possible clinical signs with lesions that require treatment. Therapy that is initiated without the benefit of endoscopy should aim at suppressing gastric activity and increasing the likelihood of effective cure of ulcers.