Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome   

What is Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS)? 

EGUS is the terminology used to describe the syndrome of gastric ulceration in horses. Common factors that can predispose a horse to being at risk of gastric ulceration include breed, management factors such as diet and feeding regimes, and exercise requirements. 

Physiological and psychological stress, illness and some medications can also have a significant impact on risk of ulcer development. However, the syndrome is not yet fully understood and sometimes the triggering factors remain unknown.

Ulcer awareness and prevalence 

Sadly, gastric ulcers are much more common than you might think, and they can have a detrimental impact on the horse's performance, temperament, and welfare. Fortunately, with advances in research into equine gastric disease and modern diagnostic techniques, conditions such as equine gastric ulceration syndrome can be managed and treated effectively.  

Understanding EGUS

Learn more about EGUS, the causes, signs; treatment options, and how to control the disease.  

Causes of EGUS?

The syndrome is not yet fully understood and sometimes the triggering factors remain unknown.

In adult horses, the following may cause EGUS: 

  • Restricted feed intake, especially roughage

  • Periods of starvation

  • High grain diets

  • Ridden exercise

  • Stress

  • Types of medication

  • Causes may also be unknown

In foals, causes of gastric ulceration can include:

  • Physiological stress

  • Other bowel diseases e.g. diarrhoea

  • Infrequent nursing or feeding

  • Other illnesses e.g. infections such as pneumonia

  • Causes can also remain unknown

Stomach of a horse

Anatomy of the equine stomach

Interested in learning more?

Learn more about how to treat and manage EGUS by downloading our vet approved guide. 

References:

1Murray MJ, Schusser GRF, Pipers FS, Gross SJ. Factors associated with gastric lesions in thoroughbred racehorses. Equine Vet J 1996;28:368–374
2 Nieto JE, Snyder JR, Beldomenico P, et al. Prevalence of gastric ulcers in endurance horses – a preliminary report. Vet J. 2004;167:33–37
3 Niedźwiedź A, Kubiak K, Nicpoń J. Endoscopic findings of the stomach in pleasure horses in Poland. Acta Vet Scand. 2013;55(1):45. Published 2013 Jun 7. doi:10.1186/1751-0147-55-45
4 Andrews, F. (n.d.). Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome | AAEP. American Association of Equine Practitioners. Retrieved 5 April 2022, from aaep.org/horsehealth/equine-gastric-ulcer-syndrome