The analysis of scientific literature and different studies of recent years concerning diseases of the stomach in horses has been conducted in the article. The analysis of literature data indicates that the Equine gastric ulcer syndrome is a common disease especially among racehorses. This term is a condition in horses, characterized by ulcers in the terminal esophagus; proximal (squamous) stomach; distal (glandular) stomach; and proximal duodenum. The anatomy and physiology of the stomach, with particular reference to secretion of acid and mucosal protective mechanisms, are reviewed as well as the differing theories relating to the aetiopathogenesis of gastric ulceration. The prevalence of the disease in racehorses has been reported from 60 to 90%. In general, horses that are in active training for racing tend to have a prevalence of around 90%, whereas horses for pleasure in full work have a reported prevalence of approximately 60%. The recent years data indicate the influence of microorganism Helicobacter genus on ulceration in equine stomach, a new specific species of H. Equorum was identified by the PCR assay in horse faeces, but the relationship between different species of Helicobacter and stomach ulcers remains controversial. Recently, nutritional and dietary management factors, the features of the anatomical structure of the stomach, dental problems, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs etc. have been identified to play an important role in gastric ulceration in horses. Clinical signs of EGUS are not always noticeable. Depending on the degree of damage, сlinical signs in horses with EGUS include: acute and recurrent colic, poor body condition, partial anorexia, poor appetite, poor performance and attitude changes, diarrhea,, the disease is accompanied by weight loss, loss of appetite and decreased ability to work. This disease affects the physical condition of horses, slows the growth and development of foals. The introduction of new diagnostic tests and methods in veterinary practice, including gastroscopy, allows to diagnose ulcers on early stages, investigate and explore the causes of EGUS. The diagnosis requires a thorough treatment history, physical examination, and a minimum database. Identifying risk factors and clinical signs are also helpful in making a diagnosis. However, gastroscopy is the only definitive diagnosis for gastric ulcers currently available. in more detail. The article presents a 0‒5 gastric ulcer scoring system to determine a lesion prevelence.
Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is characterized by ulceration in the terminal esophagus, proximal (squamous) stomach, distal (glandular) stomach, and proximal duodenum. It is a common disease in all breeds and ages of horses and foals. Risk factors for EGUS include stress, transport high-energy feed confinement in stalls, intermittent feed, and intense exercise and racing. Horses are very sensitive to any environmental change, which is cause of high prevalence of gastric ulcers especially in racing horses. Taking into consideration of high prevalence of EGUS, our research work was based on pathomorfological and gross evaluation of gastric mucosa in different breeds of horses. Assessment of the severity of lesions is most commonly achieved by assigning a grade that describes the mucosal appearance at different anatomic sites. A variety of different systems have been published for the horses. 10 stomachs were removed from a mixed population post mortem. In our study pathological classification of lesion type was evaluated by two different scoring system, with scales ranging from 0–4. Samples from areas with lesion were taken for histopathology evaluation. EGUS was confirmed on stomachs of six horses. Lesions with different score mostly localized on squamous region near margo plicatus. Changes on squamous mucosa was confirmed on stomach of four horses as well as glandular region two horses. According to score systems mentioned in publication changes on gastric mucosa was measured up 1, 2, 3 score and were characterized as hyperceratosis, erosions and deeper lesion involving the mucosa, extending to the submucosa layer and hyperemia of glandular mucosa. The results of pathomorphological examination of the condition of the wall of the gastric mucosa and histological changes, the effectiveness of the submitted classification systems was established.
Gastric ulcers or equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is a common pathology in horses of different breeds. The objective of our research work was to investigate and determine the prevalence and severity of equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) in population of n = 28 riding horses with periods of physical activity and training intensity. Two breeds were presented in this study: English Thoroughbred (n = 15) and Ukrainian riding horse (n = 13). Horses were two age groups 3–7 and 8–16 years, including 17 mares and 11 geldings. Gastric endoscopy was performed as a diagnostic tool using a 3m video endoscope. Mucosal defects was evaluated using grading system proposed by (Equine Gastric Ulcer Council 0–4 grading system) ranging from 0 (normal mucosa with no lesions) to 4 (diffuse ulceration of mucosa with deep lesions). The study was conducted in two periods. Each period is related to different workload with mixed intensity in exercise during training program. The results of gastroscopic examination of the stomach indicate the prevalence of EGUS in 35.7 % during the first stage in horses with mild training. The severity of mucosal defect during this period which were related to grade 1 was shown in 10.7 % of horses, 2 – 21.4 %, 3 – 10.7 % and 4 – 0 %. Difference in results was found in the presence and severity of gastric ulcers between two periods in this study. During period of intermediate training the prevalence of EGUS was 46.4 % with severity of mucosal defect grade 1 presented in 14.2 % of affected horses, 2 – 28.5 %, 3 – 14.2 % and 4 – 3.5 %. Ulcerations on squamous gastric mucosa was diagnosed more often during each period (35.7 – 50 %) compare to glandular (7.1 – 10.7 %). The study confirms association between training intensity and gastric ulceration in two breed of horses. The prevalence and severity is dependent of the training intensity.
Gastric ulcer syndrome most often appears in horses as erosions and ulcers of the squamous gastric mucosa. It is believed that gastric ulcers of various etiologies are determined by the amount of gastric acidity regulated by the secretion of hydrochloric acid (HCL). At the same time, the squamous portion of the stomach is the most sensitive to HCL. When ulcers appear, medical treatment is effective. This medicine includes gastric acid suppressor drugs like “Omeprazole”. The mechanism of action whose final stage is to inhibit HCL secretion at the cellular level. Today the importance of antisecretory therapy is well known in treating gastroesophageal reflux and peptic ulcer diseases in humans. However, the acid-suppressive effect of “Omeprazole” in horses with gastric ulcers requires further research. This study aimed to determine the therapeutic efficacy and acid-suppressive effect of the proton pump inhibitor “Omeprazole” in doses of 2 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg. For this purpose, n = 14 horses were selected for the research with the equine gastric squamous disease of various degrees. Gastric squamous portion were observed by gastroscopy procedure and presented with mild lesions in selected horses. Diagnosis of lesions and determination of therapeutic efficacy of the drug was carried out based on gastroscopy results. The drug was administered per os for 21 days. The intragastric pH value determined the acid-supressive effect of the drug. Collection of the samples was conducted on the 1st, 5th, 10th, and 21st day of the medical therapy. Before “Omeprazole” was administrated, the basal pH level was 3.45 ± 0.23. After the first dose of the “Omeprazole” was administered at 4 mg/kg the average pH value was 5.25 ± 0.34. At the same time, the “Omeprazole” at a dose of 2 mg/kg provides intragastric pH 4.41 ± 0.33. The therapeutic efficacy of “Omeprazole” is closely related to the intragastric pH of the horses. The “Omeprazole” at a dose of 4mg/kg is highly effective in treating squamous lesions grade 2, 3. However, the duration of therapy for 21 days may not be sufficient to achieve complete healing of the affected tissues. Administration of the “Omeprazole” at a dose of 2 mg/kg is effective in treating small or multifocal lesions and hyperemia of the squamous mucosa.
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