Managing glandular gastric disease in horses

Abstract

Background: Equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD) is an erosive disease of the glandular mucosa of the stomach, which is increasingly recognised as a potential cause of poor performance, girthing pain and behavioural changes in sport horses. Unfortunately, the cause of EGGD has not yet been identified, and thus targeted treatment is not possible. Therefore, current recommendations for treatment and prevention are based on acid suppression and management strategies aimed at mitigating known risk factors.Aim of the article: This article summarises what we currently know about EGGD and outlines how we can use this information to manage the disease more effectively.