Squamous gastric ulceration complicated by gastric stenosis in a foal

Abstract

Summary A 2‐month‐old Warmblood colt presented with recurrent colic and regurgitation. Gastroscopy, performed on several occasions, and barium‐contrast radiography revealed severe squamous gastric ulceration and stenosis at the level of the margo plicatus. Treatment with omeprazole reduced the extent and severity of the gastric ulcers but did not affect the stenosis. The foal was euthanised because of a poor prognosis, and post‐mortem examination confirmed the clinical diagnosis. Severe squamous gastric ulceration, granulation tissue formation and cicatrisation of deep gastric lesions were considered to have caused the stenosis. Gastroduodenal outflow obstruction is a recognised disorder in foals, but stenosis at the level of the margo plicatus has not been reported in foals or adult horses. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of severe squamous gastric ulceration, complicated by stenosis at the level of the margo plicatus, in a foal. Although rare, gastric stenosis should be considered in foals suffering recurrent colic and regurgitation.

Equine Squamous Gastric Disease: Prevalence, Impact and Management

“… 24 Strictures can form as a sequel to ESGD, although this is rarely reported in the squamous portion of the stomach. 25 Glandular metaplasia is sometimes seen in horses and should not be mistaken for ulceration. Glandular metaplasia is characterised by the development of islands of glandular mucosa that are interspersed within the stratified squamous epithelium along the margo plicatus , particularly in the region of the cardia.…”

Equine squamous gastric disease and delayed gastric emptying – the chicken or the egg?

“…The case report by Witt et al. (2022) in this issue of Equine Veterinary Education describes delayed gastric emptying in a foal secondary to squamous gastric disease. This case is interesting because it illustrates an unusual complication of primary squamous gastric disease that resulted in delayed gastric emptying rather than being a consequence of it.…”