During August 2017, St Boniface Equine Vets have teamed up with XLVets Equine, Norbrook and MED Equus to bring you a Gastric Health Campaign.

EGUS (Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome) can affect horses of all types, from racehorses to leisure horses and even foals. Ulcers may be caused by a variety of factors, including psychological stress, medications and underlying disease. Diet, feeding and management may all have a significant impact on the horses digestive health.

Signs of EGUS in adult horses include:-

• Poor or reduced performance, including shorter stride length or a reluctance to jump, or resistance to leg aids
• Dull or depressed appearance
• Picky appetite, weight loss or failure to gain weight
• Resistance to girthing, or grumpiness when groomed.

These signs are not exclusively caused by EGUS, and an examination by a vet is always recommended to rule out any other causes.

If gastric ulcers are suspected, the best way to diagnose and asses the problem is to perform a gastroscopy. Under light sedation, a 3 meter long endoscope is passed up the horses nose and down into the stomach. The entire stomach can then be assessed and any ulcers recorded and graded.

Treatment is available to resolve and prevent recurrence of gastric ulcers, and is usually required for a number of weeks. Lifelong adjustments to feeding and management may be recommended to reduce the risk of ulcers recurring.

For more information on EGUS and gastroscopy, you are invited to join us for a client evening at 7pm on Thursday 10th August at the practice in Crediton.

If you suspect your horse is suffering from gastric ulcers, we are pleased to offer you a voucher for either £100 off the cost of gastroscopy, or your first week of treatment* FREE!

Vouchers will be available to collect on 10th August, and can be redeemed at our Gastroscopy Clinic on Tuesday 22nd August at our Equine Facility, Wolfgar Farm, Cheriton Bishop.

_{*Terms and conditions apply.  FREE treatment is a 7 syringe box of Peptizole.}

Call the practice today to book a place at the client evening or for more information about our Gastric Health Campaign 01363 772860.