Dan visited our clinic last week for Gastroscopy to investigate suspected gastric ulceration.  A diagnosis of gastric ulcers explains Dan's reduced performance in weeks, and now we have started treatment he will hopefully be back to his winning ways very soon!  
 
Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) describes the erosion of the horse’s stomach lining due to prolonged or excessive exposure to acid produced by the stomach. Any horse can suffer from gastric ulceration, from elite performance horses to pleasure horses and ponies.
 
Signs of gastric ulcers are variable and range from a change in temperament, or reduced performance to weight loss, poor coat condition and colic.
 
Gastroscopy is a vital part of diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Under sedation, a flexible camera is passed into the horses stomach to examine the stomach lining. 
 
If you are concerned that your horse may be suffering from gastric ulcers, please contact the surgery to discuss your concerns with one of the equine team.  In the meatime, we have a Fact sheet if you would like to read more about it - Gastric Ulcers.