Prevalence and risk factors of equine gastric ulcer syndrome at a single sport horse facility

Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is a common disease that impacts horse welfare. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of gastric ulcers of the squamous and glandular portions, and simultaneous presentation and to determine their risk factors in sport horses at an equestrian complex in Colombia. These 50 horses showed that 23 (46%) had gastric ulcer (GU) in any of the stomach portions, 15 (30%) had Equine Squamous Gastric Disease (ESGD), 17 (34%) had Equine Gastric Glandular Disease (EGGD) and 9 (18%) presented ESGD and EGGD. In the affected horses, 26.09% presented ESGD, 34.78% EGGD and 39.13% ESGD and EGGD simultaneously. A significant association was found between GU in any portion with: breed (OR = 2.36, CI = 1.116-3.262), colic event during last year (OR = 2.516, CI = 1.63-10.042), previous diagnosis of GU (OR = 2.476, CI = 1.21-29.227) and with not being stabled (OR = 5.479 CI = 2.566-52.969). The study also showed an association between EGGD with concentrate consumption at < 2 kg/meal (OR = 2.095, CI = 1.599-7.333), having < 2 hours of grazing daily (OR = 4.636, CI = 1.684-31.435) and not being stabled (OR = 5.032, CI = 1.004-21.405). There was also a significant association between GU in both portions and previous diagnosis of GU (OR = 2.438, CI = 2.196-30.337). The presentation of the disease between the different stomach portions was significantly associated (p < 0.05). The results showed a significant prevalence of EGUS (46%) in the horses at the equestrian complex and it helped determine several associated risk factors.