Prevalence of gastric ulcers in show horses.
OBJECTIVE
To determine prevalence and risk factors for gastric ulcers in show horses.


METHODS
Field survey.


METHODS
50 horses in active training that had been transported to at least 1 event in the 30 days prior to endoscopy.


METHODS
Interview of owner, physical examination, serum biochemical analysis, CBC, and gastric endoscopy were performed.


RESULTS
Gastric ulceration was detected in 58% of the horses. Horses with a nervous disposition were more likely to have ulceration than quiet or behaviorally normal horses. Horses with gastric ulceration had significantly lower RBC counts and hemoglobin concentrations than those without ulceration.


CONCLUSIONS
Show horses have a high prevalence of gastric ulceration. Lower RBC counts and hemoglobin concentrations may be the result of chronic gastric ulceration.
McClure
S R
SR
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906-1248, USA.
Glickman
L T
LT
Glickman
N W
NW
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D005773:Gastroscopy / Q000662:veterinary; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D006736:Horses; D008297:Male; D010805:Physical Conditioning, Animal; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D013276:Stomach Ulcer / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*