Gastric ulcer development in horses in a simulated show or training environment.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether conditions representing activities that are typical in the recreational use of horses, including transport to and from show grounds, stall confinement in unfamiliar surroundings, and light exercise, are associated with increased incidence of gastric ulcers in horses.


METHODS
Randomized controlled study.


METHODS
20 client-owned horses.


METHODS
Horses had no gastric ulcers as determined by endoscopic examination on study day -1. Ten control horses were maintained on-site with no changes in management variables. Ten horses were transported via trailer for 4 hours on day 0 to another site, placed in individual stalls, fed twice daily, and exercised twice daily for 3 days. On day 4, they were transported back to the original site via trailer for 4 hours. On day 5, endoscopic examinations were performed on all horses to assess gastric mucosa status.


RESULTS
Horses that were transported and housed off-site had a significantly higher incidence of hyperkeratosis and reddening of the gastric mucosa than control horses. Two control horses and 7 transported horses developed gastric ulcers by day 5. Ulcer scores of transported horses increased significantly from day -1, whereas ulcer scores in control horses did not change significantly from day -1.


CONCLUSIONS
Activities that are typical in recreational use of horses were ulcerogenic, and ulcers in the gastric squamous mucosa can develop under these conditions within 6 days.
McClure
Scott R
SR
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
Carithers
Douglas S
DS
Gross
Sheila J
SJ
Murray
Michael J
MJ
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006736:Horses; D006799:Housing, Animal; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D013276:Stomach Ulcer / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary*; D014186:Transportation