From 2008 through 2010, Merial hosted gastroscopy events across the country as part of a study on gastric ulcers and the recently released results indicate that stomach ulcers are a threat to horses of all breeds and disciplines. Veterinarians scoped 3,354 horses, and more than 58% of them identified with some grade of stomach ulcer. In 2010 alone, 644 horses of varying disciplines from 30 states had some ulceration as identified by gastroscopy.

The results of the study revealed that:

• 328 horses (28%) had Grade 1 ulcers (mild ulcers with small lesions or damaged tissue);

• 232 horses (20%) had Grade 2 ulcers (moderate ulcers with large lesions); and

• 84 horses (7%) had Grade 3 ulcers (extensive lesions with deep ulceration and bleeding).

The results also indicate that:

• 74% of participating racehorses were affected;

• 60% of participating hunter/jumper horses were affected; and

• 55% of participating dressage horses were affected.

"Equine stomach ulcers, also called equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS), create a painful condition that can reduce your horse's performance and can lead to colic, weight loss, or loss of condition," says April Knudson, DVM, equine specialist for Merial's Large Animal Veterinary Services. "And wherever there is stress, there can be stomach ulcers. …. Transporting a horse, increased stall time, limited turnout, training, and competition can all contribute to EGUS. More surprising, a horse can develop stomach ulcers in as few as five days