HORSES · Condition guide
Gastric ulcers in horses: what real veterinary cases show
Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) refers to the development of ulcers in the stomach lining of horses. These ulcers can occur in both the squamous and glandular regions of the stomach and are often caused by stress, diet, or prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Gastric ulcers are quite common in horses, especially those in training or competition.
Owners typically notice signs such as poor appetite, weight loss, and changes in behavior, like irritability or discomfort after eating. Early detection is crucial because untreated ulcers can lead to more serious health issues and significantly affect a horse's performance and well-being.
What vets typically check for
- Perform a gastroscopy to visually confirm the presence of ulcers.
- Evaluate the horse's diet and management practices for contributing factors.
- Consider blood tests to rule out other potential causes of symptoms.
- Assess the severity and location of the ulcers to guide treatment.
- Initiate treatment with medications like omeprazole to reduce stomach acid and promote healing.
Not a replacement for veterinary care. Use this to walk into the conversation prepared, not to self-diagnose.
Real cases from the veterinary literature
Peer-reviewed reports our semantic search surfaces for Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS). Click into any case for the full abstract — or run a personalised search with your pet's exact details.
- Successful nutritional management of a warmblood horse with multiple pathologies that respond to nutrition.
Journal of equine veterinary science · 2026 · Spain
An 18-year-old warmblood horse was brought in for severe weight loss, muscle wasting, and other serious health issues like gastric ulcers and kidney stones. The horse's diet was lacking essential nutrients and was too high in sugars and starches. A new, balanced diet rich in energy and protein was recommended, along with medical treatment, but financial issues and caregiver com
- Caudal esophageal achalasia in a Quarter Horse colt.
Journal of veterinary internal medicine · 2026 · United States
A 4-month-old Quarter Horse colt was having trouble growing, experienced repeated bouts of colic (abdominal pain), and developed aspiration pneumonia, which is a lung infection caused by inhaling food or liquid. Tests using a special imaging technique showed that the colt had a problem with how his esophagus was working, which is known as achalasia (a condition where the esopha
- Suspected marsh mallow (Malva parviflora) toxicosis in ponies-Case cluster including an asymptomatic survivor.
Australian veterinary journal · 2025 · Australia
A group of ponies grazing on a pasture filled with marsh mallow plants (Malva parviflora) showed signs of poisoning, with one pony dying quickly and another needing to be euthanized due to severe muscle damage. Two other ponies appeared healthy despite having some abnormal blood test results. This suggests that while marsh mallow toxicosis can be serious, some ponies may surviv
- Computed tomography and nephrotomy in a Warmblood stallion with bilateral nephrolithiasis.
Journal of equine veterinary science · 2025 · Germany
A Warmblood stallion weighing 460 kg was brought in because he was losing weight and had high levels of calcium and waste products in his blood. An ultrasound showed bright spots in both kidneys, and a solid mass was found during a rectal exam on the left side. To get a clearer picture, veterinarians used a CT scan, which helped them see the size and location of the kidney ston
- hepatitis in a horse: case report and literature review.
Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc · 2025 · United States
A 3-year-old male horse, known as a gelding, developed severe liver disease caused by a specific type of bacteria. Over the course of a week, he lost weight and became weak before he could no longer stand and sadly passed away. When examined, his liver showed signs of damage, and there were unusual changes in his intestines as well. Tests confirmed the presence of the bacteria
- Policresulen is effective for the topical treatment of vaginal varices in a pregnant mare: Case report.
Journal of equine veterinary science · 2025 · Brazil
A 9-year-old Brazilian Sport Horse mare was brought in for intermittent vaginal bleeding during her pregnancy. After a thorough examination, veterinarians used a special camera to find varicose veins in her vaginal area. They treated the condition with a chemical solution called Policresulen, which helped stop the bleeding effectively and was well tolerated by the mare. Within
Frequently asked questions
- What causes gastric ulcers in horses?
- Gastric ulcers in horses are often caused by stress, high-grain diets, irregular feeding schedules, and prolonged NSAID use. These factors increase stomach acid production, leading to ulcer formation.
- How are gastric ulcers diagnosed?
- Gastric ulcers are diagnosed through a procedure called gastroscopy, where a camera is used to visually inspect the stomach lining for ulcers. This is the most accurate method for diagnosis.
- What is the treatment for gastric ulcers in horses?
- Treatment typically involves medications like omeprazole to reduce stomach acid, along with dietary and management changes to prevent recurrence. Recovery can take several weeks depending on ulcer severity.