Equine Gastric Ulceration Syndrome (EGUS) is an important cause of poor performance in all types of horses.
Signs of gastric ulceration are very varied. Classically we see a reduction in appetite, slowed eating and weight loss, however these are not present in all cases. Behavioural changes including resistance to girthing and being ‘grumpy ‘ are also common.
Poor ridden performance is often the main reason for horses being presented for gastroscopy. In these cases a wide range of problems are seen such as bucking, napping and refusal to jump.
Gastroscopy is now common place in poor performance investigations.