Equine Research EGUS

The benefits of Aquacid for Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS)

Over 50% of all horses and 80% of performance and race horses are thought to suffer from EGUS
at some point. EGUS is caused by the over production of acid in the stomach causing erosion of
the stomach lining. It can occur due to dietary factors, prolonged periods without feed, feeding of
high concentrate diets, intensive exercise, and physical and psychological stresses. Symptoms
include irritability, reduced performance, poor condition and an increased incidence of colic.

Grade 0
Healthy, non-ulcerated
stomach lining

Grade 1
Mild ulcers, small lesions
(damaged tissue)

Grade 2
Moderate ulcers,
large lesions

Grade 3
Extensive lesions with deep
ulceration and bleeding

Experimental design:

60 horses from 2 racing & 1 competition yard were endoscoped to select 20 horses with Grade
2 ulceration for the trial. Grade 3 horses were excluded on medical grounds.

The horses were randomly assigned to 2 groups (Control & Aquacid) and continued their
normal routine for 4 weeks before further endoscopy.

Diets were a range of racing cubes & performance mixes i.e. high starch & energy with hay ad
libitum. All horses were in training with heavy exercise.

Results:
The squamous score results are shown
in table on right.
There was little change in the scores of
control horses over 4 weeks.
There was significant change in the
scores of the Aquacid treated horses.
2 horses failed to complete the study.

Horse Group
Start End
1 Control
2
2 Control
2
3 Control
2 2&3
4 Control
2 2&3
5 Control
2
6 Control
2
7 Control 1&2
8 Control
2
9 Control
2
10 Repossessed

Horse Group
Start End
2
11 Treated
2
2
12 Treated
2
13 Treated
2
14 Treated
2
2
15 Treated
2
2
16 Treated
2
1
17 Treated
2
2
18 Treated
2
2
19 Treated 1&2
20 Broken leg

0
0
0
0
2
1
0
0
0