The stomach is relatively small (10% GIT) and its capacity is 8-16 litres. The equine stomach is rarely empty, retention time is short and expulsion into the [[Duodenum - Anatomy & Physiology|duodenum]] stops when feeding stops. Although fluid exits quickly, feed particles can be retained for more than 48 hours as digestion is initiated in the stomach. A 500kg horse can produce 30 litres of gastric juice in 24 hours. The strong '''cardiac sphincter''' allows movement of gas and fluid into the stomach, but not out of it. This prevents the animal from [[Vomiting|vomiting]]. Therefore, any disorder that results in aboral fluid movement from the small intestine results in fluid accumulation in the stomach (gastric reflux), dilation and eventually gastric rupture if left untreated. | The stomach is relatively small (10% GIT) and its capacity is 8-16 litres. The equine stomach is rarely empty, retention time is short and expulsion into the [[Duodenum - Anatomy & Physiology|duodenum]] stops when feeding stops. Although fluid exits quickly, feed particles can be retained for more than 48 hours as digestion is initiated in the stomach. A 500kg horse can produce 30 litres of gastric juice in 24 hours. The strong '''cardiac sphincter''' allows movement of gas and fluid into the stomach, but not out of it. This prevents the animal from [[Vomiting|vomiting]]. Therefore, any disorder that results in aboral fluid movement from the small intestine results in fluid accumulation in the stomach (gastric reflux), dilation and eventually gastric rupture if left untreated. |