Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is a common cause of mild to moderate colic, and is more prevalent than had been appreciated. In racehorses, the prevalence is as high as 90%. In other performance horses, prevalence ranges from 40-60%. In foals, prevalence is approximately 25%, and probably higher in those being hospitalized for other reasons.<!-- Murray's work would be a good source...don't have it here right now -->
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[[Gastric Ulceration - Horse|Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS)]] is a common cause of mild to moderate colic.
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In adult horses, ulceration commonly occurs in the non-glandular portion of the stomach, unlike in humans, where [[peptic ulcers]] are far more common. While the bacterium ''Helicobacter pylori'' is a common cause of ulcers in humans, equine gastric ulcers are not typically infectious in origin. It is thought that EGUS is often stress-related, such as after travelling or confinement, and gastric ulceration is a known potential side-effect of treatment with [[non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs|non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs]]. A diet consisting of a high proportion of concentrates is also considered a risk factor. In affected horses, pain is often associated with eating, and the horse typically takes one or two bites of food, then no more. A definitive diagnosis requires [[endoscopy]]. Treatment is usually effected using [[H2 antagonist|H<sub>2</sub> receptor antagonists]], such as [[Cimetidine]], or [[proton pump inhibitors]], such as [[Omeprazole]].