Changes

===Diet===

===Diet===

'''Feed deprivation''' encourages gastric ulceration in two ways: (1) it removes the buffering capacity of protein leading to a reduced gastric pH (Murray and Schusser 1993) (2) it empties the stomach and exposes the squamous mucosa to the more mobile gastric juice.(Sandin 2000)  It is predictable, therefore, that an alternating feed-fast protocol produces a consistent model of ulcer induction in the equine squamous mucosa (36, 37, 66 in Sanchez).

'''Feed deprivation''' encourages gastric ulceration in two ways: (1) it removes the buffering capacity of protein leading to a reduced gastric pH (Murray and Schusser 1993) (2) it empties the stomach and exposes the squamous mucosa to the more mobile gastric juice.(Sandin 2000)  It is predictable, therefore, that an alternating feed-fast protocol produces a consistent model of ulcer induction in the equine squamous mucosa (36, 37, 66 in Sanchez). Despite this, feed deprivation is not a prerequisite for gastric ulceration in the horse(Vatistas 1998).  Diets that are plentiful in roughage prolong the mastication process and the production of salivary bicarbonate that protects the gastric mucosa.  A diet of '''high grain and low roughage''' thus predisposes to EGUS. (Nadeau 2009).  This sort of diet is commonly fed to racehorses but dietary components have also been shown to influence EGUS risk in nonracehorses<ref>Luthersson, N, Nielson, K.H, Harris, P, Parkin, T.D (2009) Risk factors associated with equine gastric ulceration syndrome (EGUS) in 201 horses in Denmark. ''Equine Vet J'', 41(7):625-30.</ref>  Ponies fed a '''concentrate diet''' had a greaer prevalence of gastric ulcers than ponies fed hay alone.(Vatisats 2 1999) '''High starch meals''' are also a risk because they are fermented to volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and lactic acid and are emptied from the stomach relatively slowly (Metayer et al. 2004)(Taharaguchi et al. 2004; Boswinkel et al. 2007)(Nadeau 2009)

Diets that are plentiful in roughage prolong the mastication process and the production of salivary bicarbonate that protects the gastric mucosa.  A diet of high grain and low roughage thus predisposes to EGUS. (Nadea 2009).  High starch meals are a risk because they are fermented to volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and lactic acid and are also emptied from the stomach relatively slowly (Metayer et al. 2004)(Taharaguchi et al. 2004; Boswinkel et al. 2007)(Nadeau 2009)

 

Equine Vet J. 2009 Sep;41(7):625-30.

Risk factors associated with equine gastric ulceration syndrome (EGUS) in 201 horses in Denmark.

Luthersson N, Nielsen KH, Harris P, Parkin TD.

Significant factors for the development of gastric ulceration included the feeding of concentrates (Vatistas 1998). In addition, withholding feed before exercise was a modifying factor that, although not causing gastric ulceration, may have decreased time of onset.(Vatistas 2 1999) Murray determined that alternately withholding feed for 24 h followed by feeding for 24 h induced ulceration of the squamous mucosa that appeared endoscopically similar to naturally occurring ulcers (Murray 1994). However, such a severe form of feed deprivation does not occur in horses in training, in which horses may be fasted for 4 h before training exercise, although the period of feed withdrawal may be longer prior to a race. The results of our study tend to support the concept from other studies that feed deprivation is not necessary for the development of gastric ulceration (Vatistas 1998). Evidence for the role grain is predominantly anecdotal, but there has been one study that demonstrated an increased prevalence of gastric ulceration in ponies fed a concentrate diet compared to ponies fed hay alone(Vatisats 2 1999)

It seems reasonable to suggest that any condition that influences food intake might contribute to the development of gastric ulcers in horses.(Sandin 2000)

In cannulated horses, Nadeau et al. (2000) showed that bromegrass hay produced significantly lower gastric pH and higher frequency of gastric ulcers than did alfalfa hay-grain. Deprivation of feed for repeated periods has also been shown to cause gastric ulcers (Murray 1994a). (Jonssen 2006)

===Other ailments===

===Other ailments===