Effects of a dietary supplement to treat equine gastric ulcer syndrome

Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) affects the entire equine industry from recreational horses to high level competitive animals. The pain and discomfort caused by EGUS can lead to a decline in health and performance. This study evaluated the effect of a dietary supplement on the treatment of EGUS. It was hypothesized that horses with ulcers fed the supplement would have a reduction in the number and severity of those ulcers after treatment. Gastroscopy was performed on university riding horses of mixed breeds at two locations, and ulcers were evaluated using two systems. Horses scoring a 1 or greater on either system were included in the study (Location A, n=16; Location B, n=15). Two horses with a 0 lesion score were also included at Location A as a negative control. Horses were fed the supplement for 44 days; 14 days for adaptation and 30 days for treatment. During the adaption period the horses were fed the supplement in addition to their regular diet. All horses were subjected to gastroscopy again at the end of the 30-day trial to evaluate changes in lesion scores. Of the two control horses at Location A, both showed an increase in lesion number and severity. Treatment horses at Location A had a statistically significant reduction in the number of ulcers (p=.03) while horses at Location B had a statistically significant reduction in the severity of lesions (p=.01). Differences in management at the two locations may have impacted treatment results. More horses at Location A had access to pasture turnout as compared to Location B. Stall confinement has been shown to increase the incidence of lesions. Greater pasture turnout may have resulted in lower lesion severity scores at Location A. Overall, the supplement had a positive effect on lesion number or severity at both locations. These results support the use of this dietary supplement in the treatment of ulcers.