Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (Eggd)

Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD) is the term given to describe ulcers that have been specifically diagnosed within the glandular (lower) region of the stomach.

The severity of ulcers identified in the squamous region are graded on a score of between 1-4, with 4 being the most severe. By contrast, ulcers in the glandular region are classified by descriptors. These include the location in the stomach, the severity and spread, how raised they are and whether there is any bleeding observed.

Clinical signs include but are not limited to :

• Poor performance
• Weight loss / reduced appetite
• Changes in behaviour (including increased anxiety or aggression)
• Reluctance to move forward
• Irritability towards being tacked up or groomed.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for ulcers in the squamous region of the stomach is much more established, as the unprotected mucosal lining is prone to ‘acid splash,’ injuries. However, the glandular region is designed to withstand prolonged exposure to stomach acid, and so causes for lesions in this region have not yet been fully established and research into EGGD is ongoing.

Breed: One significant risk factor that has been established is that when compared to Thoroughbred horses, glandular lesions were found to be much more prevalent in Warmblood horses. Warmblood horses who had been diagnosed with severe lesions also had a much higher cortisol response when presented with a novel object, suggesting that their sensitivity to stress is higher than other breeds.

Number of handlers: The above theory was further built upon when investigating the amount of grooms or riders that were in contact with the horse. It was found that horses with 4 or more handlers have an increased likelihood of developing glandular ulcers. Horses have long been recognised as animals who thrive on routine, and so the increased numbers of grooms and riders have further been linked to higher scores in emotionality axes or stress response.

Number of days exercised: A further study has found that horses who exercise for 5 or more days were 10.4 times more likely to develop ulcers in the glandular region than in the squamous region. Exercise for more than 6 days per week specifically in warmblood showjumpers was found to similarly increase the risk by 4.6 times. However, more experienced showjumpers had a lower cortisol response. The effect of experience was also established in polo ponies, with the risk of EGGD increasing for every year less experience in playing polo. Possible theories for this have included the amount of physiological stress placed upon the horse particularly during the early stages of training, as well as the impact on gastric blood supply.

Whilst the causes for EGGD require further research, preliminary findings suggest that addressing exercise and potential causes of stress may decrease the likelihood of EGGD.

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