Stomach ulcers are often associated with stress, but they can also be caused by a variety of factors, including diet and medications. For horses, Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is a common condition that is often diagnosed without its true cause ever being known.
Between 50-90% of horses will experience this condition at some point in their lifetime, according to Dr. Amanda Trimble, a clinical assistant professor of equine internal medicine at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.
“The prevalence of EGUS varies with breed and activity level, with gastric ulcers most commonly seen in high-level performance horses and racehorses, as well as individuals and breeds that tend to be a bit more high-strung, such as Thoroughbreds or young fillies,” Trimble said. “However, gastric ulcers can occur in any horse, even those living out on pasture full-time and not being ridden.”