Poor performance associated with Equine Gastric Ulceration Syndrome in four Thoroughbred racehorses

Abstract

<jats:title>Summary</jats:title><jats:p>Equine gastric ulceration syndrome (EGUS) is commonly recognised in Thoroughbred racehorses. Although EGUS has previously been associated with reduced athletic performance, no objective studies have been reported.</jats:p><jats:p>This case report describes 4 racehorses referred for investigation of poor athletic performance where EGUS was the only abnormal finding during a thorough investigation of all body systems. All horses showed considerable improvement in performance following treatment with omeprazole. Therefore, this is the first report in which evidence is presented suggesting a direct link between EGUS and decreased performance, other causes of poor performance having been excluded.</jats:p>