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Risk factors for equine glandular and squamous gastric disease in show jumping Warmbloods
Author(s) -
Pedersen S. K.,
Cribb A. E.,
Windeyer M. C.,
Read E. K.,
French D.,
Banse H. E.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
equine veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.82
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 2042-3306
pISSN - 0425-1644
DOI - 10.1111/evj.12949
Subject(s) - odds ratio , medicine , confidence interval , logistic regression , odds , horse , biology , paleontology
Summary Background Prevalence of, and risk factors for, equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) are well established. Limited data exists on risk factors for equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD). Objectives To identify management factors associated with EGGD in show jumping Warmbloods in training. A secondary objective was to identify management factors associated with ESGD. Study design Cross‐sectional. Methods Gastroscopies were performed in horses following a 12–16 h fast. Management questionnaires were collected for each horse. Risk factors were determined using multivariable logistic regression modelling. Results Eighty‐three horses were included in the final analysis. Exercising ≥6 days per week increased the odds of EGGD grade ≥1/4 (odds ratio [OR] = 3.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–10.7) compared to less frequent exercise. Currently showing increased the risk of EGGD grade ≥2/4 (OR = 10.2; 95% CI, 1.04–100), while competing at the international level decreased the odds of EGGD grade ≥2/4 (OR = 0.11; 95% CI, 0.01–0.97). Exercise intensity increased the odds of grade ≥1/4 ESGD (OR = 2.8; 95% CI, 1.03–7.8) and feeding beet pulp decreased odds (OR = 0.22; 95% CI, 0.07–0.7). Exercise intensity (OR = 3.8; 95% CI, 1.1–12.8) increased the likelihood of grade ≥2/4 ESGD and feeding beet pulp decreased the odds of grade ≥2/4 ESGD (OR = 0.1; 0.02–0.64) respectively. Main limitations This study used a convenience sample of horses within a relatively small (approximately 200 km) geographic radius. The sample size was relatively small, particularly within the international competition level group. Conclusions Training and feeding strategies and competition level appear to influence the occurrence of EGGD and ESGD. Prospective studies evaluating the impact of training frequency, duration, and intensity on gastric physiology may clarify the role of exercise in gastric disease.