Week 2 - Esophageal and Gastric Diseases of Horses (Burns)

Question 1

Motility disorders are uncommon in horses, but if you were to see it, what would be the most common disorder?

Answer 1

Megaesophagus
- Fresian horses overrepresented

Question 2

What is the most common esophageal disorder that you will see in horses?

Answer 2

‘Choke’ (Esophageal Obstruction)

Question 3

List the Clinical signs of Choke:

Answer 3

1. Dysphagia
2. Frequent attempts to swallow
3. Retching and odynophagia
4. Changes in neck posture
5. Coughing (aspiration pneumonia)
6. Ptyalism (too much saliva)
7. Profuse bilateral nasal discharge

Question 4

(T/F) Always assume that the airway has been contaminated with feed and saliva

Answer 4

True

Question 5

(T/F) Aspiration pneumonia is common post-choke

Answer 5

True

Question 6

List Uncommon Clinical signs of Choke:

Answer 6

1. Crepitus (subcutaneous emphysema) - guarded prognostic
2. Palpable/visible bulge or mass in the neck

Question 7

What is the best diagnosis for choke?

Answer 7

Pass a nasogastric tube

Question 8

Describe the structure and function of the stomach of a horse:

Answer 8

• Simple, monogastric Glandular and non-glandular (squamous) regions separated by margo plicatus
• Protein digestion

Question 9

(T/F) Horses are always secreting gastric acid

Answer 9

True

Question 10

What disease is the following describing?
- A very common disease that can be performance-limiting, not necessarily life-limiting

Answer 10

Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS)

Question 11

(T/F) Mucus is known to NOT be very rich in bicarbonate (alkaline)

Answer 11

False, mucus is rich in bicarbonate and helps neutralize acid

Question 12

List the risk factors for EGUS:

Answer 12

• Intense exercise
• High-concentrate feeding
• Low roughage feeding
• Meal feeding
• Stress*

Question 13

Definition:
Refers to lesions specifically affecting the squamous portion of the equine stomach, the upper third above the margo plicatus

Answer 13

Equine Squamous Gastric Disease (ESGD)
- most common

Question 14

Definition:
Refers to ulceration in the ventral glandular region of the horse’s stomach

Answer 14

Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD)
- Less common
- More painful

Question 15

What is the best treatment for gastric ulcers?

Answer 15

Omeprazole
- goal: to reduce acid production and raise the pH

Question 16

What is an uncommon cause of colic in horses?

Answer 16

Gastric Impaction