Study into performance horse ulceration
More than 200 performance horses are currently taking part in an ulceration study at the University of Liverpool.
The research aims to improve understanding and knowledge of ulceration in performance horses and has been described as a "landmark project" by its leader.
Veterinary surgeon Richard Hepburn, who is conducting the study at the University of Liverpool for InnerVision, briefed the 21 participating equine practices at the project's launch event.
Thought to be the first study of its kind, Mr Hepburn explained that each practice is providing data on between 10 and 20 performance horses, equating to more than 200 taking part in the research.
"Gastric ulceration in sport horses is poorly understood, especially compared with racehorses," he said. "But what we do know is that it's a very important factor in the performance and wellbeing of many horses in training and competition."
Mr Hepburn commented that he expects a prevalence of approximately 60 per cent and has asked participants to scope all areas of the stomach, pylorus and duodenum for each horse.
He added that he is particularly keen to increase understanding of glandular ulceration.
"We hope that publication of this study will help all equine vets in their work with performance horses and the quest to prevent and manage equine ulcers."
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
