Effect of a blend of magnesium oxide on Equine Squamous Gastric Disease in young trotter horses under training

• Published in: Journal of veterinary science (Suwŏn-si, Korea) Korea), 2023, Vol.24 (6), p.87.1-87.9
• Main Authors: Claire Leleu, Anne Courouce
• Format: Article
• Language: Korean
• ISSN: 1229-845X; 1976-555X

Background: Equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD), as part of the equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS), are common in racing horses. The use of buffering feed supplements to treat and/or prevent gastric ulcers is an option to control this condition. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a 30-day supplementation with a blend of magnesium oxide (MgO) on ESGD scores in trotters under training. Methods: Forty-two young trotters were submitted to a gastroscopic evaluation to assess their ESGD score and were randomly assigned in a group supplemented with MgO or in a control group. After 30 days, a second evaluation by gastroscopy was performed. The effect of the MgO supplementation was assessed by comparing the evolution of the ESGD score in supplemented and control groups between day 0 and day 30. Results: The results confirm the high prevalence of EGUS in young Trotters. The supplementation significantly decreased the ESGD scoring in the supplemented group whereas the control group remain unchanged. Conclusion: The oral MgO supplementation was efficient to control ESGD in the population studied.