Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) in Horses
EGUS affects 60-90% of performance horses and ~30% of pleasure horses. Two distinct syndromes: ESGD (squamous) and EGGD (glandular). Endoscopy is the diagnostic gold standard.
Symptoms to watch for
- •Poor performance, sluggishness
- •Weight loss or poor condition
- •Intermittent colic
- •Picky eating, abandoning grain
- •Recurrent low-grade discomfort under saddle
- •Bruxism (tooth-grinding)
Treatment options
GastroGard (commercial) or compounded equine paste at fraction of cost. 4-8 week treatment course.
Compounded equine paste — alternative PPI.
Mucosal protectant for EGGD. Add to PPI for glandular disease.
H2 blocker (commercial discontinued; compounded available).
Why compounded medication matters
Commercial GastroGard for a 500kg horse at full course cost is $800-$1200. Compounded equine omeprazole paste is typically 40-60% less and bioequivalent when properly formulated.
See compounded omeprazole optionsValid vet prescription required · HIPAA-compliant · Free to pet owners
FAQs — Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) in Horses
Sources & review
Reviewed by: ScriptUnlock Pharmacy Verification Team
Last reviewed: June 2026
Sources cited:
- • ACVIM Consensus on EGUS
- • AAEP Equine Internal Medicine
This information is educational and does not substitute for veterinary advice. Always confirm diagnosis, dosing, and treatment plan with your veterinarian. ScriptUnlock connects pet owners to verified pharmacies; we do not provide veterinary advice.