Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is a common concern for horse owners, but not all gastric ulcers are the same. In this episode of Scoop & Scale, we’re joined by Dr. Ben Sykes, an equine internal medicine specialist and leading researcher on equine gastric ulcer disease. Together we discuss squamous gastric disease, glandular gastric disease, and the confusion surrounding so-called hindgut ulcers in horses.

We explore how these conditions differ, how veterinarians diagnose and treat gastric ulcers, and why some horses struggle to heal despite treatment. We also discuss current research on ulcer medications, nutrition, stress, management, and equine welfare, including practical steps owners can take to support digestive health and reduce ulcer risk.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS), including the differences between squamous and glandular ulcers
• Common signs of digestive discomfort, and why accurate diagnosis matters
• Gastric ulcer diagnosis and treatment, including gastroscopy, omeprazole, sucralfate, misoprostol, and newer treatment options
• Risk factors for gastric ulcers, including stress, exercise, nutrition, and daily management, plus why some ulcers are harder to treat than others
• Practical strategies for ulcer prevention and recovery, including management changes, equine welfare, supporting digestive health, and so much more

Whether your horse has been diagnosed with EGUS, has recurring gastric ulcers, is not responding to treatment, or is showing signs of digestive discomfort, this episode offers an evidence-based discussion of equine gastric ulcer diagnosis, treatment, nutrition, and management.

Dr. Ben Sykes is an equine internal medicine specialist and internationally recognized researcher in equine gastric ulcer syndrome. He was the lead author of the 2015 European College of Equine Internal Medicine (ECEIM) consensus statement on equine gastric ulcer syndrome, which helped establish the distinction between squamous and glandular gastric disease.

This episode is brought to you by Boehringer Ingelheim, makers of GASTROGARD® (omeprazole) oral paste. https://horseowner.boehringer-ingelheim.com/us/products/gastrogard

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

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In Part 2 of our conversation on laminitis, we continue our discussion with Dr. François-René Bertin, DVM, MS, FHEA, PhD, DACVIM (LAIM), a Professor and Director of the Nancy Fair Link Laminitis Research Centre at Mississippi State University, focusing on what horse owners can actually do to manage horses at risk of, or actively dealing with, laminitis. We talk about diet, insulin dysregulation, supplements, medications, and hoof care, including some of the areas where there is still plenty of debate and confusion.

In this episode, we discuss:
• How diet and NSC fit into managing insulin dysregulation and laminitis
• Supplements and medications that may or may not have a role
• Managing pain and inflammation during an active laminitis episode
• Hoof care, therapeutic support, and getting your veterinary and hoof-care team on the same page
• Prognosis, recovery, and what to do when you suspect laminitis

If you haven't listened to Part 1, we recommend starting there. We discussed what causes laminitis, the role of hyperinsulinemia, identifying horses at risk, and testing before turning to the practical side of management in this episode.

Learn more about Dr. Bertin and his research HERE

Scoop & Scale is proudly sponsored by GG Equine. We’re excited to partner with GG Equine, makers of thoughtful slow-feed systems trusted by horse owners, veterinarians, and professionals.

Go graze! Scoop & Scale listeners receive 15% off GreenGuard muzzles with code SCOOPSCALE15

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Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

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Listen to our discussion as we go over Jill's horse's PPID and insulin results. In this short conversation, We sit down to go through Jill’s horse’s actual bloodwork and talk about what the results mean, what they can and can’t tell us, and how they fit into his overall management.

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!