05/01/2026
🐴 Vet Quiz: Can You Grade These Gastric Ulcers?
Time for a little "Vet School Friday!" We just scoped a patient who’s been a bit girthy and "off" under saddle lately. Take a look at this description of the squamous mucosa (the upper part of the stomach) and tell me: What grade of EGUS (Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome) are we looking at?
📸 The Findings:
• Location: Lesser curvature of the stomach.
• Appearance: Small, singular, and multi-focal lesions.
• Severity: The areas appear reddened (hyperkeratotic) and the surface of the lining is slightly thickened, but there are no deep "craters" yet.
🗳️ Cast Your Vote!
Which grade matches this description? Drop your guess in the comments! 👇
• Grade 0: Perfectly healthy, smooth, glistening pink mucosa.
• Grade 1: Intact mucosa with areas of redness or slight thickening.
• Grade 2: Small, single, or multi-focal ulcers.
• Grade 3: Large, single, or multi-focal ulcers or extensive superficial lesions.
• Grade 4: Extensive ulcers with deep submucosal pe*******on and bleeding.
💡 Why Grading Matters
We use the EGUS Council Grading System to determine the best treatment plan. While a Grade 1 might just need a diet tweak (more forage, less grain!), a Grade 3 or 4 usually requires a full course of Gastrogard and serious lifestyle changes.
Vet Tip: Remember, a horse's behavior doesn't always match the grade! Some "tough" horses act fine with Grade 3s, while some sensitive souls go off their feed with a Grade 1.
Check back in 24 hours—I’ll post the answer and the "after" photos of this patient's treatment progress! 🩺✨
