The project will investigate the relative success of treatment options for equine glandular gastric disease
CVS Equine Launches Major New Research Study Into Treatment Outcomes For Equine Glandular Gastric Disease
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CVS Equine has launched an ambitious new research project investigating the relative success of treatment options for equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD) - a complex and increasingly recognised condition affecting horses across many disciplines.
The study is being led by Ewan Macaulay BVMedSci BVM BVS CertAVP(EM) MRCVS, Senior Veterinary Surgeon at Alnorthumbria Equine Vets and RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Equine Internal Medicine.
Gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) remains one of the most significant clinical findings in performance horses, with published prevalence rates reaching 80–100% in racehorses in training. While squamous gastric disease (ESGD) is well‑researched and responds predictably to oral omeprazole therapy, glandular disease is far more challenging. Its aetiology is less clearly understood and treatment responses can vary widely between individuals. As a result, many horses undergo a trial‑and‑error approach before the right management and medication combination is found.
The new CVS Equine study - “Relative successes of different treatment options for equine glandular gastric disease” - aims to address this evidence gap by evaluating the effectiveness of the range of treatment protocols currently used in first‑opinion practice. The project will also assess potential underlying risk factors, including musculoskeletal pain, that may contribute to lesion development or hinder recovery.
Horses aged over one year undergoing gastroscopy at select CVS Equine practices are eligible for inclusion. Participating owners are recruited before their horse undergoes gastroscopy, enabling researchers to collect pre‑scope survey data on management practices, clinical history, presenting symptoms and risk factors.
Vets are encouraged to perform an optional pre-gastroscopy clinical and orthopaedic assessment, including trot‑up, flexion tests, lunging, and palpation of the neck, back and hindquarters. The aim is to capture any musculoskeletal discomfort that could act as a stressor contributing to glandular ulceration.
Gastroscopy is then performed as usual, with participating clinicians submitting videos or images alongside standardised record sheets. Horses are treated exactly as they would be during routine clinical care - the choice of therapy remains entirely at the discretion of the attending veterinary surgeon, ensuring the study reflects genuine clinical decision‑making across multiple practices.
Follow‑up examinations and repeat gastroscopy findings are captured at each re‑evaluation, typically around four weeks after initial diagnosis. Owners complete a short survey after each gastroscopy and a final follow‑up survey three months after the last examination. All data and imagery are anonymised prior to analysis.
Speaking about the study, Ewan Macaulay said he hopes the project will contribute meaningfully to the profession’s understanding of glandular disease: “We’re fortunate to have a growing awareness of equine glandular gastric disease, but we still lack robust evidence on which treatment strategies offer the best outcomes. By capturing detailed clinical data from naturally occurring cases across multiple practices, we aim to build a clearer picture of what works - and why. Ultimately, our goal is to improve treatment success and welfare for affected horses.”
The new project has been awarded one of the 2026 CVS Brian Pound Grants, created to support colleagues with a strong interest in clinical improvement and evidence-based veterinary medicine. This inaugural grant programme honours Brian Pound, founder of CVS and passionate advocate for research and quality improvement across the profession.
To support participation, CVS Equine is entering participating vets and owners into prize draws for a gift voucher. The study also offers clinicians a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the largest prospective investigations into EGGD undertaken in UK equine practice.
Data collection has now commenced and will continue throughout 2026. For queries or participation information, veterinarians can contact Ewan Macaulay at [email protected].
CVS Equine provides a complete range of industry-leading veterinary services at 21 sites across the UK as well as its out-of-hours clinical and call answering services, Equicall and Equicomms. Its ambulatory veterinary surgeons are supported by a team of over 20 recognised Veterinary Specialists in internal medicine, surgery, dentistry, sports medicine, reproduction and diagnostic imaging based within a network of referral centres. The division offers a multi-disciplinary approach, along with the latest veterinary treatments, diagnostic services, advice, standards and support – as a result of unrivalled investment in people, equipment, facilities and research. For further information about CVS Equine visit www.cvs-equine.com.
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