Association of Equine Squamous and Glandular Gastric Disease with Dental Status in 54 Horses

Gastric pH is a key factor in the development of equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD). Although acid injury is unlikely the primary cause of equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD), low pH may promote mucosal damage. Gastric pH is influenced by roughage uptake, as chewing increases the alkaline saliva production. The proton pump inhibitor omeprazole is currently recommended by the American/European College of Veterinary/Equine Internal Medicine (ACVIM/ECEIM) for ESGD and EGGD. We hypothesized that dental disorders decrease saliva production and gastric pH, predisposing horses to EGUS. Gastroscopy, intragastric pH measurement and dental examinations were performed (n = 54). Omeprazole therapy was recommended (n = 32), dental disorders were corrected (n = 22) and gastroscopy was repeated 4 weeks later (n = 9). An influence of moderate to severe dental disorders on ESGD (grade ≥ 2/4) (p = 0.394) and EGGD (grade ≥ 2/3) (p = 0.857) could not be determined. Nevertheless, there was a trend that moderate to severe dental disorders were associated with a low gastric pH ≤ 4 (p = 0.100). Horses with no or mild dental problems had a mean pH of 5.4 versus 4.2 in moderate to severe dental disorders. In conclusion, our study results do not show a direct relationship between dental disorders and EGUS, but a gastric and oral cavity examination should still be considered in patients presented for weight loss or inappetence.