Hair cortisol concentration is inversely related to the severity of equine squamous gastric disease

Miguelita Prinsloo, Philip Hynd, Samantha Franklin, Sarah Weaver, Robin van den Boom

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    Abstract

    Equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) is common in horses and many factors, including stress, may play a role in lesion development. Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) provides a measure of medium to long-term stress and therefore, the relationship between HCC and ESGD was examined in this study. Hair samples were collected from 25 horses and gastroscopy was performed to determine the presence and severity of ESGD. Hair cortisol concentrations were lower in horses with ESGD (P = 0.014), and negatively correlated with lesion severity. Mares had lower HCC than geldings (P = 0.031), and a higher prevalence of ESGD, while age had no significant effect. Further studies are required to determine the relevance of the association between HCC and ESGD.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)58-59
    Number of pages2
    JournalVeterinary Journal
    Volume249
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2019

    Keywords

    • Cortisol
    • Equine gastric ulceration syndrome
    • Equine squamous gastric disease
    • Hair
    • Horse

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