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

Publication date: Available online 24 May 2019Source: The Veterinary JournalAuthor(s): Miguelita Prinsloo, Philip Hynd, Samantha Franklin, Sarah Weaver, Robin van den BoomAbstractEquine 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.
Source: The Veterinary Journal - Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research