Sucrose (table sugar) permeability as a diagnostic test for equine gastric ulcers

Abstract

The prevalence of gastric ulceration in horses is high, often reaching 90% depending on population and level of training. Endoscopic examination is the only means of definitive diagnosis. The hypothesis of this study was that urinary sucrose concentration could be used to accurately predict the presence and severity of gastric ulceration in horses. To test this hypothesis, 13 mixed-breed horses absent of any gastrointestinal or other clinical disorder were used in a cross-over design either with or without induced gastric ulceration. Following a 14-hour fast, the bladder of each horse was evacuated via catheterization and a urine sample was collected. Following a 1-kg meal, 454g of sucrose as a 10% solution was administered to each horse via nasogastric intubation. At 2 and at 4 hours after sucrose administration, the bladder was evacuated and a urine sample was collected. Urine samples were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography and pulsed amperometric detection. Urinary sucrose concentration was significantly (p=0.002) higher in horses with induced gastric ulceration than in horses without ulceration, with a median difference of 7.63 mg/L, (range: -1.70 to 55.83 mg/L). Sucrose concentrations were significantly (p<0.05) higher in horses with ulcer scores of either 2 or 3 compared with horses with ulcer scores of either 0 or 1. Differences were also significant (p<0.05) when horses were grouped into ulcer score [<] 1 or ulcer score > 1. The apparent sensitivity and apparent specificity when differentiating horses based on ulcer scores [<] 1 or > 1 were 83% and 90%, respectively. In conclusion, this new test appears useful for detecting horses with moderate to severe gastric ulcers.