Manifestation of gastric ulcers in horses used in public safety

ABSTRACT We evaluated 28 horses from a squad applied in public safety in Paraná (Brazil), in order to check the incidence of gastric ulcers and its correlation with mounted policing activity, considering the initial and maintenance training to which such animals are submitted. Horses were divided in two groups, one named control with 14 individuals, used in policing community activities, and the 14 others named as target group, these were used in restoration and maintenance of public order. Both groups have differentiated maintenance training protocols, and all had been evaluated for fecal occult blood, clinical evaluation, gastroscopy and histopathological. There were no significant changes that proved the development of gastric ulcers in horses used in public safety due to initial and maintenance training, and the main factor for prevention was the diversified diet with emphasis in hayed alfalfa.