Gastric Ulcers In Horses

The concept of treating equine gastric ulcers has only been around since 1999 but the advancements have been vast in the last few years.

Having spent my fair share of time with performance horses, and understanding the symptoms that are often associated with gastric ulcers, I have grown to appreciate just how common this condition is.

A horse's stomach continually produces gastric acid 24 hours a day, producing up to 9 gallons daily which is why frequent smaller feeds suit their digestive tract. Intense exercise increases gastric acid production and the physical movement causes the acid to splash exposing the upper, more vulnerable portion of the stomach to an acidic pH.

The theory of how much of the equine population suffers from gastric ulceration varies but most sources will give a range of about 50%-90% and from my experience, I certainly think it's at least 50%.

What Causes Stomach Ulcers in Horses?

Gastric ulcers in horses are primarily a man-made condition caused by stress or diet management.

• Infrequent feeding - horses are grazing animals, for example, 5 small feeds per day are better than 2 large feeds, the constant access to food helps prevent excess acid build-up

• High grain diets - a grain-heavy diet produces volatile fatty acids which contribute to the development of ulcers

• Physical stress - training and/or showing

• Environmental stress - social isolation, hauling, staying over at shows, changing barns

• Anti-inflammatory drugs - the most common of these is phenylbutazone

What are the Symptoms of EGUS? (Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome)

The only definitive way for diagnosing ulcers is through gastroscopy in which an endoscope with a camera and light at the end of it is passed through the esophagus into the stomach so that the vet can examine the stomach lining.

Pro Tip: If your horse is insured some companies cover the diagnostics and treatment of gastric ulcers.

The clinical signs for Gastric ulcers can present themselves in a few different ways, they're often more associated with 'hot' or 'stressy' horses so it's important for horse owners to know the symptoms, and just because your horse is a pretty 'chill' guy doesn't mean he isn't suffering from this condition.

• Weight loss - Poor body condition is a very common symptom, especially sudden and seemingly unexplainable weight loss.

• Poor appetite - some horses may stop eating due to discomfort once food first hits the stomach.

• Sensitive belly area - Most noticeable when tightening the girth or sometimes even grooming, especially the left side where the stomach is located.

• Changes in attitude - Surly behavior, grumpy or a horse that just doesn't seem as bright as usual could all point to gastric ulcers.

• Change in performance - Reluctance to work, decreased quality of movement, 'bad' behavior during work.

• Signs of colic - In some cases, your horse may show signs of intermittent colic due to discomfort in their stomach.

Management Of Gastric Ulcers

I am not an equine veterinarian so please consult your own vet before administering any of my suggestions to your horse. I'm merely sharing my own experience and what has been effective for me in the past.

Prevent Gastric Ulceration In Your Horse

Preventing ulcers is far easier and cheaper than treating them so let's have a look at some simple methods. Healthy stomach tissue is key so taking a few simple steps to help prevent ulcer formation can go a long way for your horse's digestive health.

• Routine - Regular and lengthy turnout is healthier for your horse but ensure that this turnout is to their liking. When possible they should be with a buddy, and if they get stressed during at turn-in time consider bringing them in first.

• Diet - Little and often feeding, slow feeders and haynets are useful here, low concentrated pellet diet.

• Alfalfa hay - The general opinion among vets is 25%-50% alfalfa hay in their diets to help prevent stomach ulcers, high levels of protein and calcium help neutralize stomach acid.

• Antacids - Yep, right off the shelf or Amazon, Tums have on numerous occasions been recommended by vets to help prevent ulcers in horses, they can be given twice a day with meals and 30-60 minutes before exercise. For an average-sized horse, I was told 10-12 extra strength each time but consult your own vet before taking this route.

• Visceral+ - This hugely popular product is Mad Barns best selling supplement, it focuses on stomach and hindgut health, and is available from $2.24-$2.90 per day depending on how much you buy. The reviews on this stuff speak for themselves.

Treating Gastric Ulcers

Depending on ulceration severity, treating horses for this condition can be costly especially if steps have not been taken to help stop ulcers developing.

• Sucralfate - A common over-the-counter ulcer treatment for horses product that's relatively inexpensive. This would be considered more of a medication than Tums so please consult your vet before use.

• Omeprazole - A generic form of oral omeprazole can be obtained from your vet and is often an effective treatment. This is also a good option to help prevent ulcer recurrence and is more cost-efficient than Gastrogard.

• Ulcergard - This non-prescription treatment for gastric ulcers contains oral omeprazole which is normally only prescribed by your vet, so if you're conscious of cost and want to try a more focused treatment this would be a great option.

• Gastrogard - The absolute best way to treat ulcers is with Gastrogard. When testing this product the ulcer healing rate in a controlled group of adult horses was 99% over 28 days. It can only be obtained by prescription through your vet. For horses who are prone to ulcers, a preventative dose may also be prescribed.

The general prognosis for ulcers in horses is good, affected horses will almost always make a full recovery. Once the ulcers heal and steps are taken to neutralize stomach acid they can carry on with their everyday activities.

See Also:

My Favorite Methods Of Equine Bodywork

Your First Big Horse Show, How To Prepare