Gastric ulcers in horses are quite common. Studies have shown a prevalence of 25%-50% in foals and a frequency of up to 40% in general adult horse population and up to 90% prevalence in performance horse populations. There are a variety of reasons why horses have gastric ulcers. Connecticut Equine Clinic knows that while gastric ulcers are common, they are rarely life-threatening and can be cured with appropriate treatment. Gastric ulcers by themselves are rarely a serious problem and some horses don’t show any symptoms. However, they can predispose and cause more serious medical conditions such as weight loss, impaired performance, lethargy, anemia and they can predispose horses to colic episodes, which can lead to even more serious complications including death.
The glandular bottom half secretes the stomach acid and has a protective layer to keep it from being damaged by that acid. The top non-glandular section is designed for mixing the stomach contents and does not have that protective layer. The line that separates the two sections is called the ‘margo plicatus’. Gastric ulcers are usually found just above the margo plicatus in the non-glandular section of the stomach. At Connecticut Equine Clinic, diagnosis of gastric ulcers is made by gastroscopy, or passing a camera into the horse’s stomach to determine if ulcers are present.
- Competition
- Training
- Travel
- Weekend shows or events
- Confinement
- Lay-Up due to sickness or injury
- Changes in routine
- Fasting
- Type of feed
- Amount of exercise
- Medications
- Intermittent colic
- Poor appetite and nursing for only short periods
- Teeth grinding
- Excessive salivation
- Diarrhea
- Lying on the back
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss and poor body conditions
- Poor hair coat
- Mild colic
- Mental dullness or attitude changes
- Poor performance
- Lying down more than normal
- To decrease acid production
- To buffer the acid that is produced
- To protect the lining of the stomach from the effects of the acid
- HR2 blockers that block the action of histamine that stimulates the production of stomach acid.
- Proton pump inhibitors that inhibit the production of acid in the stomach.
- Antacids that buffer the action of the stomach acid.
- Protectants that can block acid from coming into contact with the stomach lining.
The duration of the therapy will be dependent on the severity of the ulcerations and progression of healing as determined by a follow-up gastroscope at Connecticut Equine Clinic.
Limiting stressful situations along with frequent feeding or free-choice access to grass or hay is imperative. Neutralizing the production of stomach acid is nature’s best antacid. For the best equine veterinary care in the region, contact Connecticut Equine Clinic at (860) 742-1580, conveniently located in Amston, Connecticut.
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