Stomach Ulcer in Horses: A Guide to Treatment

In horses, ulcers are a very common condition, especially in newborn foals. Poor physical condition, poor appetite, weight loss, and behavioral changes are a few of the non-specific signs of gastric ulcers in horses.

There are many different symptoms associated with horse ulcers, and they can go unnoticed for a long time. It is not unusual for horses to survive their entire lives without receiving the correct diagnosis or care. More than half of horses saddled for pleasure and sport encounter horse ulcers.


How do stomach ulcers in horses develop? 


Gastric ulcers in horses are caused by the overproduction of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which irritates the digestive tract's walls, leading to ulcers in the inflamed areas, where the stomach's protective lining is destroyed, and ulcers form.

 

Additionally, the formation of gastric acid lowers the pH of the gastrointestinal tract, increasing the acidity of the surrounding environment.


The following are some common symptoms of ulcers in horses:

  • Loss of weight

  • Decreased appetite

  • terrible performance

  • Poor attitude and irritability

  • Diarrhea

  • Tooth gnashing

  • Abdominal discomfort


The different types of equine stomach ulcers

In horses, ulcers can occur in several locations in the stomach. Generalization of stomach ulcers is commonly known as Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS). Specific regions and terms are the upper stomachs (non-glandular) also referred to as squamous ulcers and the lower stomach, known as glandular ulcers. Signs of ulcers in horses for both types of stomach ulcers are similar.


How are Glandular and Squamous ulcers treated?

The most effective way to heal stomach ulcers is with an equine-specific form of omeprazole, given at a body weight-appropriate dose for a period of time sufficient for the severity of the case. Squamous ulcers can take up to 28 days. At the same time, subtle changes should be made to feeding and management to limit gastric acid production and the mobility of acid within the stomach.

 

Glandular ulcers require both omeprazole and sucralfate for up to 56 days. Sucralfate is used concurrently to assist the healing and pain of existing ulcers by creating a protective coating on the surface of the ulcer. 

 

 


 


Keeping Horse Ulcers at bay!


Studies show that 90% of horses will experience gastric ulcers. That ought to serve as a reminder to all equestrian enthusiasts of the value of awareness. Daily observation and evaluation of your horse's feeding routine and general physical condition are crucial.


There are some things you can do to help protect your horse from ulcers.

 

  • Keep forage in front of your horse at all times – “trickle feed”

  • Feed alfalfa hay before riding as it has a protective effect on the stomach, due to its high calcium content

  • Limit stress and reduce strenuous exercise to 5days per week

  • Limit grain – concentrated grains tend to provoke ulcers

  • Provide continuous access to fresh, clean water 24hrs a day.

  • Consider using probiotics to improve digestion


Where to buy horse ulcer treatment

Since 2008 Abler has provided affordable horse ulcer treatment to horse owners worldwide. Omeprazole ulcer treatment is available in three forms: tablets, easy to feed granules and syringe of paste, with sucralfate medication available as granules.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How To Reduce The Risk Of Gastric Ulcers In Horses

Equine gastric ulcer syndrome is one of the most common health problems with horses worldwide. Many studies have proven that 90% of ulcers occur in performance horses. These ulcers cause pain and discomfort in horses, even affecting the horse’s ability to perform.  Gastric ulcers are a major health issue in horses but many horse owners are not aware of what causes them, and how they can be prevented.  Let’s Dig in, What are Gastric Ulcers? These are the sores that form on the stomach lining. The horse stomach has two major regions namely the upper ‘squamous’ area and the lower ‘glandular’ area. Ulcers mainly occur in the ‘squamous’ area of the stomach or at the junction of the squamous and glandular regions. Why do gastric ulcers mainly occur in the upper section of the stomach? Horses evolved as grazing animals which means they are constantly chewing and salivating which means their stomach is always full. Due to this, their stomach doesn’t have an on-off switch for gastric a...
Read more

Omeprazole | Assisting Horse Ulcer Treatment

Image
Omeprazole functions admirably to assist gastric horse ulcer treatment with recuperating in light of the fact that it eliminates causticity in the abdomen. In any case, essential administration of taking care of the horses can make omeprazole much more powerful, prompting higher achievement rates for squamous ulcer types. How Are Stomach Ulcers Caused In Horses? In particular, when ponies abstain for the time being and afterwards provided with hay an hour after their morning horse ulcer treatment by omeprazole, the states of the stomach of these ponies are ideal for upgrading the treatment's techniques for activity This fasting convention is especially significant with glandular ulcers— the ones that are developed in the base segment of the stomach that is fixed with glandular mucosa rather than the top segment that is fixed with squamous mucosa Glandular ulcers react generally ineffectively to oral omeprazole and thus, omeprazole granules for   horse ulcer treatment is likely...
Read more

Providing Your Horse With Slow-Feed Hay Has Many Benefits

Image
As horses have evolved to graze on the ground almost continuously, limiting this natural behavior is known to result in many health and behavioral problems. Horses are trickle or slow feeders by nature. Slowly feeding hay at a naturally low rate is the best way to ensure your horse remains happy and healthy if he cannot access pasture 24/7. Are You Slow-Feed Savvy? The following are seven slow-feeding benefits you may not be aware of…… Reduced risk of ulcers The equine stomach produces acid 24 hours a day, and it can empty in as little as 15-20 minutes. Chewing stimulates the production of saliva (an alkaline material), which helps to buffer stomach acid.  The horse will create roughly five gallons of saliva per day in natural conditions with free-choice feed, and will eventually "recycle" much of the water content via re-absorption prior to outflow.  Effective Weight Management If your horse is overweight, slow feeding will help regulate insulin levels, metabolism, and corti...
Read more