Gastric ulcers can be found in horses of any age, from foals to veterans.
A horse is built to graze and eat little and often. His stomach is very small (about the size of a rugby ball) and cannot handle large amounts of food a couple of times a day. Another negative of feeding the horse a large feed twice a day is that, if there is a long period without feed, this means that there is a long period without acid in the stomach being neutralised during the digestive process.
It could be said that, in some cases, gastric ulcers in horses are a result of being kept by humans. If horses have a prolonged period without feeding, acid cannot be neutralised by the bicarbonates in the saliva that is produced by grazing.
Ulcers in horse can produce very subtle symptoms, such as one or more of the following:
- A slight attitude change and altered temperament
- Decreased performance and a reluctance to train
- Poor appetite
- Dullness and poor body condition
- Weight loss
- Low grade colic
- Crib biting
- More time spent lying down
- Diarrhoea/loose faeces
The only way to diagnose gastric ulcers is via a gastroscopy. If the vet believes that this is the correct course of action to take, it’s important to withhold food and water for the recommended amount of time in order for the vet to the get the clearest view of the horse’s stomach.
If possible, prevention is obviously preferable to treatment. Here are some ideas to help promote a healthy digestion system.
- Feeding frequently with regular access forage.
- Limiting stress and unnecessary travel.
- Reducing grain and concentrates in diet (this might not work in all situations due to a horse’s energy requirements/workload)
- If horse is stabled, allow them to see other horses and have access to forage.
If you suspect that your horse is suffering with gastric ulcers, or you’re concerned about his health, it’s important to contact the vet for a diagnosis and treatment.