HORSES Ulcers In Horses: What You Should Know By Emily Fought | June 7, 2017 Share Most people don’t realize how common ulcers in horses truly are. Adult horses and even foals are at risk for this medical condition. Up to 1/3 of stabled horses may have a mild ulcer. Because of unnatural environments, the likelihood of a stalled horse getting one is quite high. Gastric ulcers can cause irritation to the stomach, which can effect your horse’s performance and work ethic. Causes Infrequent meals- In normal grazing situations, the acids in the stomach are neutralized by grass and salvia. When a horse only eats twice a day, the acids are able to build up without a food buffer. Lack of roughage- Hay requires more chewing and encourages the production of saliva. Medications- Anti-inflammatory drugs like Bute eliminate the stomach’s protective layer, which makes the lining more vulnerable. Stress- It can decrease the blood flow to the stomach. Signs Poor performance Weight loss Bad attitude Colic Poor coat quality Dullness Sensitive to touching of the stomach Your veterinary will need to scope your horse to confirm if ulcers are present. Treatment Turnout onto pasture Increase hay Probiotics Limit stressful situations Medication- Different drugs, such as omeprazole, help to block acid production. Prevention is key to keeping your horse happy and healthy. Medications can be expensive and require multiple doses. Try to keep your horse’s environment as natural as possible. By treating him like the horse he is, you’ll have a partner more willing to give his all. Cowgirl HotlistEmail address:* PhoneThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. HORSES | acid barn environment foals grazing health horses irritation medical pasture stall stomach stress ulcers