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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
Treatment
- Turnout onto pasture
- Increase hay
- Probiotics
- Limit stressful situations
- Medication- Different drugs, such as omeprazole, help to block acid production.