Ulcers are a common medical condition in horses and foals.
Gastric ulcers can affect any horse at any age, but are especially prevalent in thoroughbreds and foals.
Ulcers are a symptom of the conditions we impose upon our horses, including confinement in stables, transport and competition stress, and high grain diets with intermittent feeding intervals.
Administration of anti-inflammatory medications such as phenylbutazone (bute) can also increase the likelihood of gastric ulceration in your horse.
The signs of gastric ulceration can vary and are subtle in some instances. They can include:
- Poor appetite
- Behavioural problems
- ‘Girthyness’ and touchy behaviour
- Weight loss
- Poor coat
- Colic
- Dullness
- Reluctance to train
- Loose manure
- Decreased water intake
- Grinding of teeth
Diagnosis of ulcers is made via gastroscopy, which involves placing an endoscope down into the stomach and evaluating the mucosa.
McGregor Equine conducts regular “Gastroscopy Clinics” whereby clients can have their horse assessed for ulcers.
Feed is required to be withheld for a minimum of 12 hours prior to gastroscopy, and water for a minimum of 6 hours. It is essential that the stomach is empty so that we can properly assess its lining for ulcers.
A variety of treatments are marketed and available for the treatment of gastric ulcers, however most have been proven ineffective.
Products containing Omeprazole, Ranitidine and Sucralfate are the only medications that are scientifically proven to be effective in the treatment of gastric ulcerations in horses, and therefore the only products recommended by McGregor Equine for treatment. These products are S4 Prescription medications and will require a consultation prior to prescription.
It is important that these medications are used at the dosage prescribed, for the length of time prescribed and administered on an empty stomach (prior to feeding).
Another useful management protocol for horses with ulcers is to administer a small feed prior to exercise, as the feed provides protection against gastric acid splash in the stomach whilst the horse is being worked.