Stomach Ulcers in Horses

Today, more and more frequently, horses are being diagnosed with stomach ulcers. Studies vary on the exact percentage, but it's estimated that at least 60 percent of horses have stomach ulcers. The exact cause of stomach ulcers in horses is unknown, but stress, diet, and medications can contribute to their formation.

Stress can take on many different forms from living conditions to heavy competition or training schedules. Lack of turn out, living in a small, confined space, or lack of companionship from other horses can all be stressful. Also heavy competition schedules are demanding on a horse both physically and mentally.

Horses are designed to constantly be eating. Their stomachs empty when they are approximately two-thirds full. Food is generally only in their stomachs for about 20 minutes. When fed once or twice a day this leaves many hours without food to absorb the acid in the stomach which in turn can lead to stomach ulcers.

Medications such as antibiotics and Bute can lead to the formation of stomach ulcers. Antibiotics kill off bacteria in the intestines, both those that are beneficial and those that are not. The unbalance of bacteria can cause digestive upsets.

Just like aspirin is very hard on a person's stomach, the horse pain reliever Bute is also very hard on their stomachs. Use Bute only when you absolutely have to. Talk to your vet about some of the many alternatives on the market if your horse needs to be on pain medication.

Signs of a stomach ulcer can often be vague or the horse may show no signs at all. Other times the horse may have episodes of repeated colic. For example, one horse at a barn I boarded at colicked every time the weather changed. Repeated bouts of colic can also be signs of enterolith stones. If your horse suffers from repeated colic ask your vet if stomach ulcers or enterolith stones may be a culprit.

Other signs of a stomach ulcer can include: lack of appetite, poor coat condition, poor attitude, or teeth grinding. In order to protect their stomach the horse may change its way of moving which can lead to lameness or lack of muscle tone as they compensate. They may also refuse to pick up the correct lead in one direction or the other while trying to protect themselves from painful movement.

Some compulsive type behaviors in horses such as weaving or cribbing/wind sucking may be related to pain, especially pain of stomach ulcers. These behaviors release endorphins (natural pain killers) that make the horse feel better.

If you suspect your horse may have a stomach ulcer, talk to your vet. They may recommend an acid blocker such as Tagament, Zantac, or other options. Your horse may also benefit from being treated with acupuncture. Probiotics and herb mixes for digestion may also prove to be helpful.

Once your horse has been treated for a stomach ulcer, prevention to keep them from reoccurring is critical. If your horse is not already being fed in smaller, more frequent feedings try to do so. Also more turn out time and/or turn out with or stalled next to a companion can help relieve stress. Goats are often popular companion animals for horses.

Look for Bach Flower remedies that might fit your horse's personality. These can often help with stress or other issues.

If you are feeding hay pellets, discontinue feeding them as they can irritate the stomach. If you cannot discontinue feeding them, soak them before feeding until they are a mush. You can also try switching brands of pellets to one that does not contain binders so that the pellets break down easier. One such brand is Mountain Sunrise.

Prevention is always a good route to follow even if your horse doesn't have stomach ulcers. Try to reduce stress in his life whenever possible, use medications only if you absolutely have to, and try to feed them either free choice grass hay or in smaller, more frequent feedings.