Gastric Ulcers

What is a gastric ulcer?
A gastric ulcer is damage to the inner layers lining the stomach. Gastric ulcers often occur in horses in training and it has been documented that up to 90% of horses in intensive training have ulcerations in their stomach. Gastric ulcers are directly caused by acid produced normally in the stomach. However certain other factors such as intense training, low roughage/high concentrate diets, not eating, specific drugs and stress may increase the chances of a horse getting ulcers.

When should I suspect my horse has a gastric ulcer?
Horses with gastric ulcers may show a variety of signs ranging from simple inappetance to severe signs of colic. Some horses with mild cases may have no obvious signs at all! The clinical signs associated with gastric ulcers are listed below:

  • Varying signs of colic
  • Inappetance
  • Weight loss and unthriftiness
  • Abnormal demeanor i.e. depression, irritability
  • Belching
  • Grinding teeth (bruxism)

How does my veterinarian diagnose gastric ulcers?
The history and clinical signs play a major role in the diagnosis of gastric ulcers. However, a definitive diagnosis using an endoscope is always recommended because the signs of gastric ulcers mimic the signs of many abdominal diseases and disregarding these may be dangerous.

What is the treatment of gastric ulcers?
The treatment of gastric ulcers is based on medical management. There are a variety of different drugs that can be used, these include: Drugs that reduce acid secretion in the stomach like Gastroguard or Zantac; those medications that neutralize acid such as Neighlox; or drugs to promote healing of existing ulcers like Sulcralfate.

So how do I reduce the risk of my horse getting ulcers?
The best way to prevent ulcers is to give sufficient roughage to allow the acid to be absorbed and provide feedings more than twice a day (4 times a day if possible).

Schedule adequate 'down' time during training and between events to allow the protective forces to stay intact. Finally, if horses are on medication especially anti-inflammatories, they should receive only the amount directed by the veterinarian (don't be tempted to give more than advised).