HORSE KEEPING
PREVENTING EQUINE GASTRIC ULCERS
Gastric ulcers are a common issue that many performance horses face, but they can also be an issue for leisure horses, broodmares, and young horses. Although gastric ulcers are common, they can often be prevented with changes to management and feeding practices. B Y J E S S I C A MC C O AG , M S C .
The anatomy of the equine stomach predisposes a horse without constant access to forage, to developing gastric ulcers. The stomach of the horse is a highly acidic environment and acid is produced constantly to break down food. If a horse is consuming forage throughout the day, the stomach lining is naturally protected by food and saliva. However, if a horse’s stomach is empty, it becomes vulnerable to the acidic environment, and painful lesions can occur. Horses are designed for roaming long distances and grazing continuously; however, horses are often confined to stalls with limited turn out and fed two meals a day. Stall confinement and periods of fasting are a significant risk factor for developing ulcers. Stress of any kind including training, hauling, intense exercise, or sudden management changes all increase the risk of ulcers. High grain diets are high in non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), which can contribute to developing ulcers, particularly if fed in large amounts. Long term use of non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has also been linked to developing ulcers. 16
ALBERTA BITS I SUMMER 2022
Horses with gastric ulcers may show one or more of the following symptoms: Chronic recurrent colic Poor body condition Poor hair coat Chronic diarrhea Poor attitude/girthy/irritable Exercise intolerance / poor performance Poor appetite Cribbing or other stereotypic behaviours
