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9
EQUINE MATTERS
GASTRIC ULCERS
Equine gastric ulcers:
The hidden condition
Dr Emma Batson, Equine Manager
Merial Animal Health
The main reason for this lack of detection is
the vague and non-specific nature of the
symptoms, which are often put down to
back pain or behavioural issues and general
unwillingness to work.
means that the top part of the stomach,
which has a 'normal' vulnerable skin lining
can become exposed to acid splash,
especially during exercise.
Management regimes can result in long
periods with restricted food intake, so even
after a short period of time acid can begin
to overwhelm the lining of the upper part of
the stomach and ulcers can start to form.
Other factors include stress caused by travel,
competitions, separation from peers and
solitary confinement.
Diagnosis and treatment
Examination of the stomach via gastroscopy
is the only definitive way to diagnose ulcers.
The procedure is relatively simple, using a
three metre video endoscope. Sedation is
required, but disruption is minimal with the
horse usually being able to travel within two
to three hours and return to normal exercise
the following day.
The most effective treatment is an acid
inhibitor, omeprazole, which is the only
licensed product for the treatment and
prevention of ulcers.
Preventing ulcers
Following treatment it's important to minimise
risk of recurrence. Even small changes can
make a difference. For example, when
grazing, horses are constantly on the move,
so when they're stabled, splitting the forage
into several nets or piles can help recreate
more natural foraging. Variation such as
haylage or chop which will also help
encourage picky eaters and 'stressy' horses
to eat.
Try not to exercise your horse on an empty
stomach. They are not like us, feeding forage
prior to exercise will help to form a 'mat like'
barrier, protecting the upper part of the
stomach from acid splash.
If you are travelling your horse solo, or
stabling in new surroundings, try to take a
companion. If this is not possible, special
equine mirrors have been proven to help
reduce stress in these situations.
For those horses where the risk factors remain
high, due to the training regime or travel for
example, trials have shown that an on-going
preventative dose of omeprazole can help to
prevent the ulcers from returning.
Has your horse become difficult to work,
grumpy in the stable or a picky feeder
?
Although about 60% of performance
horses and 40% of leisure horses and
ponies are affected by equine ulcers, it
is still one of the most under-recognised
equine conditions, with many animals
still going undiagnosed.
So why are horses prone
to ulcers?
As 'trickle feeders' their stomachs are
designed to receive a constant supply of
food. Unlike people, who only produce acid
when they eat, in the horse acid is released
constantly into the stomach. However saliva
(which neutralises the acid) is usually only
produced when they eat.
In natural conditions the horse has a constant
flow of food, acid and saliva passing into the
lower part of the stomach. However with
stabling, restricted feeding and exercise, the
acid continues to flow into the stomach even
when there is no food to soak it up. This
The signs of ulcers
include:
●
poor performance
●
girthing pain
●
change in behaviour/reluctance to work
●
picky appetite
●
mild weight loss
●
dull 'starey' coat
●
recurring mild colic
●
salivation and teeth grinding in foals