Equine Gastric Ulcer

The term “ulcer” refers to a break or erosion in the lining of the stomach, primarily in the non-glandular area of the stomach.  Equine gastric ulcers are common and occur in horses of all ages.  Studies show that stomach ulcers are very common in both Standardbred and Thoroughbred horses in the racing industry. The clinical signs of ulcers are not noticeable in most horses; but an observant trainer/owner will notice a change in the condition of the horse–such as lethargy and apparent poor appetite.

The Stomach

The stomach acts as a temporary storage facility where the mixing process of the feed and gastric juices takes place. Compared to its body size, the horse has a small stomach, ranging in size from 2.5 – 4.0 gallons. The stomach glands produce gastric acid 24 hours a day.  This is an ongoing process even when the horse is not eating; and those horses that are not eating can develop ulcers within one to two days.

The Reason for Ulcers in Competition Horses

The most significant reason for ulcers among competition horses is feeding practices. By nature, the horses are grazing animals, spending 17-20 hours a day feeding. But most of the performance horses receive concentrate– e.g., sweet feed, meal, corn, rice bran, pellets, oil or other heated concentrates–along with synthetic vitamins and concentrated metallic minerals, year ’round. Any one of these ingredients may promote an allergic reaction, and the first reaction will start in the stomach’s protective coating. Some researchers believe the release of histamine in the stomach causes a response of the immune defense system. As histamine secretion increases, the glands are stimulated to produce even more gastric acid. Because the horse is extremely sensitive to histamine, a local gastric allergic reaction starts.

Ulcer Prevention

First, the treatment of Equine Gastric Ulcer involves changes in feeding management. It is important to feed the horse hay, 4 to 5 times a day, or to give the horse free access to hay and/or pasture, allowing it to feed on roughage before giving it small amounts of whole oats.
Gastromin: In addition to managing the horse’s feeding, the use of Gastromin will counteract the effects of stress and strain and will allow the healing process to begin.  Gastromin supports gastric health. One of the benefits is that Gastromin has not exhibited any known side effects in 25 years of use in Europe.
Ref: Murray MJ. University of Guelph