Are You Missing These Hidden Signs of Ulcers in Horses?

Gastric ulcers are a serious but sometimes undervalued illness in horses. Based on Vet Times research, 80-100% of Thoroughbred racehorses under training suffer from gastric ulcers. The painful stomach lining lesions may heavily affect the health, behavior, and performance of a horse.

Veterinary experience shows that the symptoms of ulcers in horses tend to start quietly, such as loss of appetite, saddling sensitivity, and mild mood swings, before developing into more severe health problems.

Identifying ulcers in horses at an early stage can be the difference between proper care and their overall well-being and comfort.

In this guide, we’ll explore:

• What causes gastric ulcers
• Key signs of ulcers in horses (behavioral & physical symptoms)
• Do horses with ulcers drink more water?
• Behavioral changes associated with ulcers
• Comparison between gastric and colonic ulcers
• Cost of treatment and preventive measures

What Causes Gastric Ulcers in Horses?

Horses' stomachs produce acid 24/7 to digest food. But horses graze small, frequent meals in nature, and saliva and fiber buffer the acid. Modern feeding practices disrupt this balance, leading to ulcer development.

Common Causes of Gastric Ulcers:

• High-starch or Grain-Based Diets: Increases acid production, leading to irritation.
• Limited Forage Access: Without continuous fiber intake, acid accumulates and damages the stomach lining.
• Prolonged Fasting Periods: Horses left without food for long hours are at high risk.
• Prolonged NSAID Use: Drugs such as phenylbutazone ("Bute") can wear away the stomach lining.
• Stress & Performance-Related Factors: Travel, competitions, and training lead to high cortisol levels, which promote ulcers.
• Severe Workload & Exercise: Galloping and high-impact exercises raise intra-abdominal pressure, pushing acid into vulnerable stomach regions.

Signs of Ulcers in Horses

Early detection of gastric ulcers is vital because horses instinctively hide pain to avoid appearing vulnerable in the wild. UC Davis Veterinary Medicine research shows that common symptoms or signs of ulcers include poor appetite, weight loss, and irritability during riding.

However, many cases of ulcers in horses go undiagnosed for months, leading to weight loss, poor performance, and colic episodes.

1. Varrying Eating Patterns

• Loss of Appetite: The horse will grow hesitant to eat grain or food at a standard rate.
• Selective Eating: Some horses will spit out grain but still eat hay.
• Routine Mid-Meal Stops: If your horse stops eating and leaves the meal, then it must be uncomfortable.

2. Weight Loss & Poor Body Condition

• Sudden Weight Loss: Horses with ulcers lose weight even when they are fed a regular diet.
• Dull Coat & Poor Muscle Tone: Typically, ulcered horses are coated in a dull color and display muscle atrophy.

3. Behavioural Changes in Ulcered Horses

• Behavioral changes are one of the most frequent signs of ulcers in horses.
• Irritable and Moody: Even relaxed horses typically pin their ears, swish their tail, or bite when saddling.
• Delicate Near the Waist: Most horses wince or become defensive upon cinching up the girth.

Resistance During Training:

• Struggling with collected movements
• Avoiding bending or engaging their core
• Becoming reluctant to move forward

4. Do Horses with Ulcers Drink More Water?

Yes, the horses with signs of ulcers drink more water than usual. However, water consumption varies among horses with ulcers:

• Some drink excessively to soothe acid irritation.
• Others reduce water intake due to discomfort.

5. Poor Performance & Stamina Reduction

Common Performance Issues Include:

• Frequent Breaks in Training: Stopping and resisting mid-exercise
• Unwillingness to Extend Stride: Can appear "lazy" or slow to respond to aids
• Inconsistent Energy Levels: Some days overreactive, other days lethargic

6. Changes in Manure & Digestive Health

According to University of Minnesota Extension research, feeding too much grain and insufficient forage raises the risk of ulcers in horses. Digestive Issues Linked to Ulcers:

• Soft or loose stools (due to gut imbalance)
• Mild, recurring colic episodes
• Poor gut motility

Gastric vs. Colonic Ulcers: Understanding the Differences

It's critical to distinguish between gastric ulcers (stomach ulcers) and colonic ulcers (hindgut ulcers) since they have different symptoms and treatments.

 

Cost to Treat a Horse with Ulcers

The expense of treating equine ulcers varies with various factors such as the severity of the ulcers, the type of treatment required, and your location. Here is a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay:

• Gastroscopy (Ulcer Diagnosis)

The only method to confirm whether a horse has ulcers is by gastroscopy, when a vet places a small camera into the stomach. This costs between $200 and $500, depending on whether it's performed at a barn or a clinic. There may be an extra fee for sedation or travel by some vets.

• Medication (Omeprazole Treatment)

The most frequently prescribed treatment for ulcers is Omeprazole (GastroGard) and it gets pricey. A full month-long course of treatment can run well over $1,000 on a standard-sized horse. Some horse owners try generic versions, but may not work as effectively.

• Diet & Supplements

To assist the stomach in healing and avoiding future ulcers, numerous owners incorporate gut supplements, probiotics, or slow-feed hay nets into their horse's regimen. Depending on the type and brand, these range from $50 to $200 per month.

• Overall Treatment Cost

Adding the cost of diagnosis, medication, and dietary care, the entire amount to cure horse ulcers can be from $1,500 to $2,500. The costs may be much more if the ulcers are bad or are coming back.

As the treatment of ulcers can be expensive, many horse owners place emphasis on prevention through regular turnout, a fiber diet, and stress reduction. Early detection of ulcers will also save tremendous amounts of money in the future.

As a veterinarian, managing equine health conditions like EPM in horses requires a collaborative approach. This includes working closely with veterinary specialists and using reliable animal health products. This comprehensive care can significantly improve a horse’s overall well-being and quality of life.

How to Prevent Gastric Ulcers in Horses

To reduce the risk of ulcers, follow these veterinary-backed strategies:

• Feed More Forage: Ensure 24/7 hay or pasture access to buffer stomach acid.
• Reduce High-Starch Feeds: Opt for low-sugar, high-fiber diets.
• Use Animal Health Products: Incorporate gut supplements for protection.
• Limit NSAID Use: If pain relief is needed, use safer alternatives like firocoxib.
• Provide Frequent Small Meals: Instead of two large meals, split feedings into four or more per day.
• Use Veterinary Services for Regular Check-Ups: Early intervention prevents severe cases.

Final Words

Horse ulcers are a prevalent but treatable condition. Early diagnosis will greatly minimize treatment expenses and accelerate recovery. Purchasing quality animal health products, feeding a balanced diet, and having proper veterinary care can avoid ulcers and keep equine health in tip-top shape.

Early detection of the symptoms of ulcers in horses will prevent costly treatments and long-term injury. Horse owners can prevent and control ulcers through a balanced diet, reduction of stress, and quality animal health supplements.

Horse owners can avoid costly treatment in the future by being proactive, for instance, by reducing stress, offering free-choice forage, and taking advantage of gut-friendly supplements. Although the cost of treating ulcers can escalate, a well-structured care regimen is the best means of keeping your horse in good health, happy, and at its optimal level of functioning.

For more equine health resources, explore DVM Central, your go-to platform for animal health products and veterinary services.

FAQs

1. Can ulcers cause colic in horses?

Yes. Acute ulcers induce gastric pain that results in repeated mild colic attacks.

2. How long does healing take with ulcers?

Mild ulcers take 4-6 weeks to heal, and severe ulcers take 2-3 months.

3. Are ulcers a common occurrence in retired horses?

Yes! Changes in diet, usage of NSAIDs, and stress make young and older horses equally susceptible to ulcers.

4. What supplements work best for gastric ulcers in horses?

Seek products containing lecithin, slippery elm, pectin, and aloe vera.