Ulcers & Gastric Health

By: Dr. Lydia Gray

Brief Description

Research has shown that nearly 60% of performance horses have stomach ulcers. This is known as Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS).

Signs of EGUS can be subtle and may include:
  • Weight loss
  • Poor body condition/hair coat
  • Reduced appetite
  • Decreased performance
  • Poor attitude (girthiness, irritability, resistance, etc.)
  • Colic
Risk factors for EGUS include:
  • Stress (caused by training, competition, shipping, injury, etc.)
  • Infrequent feeding
  • Large grain meals
  • Limited access to hay/pasture

Supplements that May Lend Support

  • Antacids to soothe the stomach
  • Licorice to help restore healthy stomach tissue
  • L-Glutamine to help promote healing
  • Soluble fiber to help form a protective layer over erosions
  • Plant adaptogens may help horses better manage ulcer-causing stress

Possible Diagnostic Tests

The only way to know for sure that a horse has EGUS is to perform an endoscopy, an exam in which a veterinarian inserts a viewing scope into to the horse’s stomach to see if ulcers are present. If that is not possible, the horse can be treated for ulcers and observed closely for signs of improvement indicating a response to treatment.

Prescription Medications Available

The first and only FDA-approved prescription medication for treating EGUS is GastroGard®, which contains the active ingredient omeprazole. Omeprazole works by shutting down the production of gastric acid, allowing the ulcer(s) to heal. UlcerGard is another medication that contains omeprazole, but is available without a prescription. Cimetidine and ranitidine are two other prescription medications used successfully to treat and prevent ulcers. Because they are not FDA-approved for use in horses, this is considered “extra-label” use.

Other Management Suggestions

Diet

Providing pasture turnout is the best method of preventing ulcers. The constant intake of forage and production of saliva naturally buffer the stomach against gastric acid. If fresh grass is not available or appropriate for the horse, provide free-choice grass hay. Alfalfa hay has been shown to help prevent gastric ulcers, but should only be fed in limited amounts, rather than free choice. Feed the minimum amount of grain necessary to meet the horse’s energy requirements, and always spread the total amount of grain over multiple, small meals.

Other

First and foremost, find ways to reduce stress in your horse’s life. Some suggestions include providing turnout and social interaction with other horses, and keeping a consistent feed, turnout and exercise schedule, even at competitions. Limit the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as bute (phenylbutazone) and Banamine® (flunixin meglumine), as these can add to gastric irritation.

Questions to Ask Your Veterinarian

  • How long can my horse safely stay on GastroGard® or UlcerGard?
  • Should my horse have some “down time” each year or can I compete year-round?
  • What can I give my horse for pain besides NSAIDS?

SmartPak strongly encourages you to consult your veterinarian regarding specific questions about your horse's health. This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, and is purely educational.