subject: Stomach Ulcers: One Of The Common Health Problems In Horses [print this page] Stomach Ulcers: One Of The Common Health Problems In Horses
Stomach ulcers are a very common problem for horse health and an increase in awareness has resulted in more and more horses gaining from the veterinary care of stomach ulcers.
The symptoms of stomach ulcers comprise: decreased appetite, dull coat, dark faces, bad performance, behavioral issues and general poor horse health.
Endoscopic examination of the stomach is used in the diagnosis of stomach ulcers. Blood tests can be indicative but not definitive. It's often cheaper to treat than diagnose abdomen ulcers.
So, why do stomach ulcers occur and how could we deal with them?
What causes stomach ulcers?
Stomach ulcers are a very common horse health issue, they are present in over 50% of horses in work and some studies quote up to 95% of horses in work having stomach ulcers.
Horse health management factors that further the risk of stomach ulcers include:
-Stabling, horses in stables are much more liable to have stomach ulcers than horses in paddocks with grass to graze.
-Feeding hard feeds, particularly high grain feed.
-Being in work, particularly strenuous work.
-Horses that crib bite or wind suck. These horses typically don't eat well and so have very little gastric contents to neutralize stomach acid.
-The use of some NSAIDs, particularly Bute.
Thus how do we decrease the chances of a horse getting stomach ulcers?
-Grazing good grass could improve the health of the horse.
Provide the horse some lucerne hay approximately half an hour before work, this neutralizes the abdomen acidity.
-Veterinary medications have Omeprazole or Ranitidine from your vet could be useful in treatment and control of stomach ulcers.
-Some dietary supplements, such as Kohnke's Own Gastro-coat can help coat the stomach and reduce the chance of stomach ulcers development.
If you think stomach ulcers to be a drawback for your horse's health, talk to your vet, they will offer the most effective advice and treatment if essential.
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