What Causes Gastric Ulcers in Horses

Diet and Feeding Schedule

The diet and feeding schedule of horses play a crucial role in the development of gastric ulcers. Horses are naturally designed to graze continuously throughout the day, consuming small amounts of forage at regular intervals. This grazing behavior helps maintain a steady production of saliva, which acts as a natural buffer against stomach acid. When horses are fed infrequently or given high-concentrate, low-forage diets, their stomachs are left empty for extended periods. This lack of food allows stomach acid to accumulate and irritate the stomach lining, potentially leading to ulceration.

In modern horse management practices, many horses are kept in stables and fed large meals twice a day rather than being allowed to graze freely. This shift from continuous grazing to intermittent feeding disrupts the natural balance of the equine digestive system. High-concentrate feeds, such as grains, can also exacerbate the problem. These feeds are rapidly digested, causing a spike in stomach acid production without providing the buffering effects of fibrous forage. Over time, this imbalance can lead to chronic irritation of the stomach lining, increasing the risk of gastric ulcers.

To mitigate the risk of gastric ulcers caused by diet and feeding practices, horse owners should aim to mimic the horse's natural grazing habits as closely as possible. Providing free-choice access to high-quality forage, such as hay or pasture, ensures that the horse’s stomach is never completely empty. Additionally, spreading out concentrate feeds into smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce the likelihood of excessive stomach acid buildup. Supplementing with alfalfa hay, which has been shown to have buffering properties, may also be beneficial in managing stomach acid levels.

Practical Tips for Managing Diet and Feeding

Here are some actionable steps to optimize your horse's diet and feeding schedule:

1. Provide Continuous Access to Forage: Ensure your horse has access to hay or pasture at all times. This mimics their natural grazing behavior and helps neutralize stomach acid through consistent saliva production.

2. Limit Concentrate Feeds: Reduce the amount of grain and other high-concentrate feeds in your horse's diet. If concentrates are necessary, divide them into multiple small meals throughout the day.

3. Consider Alfalfa Hay: Incorporate alfalfa hay into your horse's diet, as it contains higher levels of calcium and protein, which can help buffer stomach acid.

4. Monitor Body Condition: Regularly assess your horse's body condition to ensure they are not becoming overweight due to increased forage intake. Adjust the diet accordingly to maintain a healthy weight.

5. Consult a Veterinarian or Nutritionist: Work with a professional to tailor a feeding plan specific to your horse's needs, taking into account factors such as age, activity level, and overall health.

By carefully managing your horse's diet and feeding schedule, you can significantly reduce the risk of gastric ulcers while promoting overall digestive health.

Effects of NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like phenylbutazone, commonly referred to as "bute," are frequently used in equine medicine to manage pain and inflammation. While these medications are effective for treating conditions such as arthritis and injuries, their prolonged use can contribute to the development of gastric ulcers. NSAIDs work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals involved in inflammatory responses. However, prostaglandins also play a critical role in protecting the stomach lining by stimulating mucus and bicarbonate secretion. When NSAID use suppresses prostaglandin production, the protective barrier of the stomach lining weakens, leaving it vulnerable to damage from stomach acid.

Horses receiving long-term NSAID therapy are particularly susceptible to gastric ulcers. The severity of the condition often depends on the dosage and duration of treatment. Even short-term use of NSAIDs can cause mild irritation, but when administered over an extended period, the risk of ulceration increases significantly. It is important to note that not all horses will develop ulcers as a result of NSAID use; individual susceptibility varies based on factors such as genetics, stress levels, and concurrent health issues.

To minimize the risk of NSAID-induced gastric ulcers, veterinarians often recommend strategies to protect the stomach lining during treatment. These may include administering medications that increase mucus production or decrease stomach acid levels, such as omeprazole. Additionally, reducing the dosage and frequency of NSAID administration whenever possible can help lower the likelihood of adverse effects.

Minimizing the Risks of NSAID Use

Here is a checklist to safely manage NSAID use in horses:

1. Use NSAIDs Only When Necessary: Avoid using NSAIDs unless prescribed by a veterinarian. Always follow the recommended dosage and duration guidelines.

2. Administer Protective Medications: Consider giving your horse medications like omeprazole alongside NSAIDs to protect the stomach lining. Consult your veterinarian for appropriate dosages.

3. Monitor for Signs of Ulceration: Keep an eye out for symptoms such as colic, decreased appetite, weight loss, or changes in behavior, which could indicate the presence of gastric ulcers.

4. Regular Veterinary Checkups: Schedule routine checkups with your veterinarian to monitor your horse's digestive health, especially if they are on long-term NSAID therapy.

5. Explore Alternative Treatments: Investigate alternative therapies for managing pain and inflammation, such as physical therapy, acupuncture, or herbal supplements, under veterinary supervision.

By taking these precautions, you can help safeguard your horse's stomach health while still benefiting from the therapeutic effects of NSAIDs when needed.

Stress from Training and Competition

Stress is a significant contributing factor to the development of gastric ulcers in horses, particularly those involved in training and competition. Horses are naturally sensitive animals, and the demands of athletic performance can place considerable psychological strain on them. Intense training regimens, high-pressure competition environments, and unfamiliar surroundings can all elevate stress levels, triggering physiological responses that predispose horses to gastric ulcers.

When a horse experiences stress, its body releases hormones such as cortisol, which can alter normal digestive processes. Elevated cortisol levels may reduce blood flow to the stomach, impairing the production of protective mucus and making the stomach lining more susceptible to damage from stomach acid. Furthermore, stressed horses often exhibit behaviors such as reduced feed intake or increased vocalization, both of which can further exacerbate the problem by allowing stomach acid to remain in contact with the stomach lining for longer periods.

Managing stress effectively is essential for preventing gastric ulcers in performance horses. Owners and trainers must strike a balance between challenging their horses physically and mentally while ensuring they remain calm and comfortable. Implementing stress-reducing techniques, such as providing adequate rest periods, maintaining familiar routines, and fostering positive human-horse interactions, can go a long way in mitigating the negative effects of stress.

Strategies for Reducing Stress

Follow this detailed checklist to minimize stress-related risks for gastric ulcers:

1. Establish a Consistent Routine: Stick to a predictable daily schedule for feeding, exercise, and turnout. Predictability provides comfort and reduces anxiety in horses.

2. Gradual Training Progression: Increase the intensity of workouts gradually, allowing your horse to adapt to new challenges without becoming overwhelmed.

3. Provide Adequate Rest: Ensure your horse has sufficient downtime between training sessions and competitions to recover both physically and mentally.

4. Create a Comfortable Environment: Make sure your horse’s living space is clean, quiet, and well-ventilated. Provide plenty of opportunities for social interaction with other horses.

5. Use Calming Techniques: Experiment with calming aids such as music, aromatherapy, or relaxation exercises to help soothe nervous horses.

6. Monitor Behavior Changes: Pay close attention to any signs of stress, such as tail swishing, pawing, or reluctance to eat, and address these promptly.

By addressing the sources of stress in your horse's life, you can create a healthier environment that supports optimal digestive health.

Environmental Changes

Changes in a horse's environment can also contribute to the development of gastric ulcers. Whether moving to a new stable, adjusting to different weather conditions, or adapting to altered management practices, environmental transitions can introduce significant stressors into a horse's life. These stressors may disrupt the delicate balance of the equine digestive system, increasing the likelihood of ulcer formation.

For example, relocating a horse to a new barn can be unsettling, as it involves adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings, new herd dynamics, and altered feeding schedules. Similarly, seasonal changes can impact a horse's access to fresh pasture, forcing them to rely more heavily on stored forage, which may not provide the same buffering benefits. Even seemingly minor adjustments, such as switching bedding materials or altering grooming routines, can induce stress in some horses.

To ease the transition during environmental changes, it is important to implement strategies that promote stability and familiarity. Gradually introducing new elements into the horse's environment and maintaining consistent aspects of their care can help minimize stress. Additionally, providing extra support during times of change, such as offering additional turnout or spending more time with the horse, can foster a sense of security and reduce the risk of gastric ulcers.

Managing Environmental Transitions

Use this checklist to navigate environmental changes smoothly:

1. Prepare in Advance: Plan ahead for any upcoming changes, whether it's a move, a season shift, or a management adjustment. Anticipating potential challenges allows you to prepare solutions.

2. Introduce Changes Gradually: Ease your horse into new situations by making incremental adjustments rather than sudden alterations. For instance, if changing stables, visit the new location beforehand so the horse becomes accustomed to the setting.

3. Maintain Core Routines: Preserve key elements of your horse's daily routine, such as feeding times and turnout schedules, to provide consistency amidst change.

4. Monitor Health Closely: Keep a close watch on your horse's behavior and physical condition during periods of environmental change. Report any concerns to your veterinarian immediately.

5. Offer Extra Comfort Measures: During stressful transitions, consider adding comfort measures like extra blankets, soothing music, or favorite toys to make the horse feel more at ease.

By carefully managing environmental transitions, you can help your horse adjust successfully while safeguarding their digestive health.

Impact of Transport and Isolation

Transportation and isolation are two common scenarios that can significantly increase the risk of gastric ulcers in horses. Traveling long distances in trailers or trucks exposes horses to confined spaces, restricted movement, and unfamiliar noises, all of which can elevate stress levels. Similarly, isolating a horse from its herd mates, either for quarantine purposes or due to injury, can lead to loneliness and anxiety, further compromising their digestive health.

During transport, horses often experience reduced access to food and water, combined with prolonged periods of standing upright. These conditions allow stomach acid to pool in the stomach, irritating the lining and potentially leading to ulceration. Isolated horses, on the other hand, may suffer from boredom and social deprivation, manifesting in behaviors such as cribbing or weaving, which can also contribute to digestive distress.

Minimizing the negative impacts of transport and isolation requires thoughtful planning and proactive management. Ensuring that horses are well-prepared for travel, both physically and mentally, and providing companionship or enrichment activities during isolation can help alleviate stress and protect against gastric ulcers.

Reducing Risks During Transport and Isolation

Follow these steps to minimize the risks associated with transport and isolation:

1. Prepare for Travel: Before embarking on a journey, ensure your horse is fit and healthy. Provide them with ample opportunity to eat and drink before loading, and offer water stops along the way.

2. Optimize Trailer Conditions: Equip your trailer with comfortable bedding, secure partitions, and proper ventilation to enhance your horse's comfort during transit.

3. Keep Isolated Horses Engaged: Supply isolated horses with toys, mirrors, or puzzle feeders to keep them entertained and engaged. If possible, arrange for visual contact with other horses.

4. Monitor Behavior Closely: Keep a vigilant eye on your horse’s behavior during and after transport or isolation. Address any signs of discomfort or distress promptly.

5. Seek Professional Guidance: Consult with your veterinarian about preventive measures, such as administering omeprazole prior to travel or isolation, to protect your horse’s stomach lining.

By addressing the unique challenges posed by transport and isolation, you can help ensure your horse remains healthy and happy, regardless of the circumstances.

Inconsistent Water Access

Access to clean, fresh water is vital for maintaining a horse's overall health, including the prevention of gastric ulcers. Dehydration can lead to concentrated stomach acid, which is more likely to irritate the stomach lining. Inconsistent water availability, whether due to frozen water sources in winter or poorly maintained water troughs, forces horses to go without hydration for extended periods. This lack of water not only affects their ability to produce saliva, an essential buffer against stomach acid, but also impairs digestion and nutrient absorption.

Ensuring that horses have constant access to water is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent gastric ulcers. Owners should regularly check water sources for cleanliness and temperature, especially during extreme weather conditions. Installing heated water buckets or automatic waterers can help prevent freezing in cold climates, while shading water tanks can keep water cool in hot weather.

Maintaining Water Accessibility

Adopt these practices to guarantee consistent water access:

1. Inspect Water Sources Daily: Routinely examine water buckets, troughs, and automatic waterers to ensure they are functioning properly and free of contaminants.

2. Prevent Freezing in Winter: Use heated water systems or break ice regularly to ensure water remains accessible during colder months.

3. Promote Hydration: Encourage horses to drink by flavoring water with apple juice or electrolytes, especially after exercise or during stressful events.

4. Educate Caregivers: Train all individuals responsible for horse care to prioritize water maintenance and report any issues promptly.

5. Plan for Emergencies: Develop contingency plans for power outages or equipment failures that could disrupt water supply.

By prioritizing water access, you can help protect your horse from dehydration-related complications, including gastric ulcers.

Prolonged Fasting

Finally, prolonged fasting represents another critical factor in the development of gastric ulcers in horses. Unlike humans, who produce stomach acid primarily in response to eating, horses generate stomach acid continuously, regardless of whether they are consuming food. When a horse goes without eating for extended periods, this acid accumulates in the stomach, eroding the lining and causing irritation. Prolonged fasting can occur unintentionally, such as when a horse refuses to eat due to illness or stress, or intentionally, such as during medical procedures requiring fasting.

To avoid the detrimental effects of prolonged fasting, it is essential to establish feeding practices that keep the stomach occupied with food at all times. Offering small, frequent meals or providing free-choice access to forage ensures that the stomach lining remains protected from excessive acid exposure. In cases where fasting is unavoidable, such as prior to surgery, administering medications like omeprazole can help shield the stomach lining from damage.

Preventing Prolonged Fasting

Implement these strategies to prevent prolonged fasting:

1. Encourage Regular Eating: Monitor your horse’s appetite closely and address any refusal to eat swiftly by consulting a veterinarian.

2. Plan Feeding Around Events: Schedule feeding times strategically around events that require fasting, such as veterinary exams or dental work.

3. Utilize Protective Medications: Administer medications like omeprazole as directed by your veterinarian to protect the stomach lining during fasting periods.

4. Maintain Healthy Digestive Function: Support overall digestive health through balanced nutrition and probiotic supplementation to encourage consistent eating habits.

5. Stay Informed: Educate yourself about the signs of gastric ulcers and seek professional advice if you suspect your horse may be affected.

By taking proactive steps to prevent prolonged fasting, you can significantly reduce the risk of gastric ulcers in your horse.