gastric ulcer syndrome

Learn how to read and detect discomfort and pain caused by gastric, duodenal or other ulcers

A horse that kicks the wall of its stall is showing aggression toward its peers during meal distribution. A competitive athlete is increasingly reluctant to be saddled. A horse that lays its ears back, lashes its tail, and tries to bite you during grooming will try to bite even more during girthing. A large proportion of anxious, distressed mares, who are always wagging their tails, grind their teeth, and are often in a bad mood.

As an owner or rider, you've all noticed one or more of these symptoms. It currently appears that 80% of horses may have ulcers of varying severity. Unfortunately, these symptoms are often, or were, attributed to behavioral problems. Is it really bad behavior, or is it a sign of discomfort and pain? Luckily, this has been a topic of discussion for several years. This will make it easier to act quickly and, above all, to try to prevent them as much as possible.

The horse's stomach has two regions. A non-glandular portion (squamous mucosa) comprising the upper third and a lower glandular portion. The non-glandular squamous region lacks the thick, protective layer of mucus and bicarbonate (a pH buffer) that the glandular region does. It is therefore vulnerable to ulceration by gastric acid.

In fact, Dr. Frank Andrews, DVM, Equine Committee Professor and Director of the Equine Health Studies Program at Louisiana State University's School of Veterinary Medicine in Baton Rouge, compares squamous mucosal ulcers in horses to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in humans. This stomach acid damages the lining of the esophagus.

"When the horse has an empty stomach or acid in the stomach due to stress or lack of food, this acid will splash onto the non-glandular mucosa, especially during exercise. Thus, the hydrochloric acid produced by the cells of the glandular mucosa could damage it. Do we still need to remind you that the horse is supposed to eat for about 18 hours a day?

Even though the glandular region of the stomach benefits from protective mechanisms such as prostaglandins that maintain mucus and blood flow, it is not immune to ulcer problems, Andrews explains. "The glandular lining is less susceptible to acid damage, but it is susceptible to stress, dehydration, and dietary problems," he says. These dietary problems include high-sugar diets, Andrews explains, such as large amounts of sugary foods, which, when fermented by the stomach's natural bacterial flora (microbiota), create short-chain fatty acids that can eat away at the gastric lining. Other factors can also contribute to glandular ulcers or impair the intestinal barrier, which is so important for good health and function. But that's a topic for another article.

Some other possible signs

Look at his abdomen behind the shoulder on both sides of the body – ruffled hair where the horse repeatedly tries to bite himself – tail flapping or snapping – lip licking, tongue extension and chewing motion when not eating – reluctance to perform – grumpy – weight loss or poor body condition – mild colic episodes – intermittent feeding – teeth grinding – lack of energy – drinking less – stretching as if going to urinate – lying down more than usual or simply:

“Just not being or acting like a happy horse.”

How to arrive at a diagnosis

The only way to arrive at a diagnosis is the gastroscopy performed by the veterinarian. This will allow the detection of esophageal and gastric ulcers. .As with humans, it seems that the tendency is to attempt treatment often before this examination in order to relieve discomfort and pain as quickly as possible. So why not try giving your horse Internal Green Clay (orally) for a few days? Simply add it to his ration of vitamins and minerals or others. For several years now, green clay has proven its worth. It will help heal ulcers located anywhere in the entire digestive system by performing a gastric dressing.

Generally after 2 to 3 days, an improvement is visible. The duration of the distribution will vary depending on the severity of the lesions, how long has the horse been suffering from them? Of course, the causes will have to be eliminated or at least improved. Because the ulcers only heal and not heal. If the causes are again present (stress, anxiety, lack of fodder) the ulcers will return. In this case, taking internal clay more regularly may be recommended. Note: in the case where the horse is taking medication, it is advisable to leave an interval of 2 to 4 hours between the medication and the clay intake since it naturally seeks to minimize everything that is not natural in the body. Of course, it is still not powerful enough to remove the effect of the medication and if you have ever done it, there is no danger. Green clay has only positive side effects!

If behavioral problems persist or even disappear, depending on the situation, you may then decide to contact your veterinarian for a gastroscopy. And as I always say, if you contact your veterinarian as soon as you have any doubts, they will provide you with all the necessary information and treatment.

Internal green clay is a good alternative while waiting for a veterinarian visit, whether you have the means to bring one or are available. During this time, the horse will stop suffering and feel a well-deserved and appreciated sense of well-being. The green clay will do him good in any case. 100% natural and beneficial.

To prevent ulcers from recurring, you'll need to address your environment, diet, and lifestyle. Preventing ulcers with internal clay during competitions, travel, or moving, for example, can also be a very good solution. And stop giving them after the competition season and return to seasonal treatments only.

Environment

Some good management habits can help prevent gastric ulcers and the negative behaviors that accompany them.

Rough feed – possibly in a net – constantly (or almost constantly) is the best protection against ulcers. When horses are without hay, they start to root around, chew on wood, and lick walls.

The best option will always be to have access to a herd life in a HARMONIOUS group (this is also important) in the meadow, paddock, or pasture. The horse is a gregarious being. It needs contact to keep its mind and emotions healthy. This practice greatly minimizes stress, promotes respect, hierarchy, and education.

On the road – Travel

Traveling, racing, and life on the road present their own unique challenges. It's often recommended to take a proactive approach to maintaining stomach health during the stress of travel.

Bring hay from home to avoid a drastic change in fodder (beware of colic among other things).

Possibly feed with alfalfa, which increases the pH of the stomach and neutralizes gastric acid, providing buffering effects or even internal green clay since it also regulates the pH.

Get your horse used to flavored water (Jell-O, Gaterade, electrolytes) at home. Find a flavor he prefers and offer him a bucket of fresh water and a bucket of flavored water. This will encourage him to gravitate toward the familiar taste of flavored water and drink more while on the trail. This will help him maintain hydration and reduce stress.

REMINDER: A syringe of electrolyte paste in the trailer's First Aid Kit is always a good idea.

Ulcer prevention is a SET of measures

Ulcers aren't just a nutritional problem, but also a problem of environment, housing, and lifestyle. All types of stressors seem to contribute to ulcers. The discomfort and pain of ulcers are stressful! A whole spiral of the snake biting its own tail!

Some horses are simply predisposed to ulcers. With careful observation, proper diet management, and minimal stress, everyone will be happy. Horses and their humans.

This English video by Dr. Mark DePaolo demonstrates how to test some pain points related to ulcers.

Here is the link: How do I know if my horse has ulcers?