Although horses may look large and strong, they actually have rather delicate stomachs. In particular, they are prone to developing ulcers. Read on to learn more about what causes ulcers, symptoms, and cures for treatment.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Causes and Symptoms
Step 1. Avoid the factors that cause ulcers
Diet, exercise and lifestyle are all elements that affect the development of an ulcer in the horse. Its stomach is divided into two parts: the non-glandular part that immediately follows the esophagus, and the glandular part, which secretes enzymes such as pepsin and hydrochloric acid. The glandular part is covered with mucus and bicarbonates, which protect against the effects of hydrochloric acid or, in common terms, muriatic acid! (Imagine drinking muriatic acid). The ulcer in the non-glandular area of the stomach is the most common, because this area does not have the same protective coating as the glandular area. Causes of ulcers can be:
- Continuous administration of concentrates.
- Prolonged hunger and low frequency of feeding (only 3 times / day).
- Stress caused by prolonged and high intensity exercise, prolonged or frequent transport, too much time alone in the stable, depression, and not socializing with other horses.
- Continuous use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These drugs block the production of chemicals in the stomach that inhibit acid production.
- Hunger in foals caused by mothers who supply little or intermittently to the calf.
Step 2. Look for signs of gastric ulcers in foals
Foals can exhibit different symptoms than adult horses. Stomach ulcers are very common in foals who have not taken their mother's milk properly, and can actually lead to death. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your foal to a vet immediately. In particular, look for:
- Colic or extreme abdominal pain
- Teeth grinding or bruxism
- Excessive salivation
- Diarrhea
- Poor appetite
- Wasting or undernutrition conditions
- Attempt to lie on your back
Step 3. Look for symptoms of stomach ulcers in adult horses
Some of the symptoms exhibited by foals can also be seen in adult horses. Whenever you notice these signs, you should suspect a stomach ulcer and consult immediately or take the horse to a veterinarian. He can diagnose the disease permanently using an endoscope (a device that can see the inside of the horse's stomach), provide advice and appropriate treatment. Search for:
- Poor appetite
- Poor physical condition
- Weight loss
- Slight colic
- Mental numbness
- Behavioral changes
- Poor performance
- He lies on his back more than usual
Part 2 of 3: Rest and Hay Treatment
Step 1. Rest the horse for a week
This allows no acid reflux to reach the non-glandular part of the stomach. During exercise and training, the horse can suffer from acid reflux because exercise puts pressure on the stomach. Even the rapid movement he performs during training can cause him to reflux. The stomach contains cells that separate quickly. Resting the horse facilitates healing of the damaged stomach lining.
Step 2. Place the horse in a stable and make sure that its hay bin is always full
His stomach cyclically secretes acid. This means that acidity increases and decreases throughout the day; at some times it can have a pH of 5 or it can drop to a pH of 1. If the horse has hay all the time, the stomach will always be full. Always having hay allows the horse to chew more, thus creating more saliva, which protects against strong acids.
- Chewed hay remains in the stomach and forms a protective layer that prevents acid reflux into the non-glandular part of the stomach.
- Forages such as alfalfa, for example, contain many substances that act as antacids, such as calcium, magnesium sulfate, saponins, mucilage and proteins.
Step 3. Feed your horse before training
After a week's rest, you can start letting him resume exercising. Thirty minutes before exercise, feed him small amounts of alfalfa hay or 500 grams of alfalfa straw. This creates an alkaline layer that blocks acids in the upper non-glandular area of the stomach.
Part 3 of 3: Medication Treatment
Step 1. Administer a proton pump inhibitor to the horse
This drug completely blocks acid production, facilitating stomach healing. It is a more powerful treatment than others, and is generally given to the horse once a day.
Omeprazole and pantoprazole are both proton pump inhibitors. Omeprazole (dose of 0.7 mg per 1.4 mg / kg day) is the only drug approved by the Ministry of Health for the treatment of gastric ulcers in horses. It is commercially available as a paste and can be administered once a day, and during transport
Step 2. Administer the type 2 histamine receptor (H2) antagonist
This drug causes a partial obstruction of acid production in the stomach, so it can be given more often. In general, it should be given three to four times a day.
Cimetidine, ranitidine, and famotodine are variations of this drug. The dose of cimetidine ranges from 300 to 600 mg 3-4 times a day. Ranitidine is effective in foals and is given once a day
Step 3. Try giving your horse some protective coatings
These drugs provide a protective barrier on the stomach lining and aid in the healing process. There are two main types of cytoprotectives that can be prescribed: sucralfate and lecithin.
- Sucralfate: This drug binds to the lining of the stomach and can facilitate healing. Dose for foals: 1-2 grams 4 times a day, for horses: 2mg / kg 2 times a day.
- Lecithin: contains phospholipids and essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid (omega 6 and omega 3). Lecithin binds to the lipid layer of the stomach, providing an additional layer of protection against acids; omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids strengthen the cell membranes of the stomach lining.
Step 4. Try other substances that promote the growth of the protective coating
These include slippery elm powder, low protein whey powder, and psyllium husk. These substances can be administered as a mixture before feeding, or in addition to dry feed.
Step 5. Give him some antacids
You can give him sodium bicarbonate up to 200g per dose, to provide short-term relief, and neutralize stomach acid; it is usually given after whole grain rations.
Step 6. Provide your horse with probiotics
These are yoghurt products containing lactobacillus. If given daily, these supplements can help produce beneficial ulcer-fighting bacteria.
Prostaglandins can also fight bad bacteria. These drugs are recommended in horses that have developed ulcers caused by high doses of NSAIDs
Advice
- Feed your horse more often, or let it graze free.
- Add alfalfa to your horse's diet, it has a high calcium content which also prevents ulcers.
- Make sure new born foals have access to mare's milk.
