Equine gastric ulcers are a common ailment in horses, affecting up to 90% of performance horses. However, even if a horse is treated for ulcers and the ulcer is resolved, some horses continue to display symptoms associated with ulcers, such as poor appetite, weight loss, and poor condition. This is known as “post-ulcer syndrome.” In this blog post, we will discuss post-ulcer care and prevention, as well as the reasons why some horses continue to exhibit ulcer symptoms even after treatment.
Prevention and Care The best way to deal with ulcers is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Horses are natural grazers and have evolved to graze for extended periods. Therefore, keeping a horse’s stomach full is important to maintaining its health. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals, and providing access to forage at all times can help prevent ulcers.
If a horse has been diagnosed with ulcers, treatment typically involves medications that decrease acid production in the stomach. But once the ulcers are healed, the focus should shift to preventing future ulcers and managing post-ulcer syndrome.
Post-ulcer Syndrome Post-ulcer syndrome can occur when a horse has been treated for ulcers, but continues to show symptoms associated with ulcers. These symptoms can include loss of appetite, weight loss, and poor condition.
One reason for post-ulcer syndrome is that the healing of the ulcer can leave scar tissue, which can be sensitive to acid production and create the same symptoms as ulcers. Another reason may be due to a change in the microbial population in the gut, as prolonged acid exposure can disrupt the microbiome.
In addition, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can contribute to post-ulcer syndrome. NSAIDs can cause gastric ulcers and increase the risk of ulcers developing or returning, even after treatment.
The touch points to check if your horse still reacts to ulcer pain are the following:
Girth area:
Horses with ulcers may become sensitive in the girth area when a saddle is placed on their back, as the pressure can aggravate the ulcers.
Flanks:
Horses with ulcers may also become sensitive to pressure on their flanks, which can cause discomfort.
Back:
Some horses may develop back pain as a result of ulcers, so it’s important to check for signs of discomfort when grooming or tacking up.
Attitude:
Horses with ulcers may also exhibit changes in behavior, such as becoming irritable or reluctant to work, which can be an indication of discomfort or pain.
Eating habits:
Horses with ulcers may have a decreased appetite or reluctance to eat, especially if the ulcers are in the stomach. Keep an eye on your horse’s eating habits to make sure they are maintaining a healthy appetite.
It’s important to note that these touch points may not necessarily indicate ulcers, as they can also be caused by other conditions. It’s always best to consult with your veterinarian if you suspect your horse may be experiencing pain or discomfort.
As a horse owner, I was devastated when my gelding Sibel was diagnosed with gastric ulcers. Despite following the treatment protocol and modifying his diet, Sibel continued to show symptoms such as poor appetite, weight loss, and a sour attitude. It wasn’t until we started addressing post-ulcer syndrome that we began to see real progress.
Initially, Sibel was very sensitive and reactive to touch, particularly in his flank and girth area. We worked with a massage therapist who taught us techniques to release tension in these areas, as well as exercises to help Sibel stretch and build strength. Over time, we noticed that he was much more relaxed and willing to engage in work.
We also implemented a strict riding plan, gradually increasing the length and intensity of our rides. We made sure to incorporate plenty of breaks, allowing Sibel to stretch and rest. By following this plan, we were able to build up his fitness and stamina while minimizing stress on his digestive system.
It wasn’t an easy road, but with patience and perseverance, Sibel made a full recovery. He’s now happy, healthy, and back to his old self. If you’re dealing with post-ulcer syndrome in your horse, don’t give up hope. With the right treatment plan and plenty of love and care, your horse can overcome this condition and return to optimal health.
Thera are exercises that can help horses release tension and promote overall well-being, which can aid in post-ulcer syndrome recovery. Here are some exercises you can try with your horse:
Groundwork:
Groundwork exercises such as lunging, long lining, and round penning can help your horse release tension and anxiety.
One approach is to focus on exercises that promote relaxation and stress relief, such as walking, trotting, and lunging in a calm and controlled manner. Ground poles can also be used to encourage your horse to stretch and relax their back muscles. Additionally, exercises that encourage your horse to engage their hind end and lift their back, such as backing up or working over cavaletti poles, can help to strengthen their core muscles and reduce tension.
Stretching:
Stretching exercises can help your horse loosen up tight muscles and improve overall flexibility. You can do simple stretches with your horse, such as carrot stretches or leg stretches.
Massage:
Massaging your horse can help release muscle tension and promote relaxation. There are several types of massages you can try, such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and trigger point therapy.
By targeting specific points on the horse’s body, massage can help to release tension and promote relaxation.
One key area to focus on is the horse’s neck. The muscles in the neck can become tight and painful as a result of post-ulcer syndrome. Gently massaging these muscles, starting at the base of the neck and working your way up towards the ears, can help to relieve tension and discomfort.
Another important area to address is the horse’s back. Post-ulcer syndrome can cause the horse to carry tension in the muscles of the back, leading to stiffness and soreness. Massaging the back muscles, using long, sweeping strokes from the withers to the croup, can help to release this tension and promote relaxation.
It’s important to work with a qualified equine massage therapist when addressing post-ulcer syndrome in horses. A knowledgeable therapist can help to identify specific areas of tension and discomfort and develop a treatment plan tailored to your horse’s individual needs.
Riding:
Gentle riding can help your horse maintain his fitness and keep him mentally stimulated. You should always start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of the rides.
When designing a riding plan for a horse recovering from ulcers, it’s important to keep in mind that the horse’s physical and mental well-being should be the top priority. Here are some guidelines to consider:
Start slowly:
When reintroducing a horse to work after an ulcer episode, it’s important to start slowly and gradually increase the workload. This will allow the horse’s body to adjust to the increased demands and minimize the risk of re-injuring the digestive system.
Focus on relaxation:
Riding should be a calming experience for the horse, especially for one recovering from ulcers. Incorporate relaxation exercises like stretching and deep breathing to help the horse unwind and release tension.
Avoid stressful situations:
Stress can exacerbate ulcer symptoms, so it’s important to avoid situations that might cause anxiety or fear for the horse. This could include crowded arenas or trails, intense training sessions, or jumping.
Incorporate frequent breaks:
Taking frequent breaks during rides will give the horse a chance to rest and digest food, which can help prevent the development of new ulcers. This is especially important for horses with a history of ulcers.
Pay attention to diet:
Feeding a post-ulcer horse a healthy diet is crucial to aid in their recovery. Make sure to provide frequent small meals throughout the day instead of large meals to prevent the stomach from becoming too empty, which can irritate the ulcerated area. Additionally, consider adding supplements or medications prescribed by the veterinarian to support gut health.
Monitor for signs of discomfort:
Even after recovery, horses with a history of ulcers may be more prone to developing them in the future. It’s important to monitor for signs of discomfort, such as reluctance to work or changes in appetite, and consult with a veterinarian if any issues arise.
Remember, each horse’s recovery from ulcers will be unique, so it’s important to work with a veterinarian and tailor a riding plan to meet their individual needs.
Turnout:
Turnout is important for a horse’s overall health and well-being. Allowing your horse to have access to a pasture or a paddock where he can move around freely can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
One recommended book on equine ulcers and post-ulcer care is “Understanding Equine Ulcers: Your Guide to Horse Health Care and Management” by Vanessa Britton. This book provides a comprehensive guide to diagnosing, treating, and managing equine ulcers, including post-ulcer care and prevention. You can find the book on Amazon using this link: https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Equine-Ulcers-Health-Management/dp/1629147129.
Conclusion Prevention is the key to avoiding ulcers in horses. Careful management of a horse’s diet and access to forage can go a long way in preventing ulcers from occurring. If a horse is diagnosed with ulcers, treatment should focus on not only healing the ulcers but also preventing future ulcers and managing post-ulcer syndrome. By taking these steps, we can help keep our equine friends healthy and happy.