Am I making this up? Lip curling?

[doodle]

I am not sure if I am remembering wrong but is there a link between horses curling their top lip and ulcers?

 

[Cortez]

The flehmen response can be a sign of discomfort, so yes I suppose it could be linked to ulcers.

 

[atropa]

Haven't heard it as a sign of ulcers but my WB does it when she has a sore/gassy/colicky stomach as a sign of pain, always makes my heart sink when I see her do it

 

[J&S]

Yes, a sign of colic.

 

[Cortez]

Colic = pain in abdomen, so yes.

 

[doodle]

Specifically meaning ulcers not colic in general. And it’s not about my horse.

 

[AdorableAlice]

Just been there - twice in 10 days, gas colic, 2 trips to hospital and lucky to have her home.

The lip curl was the first pointer on both occasions.

 

[HobleytheTB]

I think any unusual mouth behaviour can be attributed to stomach pain. Mine did an odd chewing/ mouthing thing over the stable door prior to ulcers being found.

 

[palo1]

Or a response to a new taste or smell of course...

 

[terrierliz]

One of mine does it to say thank you for a treat....