Biting and sore tummies

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brumbybob

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We have a lovely big hunter - does everything - dressage, Sj, XC - aged 16 or maybe abit more. He came 5yrs ago poor and narky over food and being girthed. Subsequently, we found out he had a large worm burden (treated0, he had endless colics one summer (treated with gastroguard) and suffers from "grumbly tum" at this time of year. gastric ulcers were suspected. He wasn;t scoped - wasn;t up to travelling at the time. So...we regiment his grazing, diet, supplements (Pink Powder and Ulcer Calm) blah blah, but it;s "that time of year" again, and he's now striking out at us with his teeth when girthing him - and aggressive and bit me hard on Saturday in the hand. This isn;t every day - just some days. vet today, tum noisy but nothing more. Thoughts anyone? he is a lovely horse but like Jekyll and Hyde. We even shelled out on a new Fairfax girth for him.
 
Id get him scoped , it sounds as tho ulcers either havent cleared up ( when you were on the GastroGuard) or they have reoccurred . Grass , hay , fiber feed ( I'd cut out any mixes ) pink powder and loads of turn out. Once thats sorted then he may appreciate the girth ! LOL !
 
I've wondered the same re scoping. Will talk to vet about it. He is out 24/7 with my other horse. Re feed - is sugar beet OK? I've been reading how some sugars aren't grt for ulcers. Wonder whether to look at Speedibeet or Fibrebeet. I am very wary of changing anything tho. I am thinking there could well be a link tho to stress (travelling/competing/training away) and his sore tum. I actually do find it a highly stressful situation to manage.
 
Oh yes , if it is ulcers then any stress ( feed times , riding , travel etc ) will get the acids starting up and then you get the grump etc . Sugars , again , cut out. I would take the horse back to basics , feed wise . Turn out , hay , chop/chaff low or no sugar , then slowly start adding a feed and see if something triggers it. Ive had 2 with ulcers ( x racehorses) and once you know what triggers it then its easy to handle. But the main thing is speak to your vet re ulcers and poss scoping.
 
If you type in on net ULCERS IN HORSES,on that page there is a video equine ulcer diagnosis by MARK DEPAOLO, sorry I am not sure how to do link, I think you will find it very interesting,some ulcers are beyond the reach of a scope . Hope this helps .
 
I'd go down a proper diagnostic route for ulcers, then if its confirmed, put in place a regimented diet and treatment plan. Sounds suspiciously like ulcers to me.
 
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